Frequently Asked Questions
What services does WeLink provide?
We provide rapid prototypes like 3D Printing SLA/SLS/SLM, CNC Machining, Vacuum Casting, Sheet Metal, Rapid Tooling, Tool(mold) Making, Plastic Injection Molding, Die Casting, Metal Stamping, Silicone/Rubber Parts.
Can WeLink make design drawings for me?
We do not provide product design services, but provide a Design for Manufacturing review upon receiving your order. If the project requests a mold or die or tool, we will make mold 3D/2D drawings design that provides to you.
What type of design files does WeLink accept for quoting?
In order to provide an accurate and timely quote, please send 3D CAD files in STEP, X_T or IGES formats. 2D drawings with reference dimensions should be in PDF format.
How long does a quotation take?
In most cases, we respond within 2-12 hours after receiving a RFQ, and your item will be quoted in 1-2 workdays. If the quote is delayed, we will notify you as soon as possible.
Can I use my own master model for vacuum casting or CNC machining or mold making?
Yes, master models can directly used to create silicone molds for vacuum casting only if the master model can take 100°C . Models used for CNC machining or mold making will be 3D scanned to create a CAD/CAM program for production.
How do I know my design will be kept confidential?
We of course will sign and adhere to any non-disclosure or confidentiality agreement. We also have a strict policy within our factory that no photographs are ever allowed of a customer’s product without express permission.
How does WeLink compare to other suppliers on price?
Although direct comparisons are difficult, WeLink’s prices will be typically 30-50% less for plastic injection mold tools, die casting, metal stamping and CNC machined / turned parts when compared to suppliers in North America and Europe.
As compared to Chinese suppliers, we still keep 5%-10% cheaper. Because WeLink aims to be the best choice for global mid-small company, we pursue market share via lower profits but faster turnover.
Are lead times in working days or calendar days?
Lead times are quoted in calendar days. As per our terms and conditions, quoted lead times start only after completion and confirmation of design for manufacturing review, or start confirmed from clients.
How quickly can I get my parts?
In most cases, 3D Printing parts done in 2-3 days, CNC machining takes 7-10 days, Vacuum Casting 5-7 days, sheet metal 7-12 days, rapid tooling 3-7 days, rapid molding 1-3 days.
As for shipping, prototypes via air freight take 3-5 days from China to Europe or North America.
What’s the lead time of mold making?
Plastic injection tooling 25-45 days, die making 25-45 days, metal stamping die 25-40 days.
What tolerances can WeLink achieve?
There is no given tolerance range for all processes and materials. In each case, your own final tolerance will depend on many factors, including but not limited to:
- Part size
- Design geometry
- Manufacturing process
- Material(s)
- The number, type and size of features
- Surface finish
After confirming your order, we will review your design and provide a design for manufacturing review, pointing out any areas where we may not be able to achieve your desired tolerances. It would be helpful if you could specify which areas in the design must meet critical tolerances, and can be modified slightly if needed to reduce the associated time and cost. Here are some general tolerance guidelines:
- General tolerances for CNC machining in metal and plastic
- General tolerances for Plastic injection molding tolerances
- General tolerance for SLA 3D printing is +/- 0.05mm, SLS 3D printing is +/- 0.1mm, metal 3D printing is +/- 0.5mm
- Shrinkage rate of +/- 0.15% is to be expected for vacuum casting
All special tight tolerances or technical specifications must be clearly specified in the 2D drawings.
How does WeLink ensure the quality of my parts?
- Once your order is confirmed, we will perform a full Design for Manufacturing (DFM) review to point out any issues that our engineers feel may affect the quality of your parts.
- All incoming materials are inspected and verified with a suite of testing equipment.
- Final inspection reports before shipment.
- We have the ability to share inspection data with you in real-time so we can work together to address any quality issues you may have during production.
What type of surface finishes does WeLink provide?
We offer a wide variety of finishing services to achieve almost any look and feel on your parts. We offer treatments for metal, texturing for plastic injection mold tools, painting for metal and plastic, and many more.
Does WeLink insure delivered goods?
No, we do not insure deliveries. However, you are free to use your own insurance.
How much import duty will I need to pay for my goods?
There is no single answer to this question but a few rules apply. For customers in Australia, new CHAFTA regulations allow for a progressive roll-out of duty-free import into Australia. Import duties vary widely between countries, and are dependent on the type of good being imported. Most countries in the world conform to the international Harmonized System (HS) codes that categorize virtually all commercial trade goods.
What are WeLink’s shipping terms?
Our standard terms are Ex Works (EXW) for rapid prototyping and regular production orders. This means the customer is responsible for shipping, customs clearance and all other associated fees once the goods have left our premises.
For express shipments, we use Delivered Duty Unpaid (DDU), which means that the client is responsible for paying import duty when the goods arrive to your destination.
Does WeLink provide export molds?
Yes. All export molds in HASCO or DME standards will be sent to you by sea shipping, for small molds, clients can choose air express, but all the shipping cost and custom tax will be charged by clients.
What’s the ownership of non-export molds?
The ownership of no-export molds is Client. WeLink can not make any molding using the molds unless client accredits. But because of the non-export molds were made in much lower price than export molds, if client moves the molds to another manufacturer to make production ( molding), 40% extra of the mold price will be compensated. For example, if the mold price is 10,000 USD, then 4,000 USD has to be compensated before molds moved.
How long does WeLink keep the non-export molds?
WeLink provides 1 year FREE store and upkeep after client’s last production. The 2nd year is free stored and paid upkeep. From the 3rd year, we request client to move the mold away or scrap disposition.
What if I am not completely satisfied with the parts I receive?
We guarantee our materials and workmanship based on the terms of the initial order and the information provided by you. Any disputes based on a subjective determination shall be brought to the attention of management who will act in good faith to provide you with complete satisfaction. Our continuing business relies on earning your confidence in our ability to meet and exceed any reasonable expectations.
Can my company get credit with WeLink?
Rapid prototyping customers must pay in advance for the first three orders, after which we will consider giving 30 days credit. Except in very special cases, all tooling orders require a 50% deposit in advance. Typically the balance must be paid after T1 approval of samples.
How can I pay WeLink?
Star Rapid accepts payment in two ways:
- Bank to bank wire transferto our accounts in Hong Kong.
- WeLink can send you a PayPal invoice and you can use your PayPal account or credit card to pay.
What is WeLink’s Business Registration Number?
WeLink’s Hong Kong business registration number is HK 2824492.
Can’t find the answer you’re looking for? Send us an email at quote@welinkgro.com for an answer.