Frequently Asked Questions

There are two ways to get a quote from KUSLA. You can upload your 3D CAD files directly on our Request a Quote page, or email them to info@kusla-tech.com. We accept STEP, STP, IGES, X_T, STL, and 3MF formats.

We aim to provide a quotation with DFM (Design for Manufacturability) feedback within 24 business hours of receiving your request.

We accept STEP (.stp/.step), IGES (.igs/.iges), Parasolid (.x_t), SolidWorks (.sldprt), STL, and 3MF. STEP is preferred for CNC and injection molding projects because it preserves full geometric data. For 3D printing, STL or 3MF files are fine.

If you only have a 2D drawing (PDF or DXF), send it along — our engineers can work with it for sheet metal or simpler CNC parts.

Every project at KUSLA is assigned a dedicated technical sales manager and a lead project engineer. They guide your project from initial quoting through DFM review, production, inspection, and delivery. You will have a single point of contact throughout the process.

No. We accept orders starting from a single prototype. For CNC machining, 3D printing, sheet metal, and urethane casting there is no MOQ. Injection molding does require tooling investment, but production runs can start as low as 100 pieces.

KUSLA maintains strict confidentiality for all client files and data. We have handled hundreds of thousands of unique designs over 15 years and have never had a confidentiality breach. We are happy to sign a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) before you share any files — just ask your project manager.

We offer 3-axis milling, 4-axis milling, 5-axis simultaneous milling, CNC turning (lathe), and mill-turn operations. This covers everything from simple flat parts to complex freeform surfaces, impellers, and optical components.

Our standard CNC tolerance is ±0.05 mm. For tight-tolerance work, we routinely achieve ±0.02 mm. On precision applications — such as single-point diamond turning for optical parts — we can reach ±0.005 mm or better.

If your drawing specifies tolerances tighter than ±0.02 mm, we recommend discussing the features with our engineers during the DFM review to confirm feasibility.

Our largest 3-axis CNC milling machines can handle parts up to 1500 × 800 × 600 mm. For CNC turning, we can accommodate diameters up to 500 mm and lengths up to 1000 mm. If your part exceeds these dimensions, contact us — we may be able to split the operation across setups.

Simple CNC prototypes can ship in as fast as 3 business days. Typical lead times range from 3 to 8 business days depending on part complexity, quantity, material availability, and finishing requirements. Rush service is available on request.

We offer FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling), SLA (Stereolithography), SLS (Selective Laser Sintering), and metal 3D printing (SLM/DMLS). SLA is best for fine details and smooth surfaces, SLS for durable functional prototypes in nylon, and metal printing for complex geometries in stainless steel, titanium, or aluminum alloys.

3D printed parts can ship in as fast as 24 hours for FDM and SLA processes. SLS and metal printing typically take 3–5 business days. Post-processing (painting, dyeing, vapor smoothing) adds 1–2 days.

Typical tolerances are ±0.1 mm for SLA, ±0.2 mm for SLS, and ±0.3 mm for FDM. Metal 3D printing achieves ±0.1–0.2 mm depending on geometry. For critical dimensions, CNC post-machining can bring features to ±0.02 mm after printing.

KUSLA offers laser cutting, CNC bending/forming, welding (TIG, MIG, spot, tack), stamping, riveting, and hardware insertion (PEM fasteners). We handle prototypes through production runs — no minimum order.

We process sheet metal from 0.5 mm to 6 mm for most materials. For aluminum and mild steel, we can handle up to 10 mm thickness. Bending capabilities depend on the material and bend radius — our DFM review will confirm feasibility for your specific design.

Standard sheet metal tolerances are ±0.1 mm for cut features (laser cutting) and ±0.2–0.5 mm for bends, depending on material, thickness, and bend length. Tighter tolerances can be achieved with secondary machining operations after forming.

Prototype molds (aluminum or soft steel) typically take 2–3 weeks. Production molds in hardened steel (P20, H13, S136) take 3–5 weeks depending on complexity. After T1 samples are approved, production parts can ship within 5–10 business days per run.

Production runs can start as low as 100 pieces once the mold is built. For prototype molds, there is no minimum — you can order even a single shot to validate fit and function before committing to a larger run.

Yes. We support insert molding (metal inserts molded into plastic), overmolding (soft material over rigid substrate), and two-shot molding for multi-material parts. These processes are commonly used for ergonomic grips, sealed housings, and electrical connectors.

Urethane casting uses silicone molds to produce polyurethane parts that mimic injection-molded plastics. It is ideal when you need 10–100 pieces quickly (5–7 days) without investing in steel tooling. The trade-off is lower dimensional precision (±0.2 mm) and limited material options compared to true injection molding.

We regularly machine aluminum (6061, 7075, 5083, 2024), stainless steel (304, 316, 17-4PH), mild steel (1018, 4140, 4340), brass (C360), copper (C101, C110), titanium (Grade 2, Grade 5), and tool steel (D2, A2). Visit our Materials page for the full list.

For CNC machining: ABS, PC (polycarbonate), PMMA (acrylic), nylon (PA6, PA66), POM (Delrin), PEEK, PTFE, PEI (Ultem), HDPE, and PP. For injection molding, we can source virtually any thermoplastic resin including glass-filled and flame-retardant grades.

We offer anodizing (Type II and Type III / hard anodize), bead blasting, brushing, polishing (mirror finish), powder coating, painting, chromate conversion (Alodine), nickel plating, chrome plating, electroless nickel, black oxide, and passivation. Specify your finish requirement on your drawing or let our engineers recommend one based on your application.

Yes. We support Pantone and RAL color matching for painting, powder coating, and anodizing (dyed anodize). Provide your color code when placing the order, and we will produce a color sample for your approval before running the full batch.

Yes. KUSLA holds GB/T9001-2016/ISO 9001:2015 certification. All production and inspection procedures are governed by this standard. Our certificate is available on request. Learn more on our Quality Control page.

Yes, on request for any order. Our full dimensional inspection report covers all critical dimensions, thread specifications, GD&T callouts, surface finish (Ra) readings, and pass/fail status for every measured feature. Reports are produced by our QC engineers using CMM and optical inspection equipment.

Our inspection lab includes a Coordinate Measuring Machine (CMM) accurate to ±0.001 mm, a 2D optical detector for non-contact measurement, a full range of pin gauges and gauge blocks, an optical transmittance meter for clear/optical parts, and a handheld 3D laser scanner for freeform surface comparison against CAD.

Yes. Material mill certificates are available for most metallic materials including aluminum alloys, stainless steel, and titanium. For engineering plastics, we can provide data sheets and lot traceability documentation. Request this when placing your order.

We offer two shipping options: Ex Works (EXW), where you arrange pickup from our Suzhou facility, and Delivery At Place (DAP) via DHL Express air freight. Under DAP, you are responsible for import duties and customs fees. You can also use your own shipping account with DHL, FedEx, or UPS.

Air freight via DHL Express typically takes 3–5 business days to reach destinations in North America and Europe from our facility in Suzhou, China. Sea freight is available for larger shipments and takes approximately 20–30 days depending on destination.

Import duties vary by country and product classification. For US customers, prototypes intended solely for development, testing, or quality control may qualify for duty-free importation under Most-Favored-Nation rates (US HTS Number: 9817.85.01). Most countries use the international Harmonized System (HS) code framework to classify goods. We recommend consulting your customs broker for specific duty rates.

We accept bank wire transfer (accounts in Hong Kong and Shenzhen, China) and PayPal. For PayPal, we send you an invoice and you can pay using your PayPal balance or a credit card.

New customers pay in advance. After establishing a working relationship, we may offer Net 30 credit terms based on order volume and history. For injection molding tooling orders, a 50% deposit is standard regardless of credit status, with the balance due after T1 sample approval. We are open to discussing flexible terms on a case-by-case basis.