How To Import Custom Machined Parts From China For The 1st Time?

Published by Worthy Hardware at March 29, 2022

Table of Content

■ Process For Importing CNC Machined Parts!

■ Important Points Before Placing The Order!

Types Of Custom Machined Parts!

CNC, also known as Computer Numerical Control, is a machining process in which components of a machine's original shape are modified. This is done through material removal from an object

Generally, CNC machines are controlled by software programs that issue instructions. Most CNC machining services usually have customers in mind when building and designing machined parts.

CNC machining is used to create high-quality machine parts from any sheet metal and plastic.Please note: Any of these CNC machining materials varies depending on the design needs or requirements.

There are three main types of custom machined parts, they include:

1. Custom CNC Machined Metal Parts

You will need 3-axis and indexed 5-axis CNC machining centers to produce a CNC metal part. You will also need a fleet of high–performance tools and machines.

2. Custom CNC Machined Wood Parts

Custom machined wood material can be applied in various industries such as Energy, Nuclear, Aerospace, and Electronic Components. One advantage of custom machined wooden components is that they are primarily environmental-friendly.

3. Custom CNC Machined Plastic Parts

A 5 Axis machining and CNC routing are mainly used for custom machined plastic parts. In most cases, Custom machined plastics parts are fortified to obtain a strong and more durable product.

Light-weighted plastic parts because they are offer chemical resistance and insulation purposes.

Why China?

Over the years, China has remained a key player in both the engineering and manufacturing industry. Importing machining parts from China is a powerful way to double the profitability of your retail business. Here are a few reasons why Chinese CNC machining services have the edge over other countries:

1.Top Exporter of custom machined parts. It is a known fact that the Chinese are unarguably the number one exporters of any CNC machining parts in the industry. This is because machined parts ordered from China come in high-class quality, affordable price, excellent machining services, and shipping systems.

2. Cost-effective: Compared to other countries where CNC machining parts are manufactured, the Chinese offer the lowest and most affordable prices. And most Chinese products come in various styles and functions.

3. Ease of Shipping and Delivery Time: Although there could be some unexpected challenges such as strikes in port, custom checks, availability: However, shipping CNC machining parts from China takes lesser compared to other countries.

Machined parts purchased from China can be shipped to virtually any destination on earth, with low prices and within weeks of placing orders. The import/export policy in China is easy and less stringent. For people seeking to import CNC machining parts, sourcing from China is a significant help.

4. Superior quality. Quality is a rule of thumb for producing CNC machining parts in the engineering industry. China's rapid growth in development and industrialization has helped Chinese artisans keep up with industry standards.

5. Expert Manufacturers: Manufacturers in China have a track record of creating products in line with local and international best practices, safety standards, and unbeatable customer support.

Process For Importing CNC Machined Parts!

Importing from China doesn't have to be overwhelming. Even if it is your first, DIY guides can help you throughout the process. However, two things you note before you begin the process of importing are:

Determine the purpose of import. Are you importing for your company or someone else? Answering this question will help you following steps will guide you:
Be acquainted with your country's import/export policies: you must be sure that your country permits the CNC of machined parts from China. Are there limitations to the quantity that can be imported? What are the import taxes or levies attached? Also, what is the find out about your country's import procedures, duties, and relevant documentation

To import custom machined parts from China, here are the steps you should follow:

1. Sourcing a reliable CNC machining shop

Finding a reliable machine shop is one of the most critical steps. Generally, it is advisable to choose manufacturers over resellers. If you want to decide to buy from a manufacturer, make sure you go for a manufacturer that can be trusted. To be a safe side, avoid brokers and mediators when sourcing for a machining shop or manufacturer

A reliable CNC machining shop or company should possess the following characteristics:

Quality Control: A reliable CNC machine manufacturer should have quality control processes according to global quality standards. Their products should be thoroughly tested and inspected at each phase of production and in an authorized inspection lab
MOQ (Minimum Order Quantity): The CNC machining company you wish to work with must have the lowest minimum order quantity. Moreso, they must also possess the capability to handle volume production.
Ability to visit their physical facility: Besides online or telephonic conversation with their representative, a reliable company will grant you the privilege of visiting their manufacturing site for
Pricing: Pricing is one key feature when choosing a manufacturer. Your manufacturer should be able to offer low prices to you without compromising on the safety or quality of the product.
Before and After Sales services: A reputable machining company should offer before and after-sales services to its customers such as Warranty, Design assistance, logistics, and product customization. They should readily be at the service of their customers
Experience in the CNC machining industry: As a newbie, before you choose any company, ensure they have at least 10 years of experience doing business in the engineering and CNC machining industry
Type of materials they use: The machining company must use only the finest raw materials like steel alloys, aluminum, metal, and plastics, sourced from trusted suppliers for its production. They should be willing to support their customers make the right choices for their CNC machining custom parts
Tools used in the production: it is also essential to pay close attention to the tools used to produce your machined parts. Examples of tools used in the production of machined parts are Face mill, Drill bits, thread mill, and many others
Payment methods: Choose a company that offers a secure and reliable payment system for its customers.
Testimonials from other customers: Trusting a CNC machining company is easier when they have many positive reviews from satisfied customers online and across the globe.
Relevant local and international certifications: ensure that the machine company has all the required local and international qualifications for safety and quality. examples of such certifications are BV, ISO, SGS, etc

2. Send the drawings for quote

The fastest way to get quotations to customize your machined parts is to send technical samples or drawings and other requirements to the CNC machining manufacturer or supplier.

After you've found a reliable CNC machine company that you'd like to work with, the next step is to send them drawings for a quote. You can provide them with either 2D prints or 3D drawings. It's preferable if you can provide both.

When sending your drawings, ensure that the dimensions and geometries are exact. Make sure the texts are easy to read and give a unique name to all machine parts. You can also get samples of similar machine parts online.

Most times, one reason the actual price given differs from the drawing is because of tolerance. The higher tolerance, the more expensive the price becomes. Therefore, it is advisable to avoid high specification tolerances

3. Samples making stage

This stage involves the manufacturing company creating prototypes for your design. The rapid prototyping CNC machining enables the company to provide you with one piece or small batch of product before the custom manufacturing or production is made.The following tips will enable design CAD files for your rapid prototyping machining precisely and rapidly, and at a lesser price.

Choose reliable CAD software: Two factors should be considered when choosing software for your production or design. The first is the ease of use, and the other is the technical know-how. Civil 3D, AutoCAD, SolidWorks, and CATIA are the most frequently used CAD file
Have a Checklist to work with: Before you proceed with your design, you need a checklist to capture everything you want to see on your prototype. This will help reduce errors you might commit in the design process
Make your drawing simple: Ensure you don't complicate your drawing. The features of the materials should be portrayed with pictures, symbols, and figures.
Crosscheck for the quality of your prototyping: Once you're done designing, you will need to crosscheck your design with the design features to ascertain that there are no additions or omissions. If you find any, you can make adjustments where necessary before wrapping up your design.

4. Pay for mass production

To a great extent, the quality and cost of manufactured custom CNC machining parts rely on the speed and accuracy that these material components produce. Paying for volume production is one to reduce CNC machining costs and time. Because the longer

Most CNC machining manufacturers accept various payment methods, including:

Western Union
PayPal
T/T
Money Gram
L/C

5. Choose a suitable method for shipping

Now that your goods are ready to leave China, various shipment methods are available for you to explore. However, the most common shipment methods are usually air, courier, sea, train, and truck.

Air is one of the fastest and safest shipment methods.

Courier is suitable for parcels of smaller sizes. By sea, train and truck are suitable for larger goods. Your choice of shipment vary depending on the cost, location, size, or quantity

If your destination is Europe, it is advisable to use the train.

In recent times, most persons have found a way to combine two or more shipment methods. By sea first, then by courier to your destination. This method is both cheaper and faster.

6. Customs clearance for the parts

The customs clearance process is where your goods pass through the customs and other government agencies that oversee the compliance of shipments with other international trade laws. Normally you will need the invoice,packing list and shipping bills to make the custome clearance.

7. Quality checking

This is the stage where you conduct an overall inspection of products and the manufacturing process to ensure that they conform to industry standards. This stage of the manufacturing process is essential for both the CNC machining company and their customers to avoid problems due to the low quality after production is completed. Carrying out quality control is necessary for the CNC machining process. Quality control is needed to ascertain that the finished products meet the design specification and standards.

Good quality control can help you save time, money, warehouse space, and cost-effectiveness. To effectively carry out quality control on the CNC machining process and products, you will need to:

Have a basic understanding of the industry background
Understand the design specification of the product
Ensure high precision and accuracy on all equipment

Important Points Before Placing The Order!

Placing an order comes after you must have finalized every detail with your manufacturer. If it's your first-time importing machines from China before you think of placing an order, there are a few essential points you need to know:

1. Ensure a detailed contract with the CNC machine shop. Before placing that order, ensure you have crossed your T's and dotted every I's. Spell out every detail of the order, including payment terms, product details, delivery time, payment method, after-sales services, etc.

2. Ensure that your CNC machining service provider understands the information contained on file. There shouldn't be any form of communication barrier between both parties. It is advisable to stay within universal standards or best practices.

3. Protect your intellectual property: this is one aspect of the contract that shouldn't be overlooked. It is vital that you and your machine shop sign a Non-Disclosure Agreement. This will prevent both parties from disclosing any information without the other party's permission. If this agreement is signed, it is easier to detect the cause of a problem if things go wrong.

4. When placing orders, it is essential to consider the shipping time because most goods take a minimum of 3 – 10 days after an order is placed.

5. Find out whether your Chinese company accepts payment in other currencies, including USD. Although there might be some extra charges, however, you should discuss them with your machining shop and your financial institution before deciding on the conversation rate

Conclusion

The production and importation of machines from China come with loads of benefits. The above-given guide will help you find the proper CNC manufacturer whenever you want to import CNC parts and get the best machining service.

There's nothing to worry about when importing CNC machined parts from China. You can also seek some valuable advice from Worthyhardware. It is one of the top-notch CNC machining parts manufacturers in China.

Worthy Hardware is a CNC manufacturing and sheet metal fabrication company,including CNC machining services,CNC milling services, CNC turning services, laser cutting services and stamping services.Call us +86-76989919645 or email us [email protected] for more discounts for your projects.