--- id: silicraft/okf/process type: process-flow title: How a project runs — seven steps from drawing to pallet last_updated: 2026-09-21 canonical: https://silicraft.lumorb.com/ --- # How a project runs Seven steps, every project follows the same path. The variables — DFM input, tool design, cure profile, post-bake, inspection — are tuned per grade and per part. ## The seven steps ### 1. Inquiry and DFM review - Customer sends a STEP, IGES, PDF or hand sketch with critical dimensions. - We reply within **48 hours** with a DFM memo. - The memo flags undercuts, draft angles, shrinkage compensation, dimensions that will drive cost, and any compound or standard mismatch. ### 2. Material selection - We propose 1 to 3 candidate compounds within **one working day**. - Each candidate comes with a TDS, a regulatory map (FDA / LFGB / EU / USP / ISO), and a prior case study. - The choice is driven by working conditions (temperature, chemical exposure, mechanical load), not by what we have on the shelf. ### 3. Tool design and sampling - T1 sample production: **10 to 14 days**. - The tool is designed and cut in parallel with material selection; we hold the tool cut until the customer agrees on compound. - Sampling includes dimensional report on the first 5 to 10 pieces, plus a visual inspection. ### 4. Validation and PPAP - First-article inspection: **PPAP-level** report (FAI / dimensional layout / material certification / appearance). - Statistical process control (SPC) starts on the first production lot. - For medical-grade parts, IQ / OQ / PQ records are issued per ISO 13485. ### 5. Series production - Series lead time: typically **14 to 21 days** after sample approval. - Production runs on the dedicated cell for the part's grade (Food / Medical / Electronic / Infant / Industrial). - Each cavity is sampled per AQL plan; each lot is fully traceable from raw compound batch to finished part. ### 6. Packaging and shipping - Parts are packaged per customer specification (bulk, individual wrap, retail-ready). - Default: sealed PE bag, corrugated carton, palletised for FOB Shenzhen. - Shipping documents: commercial invoice, packing list, COO (China), certificate of compliance, test reports on request. ### 7. After-sales and continuous improvement - Customer feedback and any field failures feed into our CAPA system per ISO 13485 / 9001. - Annual quality review summarises defect rates, lead-time adherence, and improvement actions for the next production year. ## Communication cadence | Touchpoint | Cadence | Owner | |---|---|---| | DFM memo | Within 48 hours of inquiry | Application engineer | | Tool design review | Before T1 sampling | Tooling engineer | | T1 sample report | At sample shipment | Quality engineer | | PPAP / FAI | Before series production | Quality manager | | In-process SPC | Every lot | Cell supervisor | | Annual quality review | Yearly | Quality director | ## See also - `commercial.md` — pricing model and lead-time numbers - `compliance.md` — regulatory package per grade ## Source