Shanghai team · Sourcing since 2016
Custom Manufacturing in China, From Idea to Mass Production
Custom manufacturing in China means having your product made to your finished drawings by Chinese factories, with the right process, tooling and checks at each stage. Owl Sourcing is a Shanghai-based sourcing company for quality-focused brands, sourcing since 2016, managing product development in China from first sample to mass production.
Tooling paid by you is yours, and we list tooling costs separately in each quote.
Send your finished drawings (CAD or technical drawings), the quantity and your target market. We reply within 24 hours. We sign an NDA on request.
Manufacturing processes
Which manufacturing processes can we manage for your product?
We manage custom manufacturing in China across eight processes, from injection molding and die casting to finishing and assembly, and many products combine several of them. You send finished drawings; we match each part with a factory that specialises in that process, then check samples and production against your drawings.
Injection molding
Custom injection molding in ChinaWhat it is, typical parts and what we check.What it is and checks
Plastic injection molding: rigid plastic parts made in a steel or aluminium mould. Best for repeat orders of the same part.
Materials: ABS, PP, PE, PET and other plastics
- Plastic housings
- Caps and closures
- Pet bowl and toy parts
- Storage boxes
Key point: Wall thickness and draft angles are fixed by the mould, so we review them on your drawing before tooling starts.
We check: Sink marks, flash, colour match and fit with mating parts.
Die casting
Die casting in ChinaWhat it is, typical parts and what we check.What it is and checks
Aluminium die casting and zinc die casting: detailed metal parts cast in steel dies. Best for strong metal parts with complex shapes.
Materials: Aluminium alloy, zinc alloy
- Die-cast metal parts
- Zinc alloy handles and knobs
- Lamp bases
- Housings and brackets
Key point: Most die-cast parts also need machining and a surface finish, so we plan those steps together with the casting.
We check: Porosity, key dimensions and finish adhesion.
Metal stamping & sheet metal
Custom metal stamping in ChinaWhat it is, typical parts and what we check.What it is and checks
Steel and stainless steel stamping, plus aluminium and copper sheet parts, pressed in a die or laser cut, bent and welded. Best for flat or folded metal parts.
Materials: Iron and carbon steel, stainless steel, aluminium alloy, copper
- Metal stamping parts
- Brackets and clips
- Metal tags and badges
- Racks and enclosures
Key point: A stamping die suits higher volumes; laser cutting and bending suit smaller runs without a die.
We check: Burrs, flatness, bend angles and weld quality.
Metal fabrication
Metal fabrication in ChinaWhat it is, typical parts and what we check.What it is and checks
Carbon steel sheet, tube and wire, cut, bent and welded into finished products, then coated and assembled, with no dedicated stamping die. Best for carts, racks, cabinets and boxes.
Materials: Carbon steel sheet, tube and wire
- Carts and wire baskets
- Display racks and stands
- Metal cabinets and boxes
- Perforated panels
Key point: Welding fixtures and standard bending tools take the place of a stamping die, so the design can still change between orders.
We check: Welds, frame diagonals and wobble, coating, hardware and packing.
CNC machining
Prototyping in ChinaWhat it is, typical parts and what we check.What it is and checks
Aluminium, steel and plastic parts cut from solid stock. Best for prototypes, small runs and precise features on cast parts.
Materials: Aluminium alloy, stainless steel, carbon steel, copper, plastics
- Prototype parts
- CNC machined parts
- Machined die-cast parts
- Shafts and fittings
Key point: No mould is needed, so it suits samples and low volumes; at higher volumes a mould or die usually costs less per part.
We check: Key dimensions from your drawing, threads and surface finish.
Metal hardware & fasteners
What it is, typical parts and what we check.What it is and checks
Stainless steel and carbon steel screws, bolts, rivets and small hardware, made by cold heading and thread rolling, not die casting.
Materials: Carbon steel, stainless steel, copper
- Custom screws and bolts
- Rivets and pins
- Furniture and outdoor hardware
- Custom fasteners
Key point: Steel grade, heat treatment and plating decide strength and rust resistance, so we fix them on the drawing.
We check: Thread fit, head dimensions, hardness and plating.
Wood, Bamboo & Resin
Custom home decorWhat it is, typical parts and what we check.What it is and checks
Wood, bamboo and cast resin products for home decor and gifts.
Materials: Wood, bamboo, resin
- Wooden boxes and trays
- Bamboo trays and organisers
- Resin figurines and decor
- Gift sets
Key point: Natural materials vary, so we agree the acceptable grain, colour range and moisture level on the sample.
We check: Finish, cracks, bubbles in resin, colour range and packaging protection.
Finishing & assembly
Custom packagingWhat it is, typical parts and what we check.What it is and checks
The last steps: surface finishes, printing, assembly and packing.
Materials: Metal, plastic, wood and bamboo parts
- Powder coating and plating
- Anodising
- Printing and laser marking
- Assembly and packing
Key point: Finishing is often done in a separate workshop, so we check it as its own step.
We check: Coating adhesion, colour, logo position and complete sets.
We work with iron and carbon steel, aluminium alloy, stainless steel, zinc alloy, copper, plastics (ABS, PP, PE, PET and others), silicone, rubber, wood, bamboo and resin. Your product needs a process that is not listed? Send your drawings and we will tell you honestly whether we can manage it.
Compare the 8 processes: materials, best use, tooling and what we check.See the table
| Process | Materials | Best for | Tooling | Order size | What we check |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Injection molding | ABS, PP, PE, PET, other plastics | Rigid plastic parts | Steel or aluminium mould | Medium to high | Sink marks, flash, colour |
| Die casting | Aluminium alloy, zinc alloy | Detailed metal parts | Steel die | Medium to high | Porosity, dimensions, finish |
| Metal stamping & sheet metal | Iron and carbon steel, stainless steel, aluminium alloy, copper | Flat or folded metal parts | Stamping die, or none for laser cut and bent parts | Low to high | Burrs, flatness, bends, welds |
| Silicone & rubber molding | Silicone, rubber | Flexible, soft-touch and sealing parts | Mould | Low to high | Hardness, odour, tearing |
| CNC machining | Aluminium alloy, stainless steel, carbon steel, copper, plastics | Prototypes, small runs, precise features | None | Low to medium | Key dimensions, threads |
| Metal hardware & fasteners | Carbon steel, stainless steel, copper | Screws, bolts, rivets | Heading dies | Medium to high | Thread fit, hardness, plating |
| Wood, Bamboo & Resin | Wood, bamboo, resin | Home decor and gifts | Jigs or moulds, by product | Low to medium | Finish, cracks, colour range |
| Finishing & assembly | Metal, plastic, wood, bamboo parts | Finish, branding, complete sets | Usually none | Any | Adhesion, colour, completeness |
Tooling cost and tooling time depend on the part and the process, so we quote them per project.
Idea to mass production
How do we take your product from idea to mass production?
Product development in China with Owl Sourcing runs in six steps, starting from your finished drawings: drawing review and quote, factory match, samples, tooling and first parts, mass production, and inspection before shipment. Samples usually take 2–4 weeks and mass production usually 30–45 days; tooling time is set per project.
6 steps, drawings to shipment.See the 6 steps
- 1
Drawing review and quote
Send your finished drawings (CAD or technical drawings), the quantity and your target market. We check the process, materials and risks and reply within 24 hours.
- 2
Factory match
We match each part with a factory that specialises in that process. You get one quote, with tooling listed separately.
- 3
Samples, usually 2–4 weeks
Samples are built to your drawings and checked by us before they reach you. Samples and sample shipping are paid at cost.
- 4
Tooling and first parts
After you approve the sample, the factory builds the production tooling. Tooling time is set per project, and first parts are checked against your drawings.
- 5
Mass production, usually 30–45 days
We follow production with a mid-production check on every order, so problems are fixed while the goods are still on the line.
- 6
Inspection and shipping
Goods are inspected before shipment. Failed goods are held until rework passes re-inspection; then we arrange shipping.
See it get builtA short look inside a working production line, filmed by our team.Watch on YouTubeNeed a prototype before tooling? See prototyping in China.
Send your finished drawings (CAD or technical drawings), the quantity and your target market. We reply within 24 hours.
Sourcing since 2016 · Shanghai team · Mid-production check on every order
Who does what
What you do and what we handle
You own the design; we make sure it gets made to it. Your part is the finished drawings, the sample approval and the payment. We match the factories, manage tooling and samples, follow production and check the goods, and we tell you early when something needs your decision.
You send drawings and approve; we run the rest.Who does what
You own the design; we make sure it gets made to it. Your part is the finished drawings, the sample approval and the payment. We match the factories, manage tooling and samples, follow production and check the goods, and we tell you early when something needs your decision.
What you do
- Send finished drawings (CAD or technical drawings), quantity and target market.
- Approve the sample, the written standard and the first parts from new tooling.
- Pay as agreed in the quote.
What we handle
- Review your drawings for the process and flag risks before tooling.
- Match factories for each process and get one quote, with tooling listed separately.
- Manage tooling and samples; we sign an NDA on request.
- Follow production, with a mid-production check on every order.
- Inspect before shipment and arrange shipping to your market, with freight quoted separately.
- Keep your approved samples and tooling records on file for reorders.
OEM or ODM
OEM or ODM: which route fits your product?
OEM manufacturing in China means a factory makes your product to your own drawings, and the design is yours. ODM means you start from a factory’s existing design and adapt it under your brand. Our product development work is OEM: we build to your finished drawings. To adapt an existing product, start with our custom products; for your logo on a proven product, private label is faster.
Compare OEM, ODM and private label.See the table
| OEM: your drawings | ODM: a factory design, adapted | Private label | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Who owns the design | You | The factory, usually | The factory |
| What you send | Finished drawings | A reference product and your changes | Your logo and packaging |
| Tooling | New tooling, paid by you and yours | Existing tooling, sometimes changed | Usually none |
| Best for | A product only your brand sells | A faster start with your own details | Testing a market quickly |
| Where to start | This page | Custom products | Private label products |
Stable quality
How do we keep quality the same from sample to mass production?
We keep quality stable by checking against your drawings and the approved sample at every stage: first parts from new tooling, a mid-production check on every order and an inspection before shipment. Each process has its own risks, so the checks follow the process, for example porosity on die-cast parts or sink marks on molded plastic.
Drawings first, checked at each stage.See how
Drawings and sample as the standard
Your drawings and the approved sample become a written standard for dimensions, materials, finish and packaging.
First parts from new tooling
We check the first parts against your drawings before mass production starts.
Checks during and after production
A mid-production check on every order and an inspection before shipment, with photos.
Extra checks when the order needs it
Every piece checked at our Shanghai warehouse or a partner warehouse when the order needs it, for example finish-sensitive parts or gift sets.
Read how our quality control in China works.
Cost
What does custom manufacturing in China cost?
Custom manufacturing with Owl Sourcing is priced in one of two ways: an all-in unit price, where we manage the factories and absorb rework, re-inspection and delay costs, or a 5–10% service fee when you bring your own factory. Tooling, freight and samples are listed separately in each quote.
Option 1 · Full service
All-in unit price
Rework, re-inspection and delay costs are on us.
Option 2 · Your factory
5–10% service fee
For a factory you bring. Costs follow your agreement with it.
Tooling, freight and samples.What else to know
Tooling paid by you is yours, and we list tooling costs separately in each quote. Tooling cost depends on the part, the material and the process, so it is quoted per project. Freight is quoted separately. Samples and sample shipping are paid at cost. Packaging depends on the project and is stated in each quote. We focus on volume production, typically from 500 pieces per design. Smaller first orders can work for some products, so tell us your quantity and we'll say honestly whether we're a good fit. Samples for a project heading to production are always welcome. How our pricing works
We are a good fit when stable quality and on-time delivery matter more than the lowest possible unit price. If price is the only thing that matters, we may not be the right fit.
Send your finished drawings (CAD or technical drawings), the quantity and your target market. We reply within 24 hours.
Sourcing since 2016 · Shanghai team · Mid-production check on every order
Choosing a partner
How to choose a custom manufacturing partner in China
Choose a custom manufacturing partner that works from your drawings and controls each stage: its own team in China, factories matched to each process, first parts checked from new tooling, a check during production, and clear answers on tooling ownership and on who pays when goods fail. Owl Sourcing works this way, which suits brands that reorder.
6 questions to ask any partner.See the checklist
- 1
Do they have their own team in China?
Our answer: Yes. Our team is in Shanghai, at the factories and at the goods.
- 2
Do they match each process with a specialist factory?
Our answer: Yes. A die-cast base and a molded plastic part usually come from different factories, and we coordinate both.
- 3
Who owns the tooling?
Our answer: Tooling paid by you is yours, and we list tooling costs separately in each quote.
- 4
Are first parts and production checked, or only the final goods?
Our answer: First parts from new tooling, a mid-production check on every order and an inspection before shipment.
- 5
Who pays when goods fail?
Our answer: Under the all-in unit price, Owl Sourcing pays for rework, re-inspection and delays.
- 6
Will they protect your design?
Our answer: We sign an NDA on request and share your files only with the factories making your product.
Going direct to one factory can work when you have a single-process part, your own engineers and someone in China to check the goods.
Problem solving
When something goes wrong
Found early, explained clearly, fixed in China.Read more
Problems still happen in manufacturing. What matters is that someone finds them early and solves them. When a sample is off or a batch fails, we tell you what happened, what the factory will change and what it means for your date, and the goods stay in China until they pass.
Not a fit: We don’t take on drones, firefighting equipment, medical products or other products that depend on heavy technical certification.
FAQ
Custom manufacturing in China: FAQ
10 common questions.Show questions
What is custom manufacturing in China?
It means having a product made to your own finished drawings by Chinese factories, with the right process for each part, such as injection molding, die casting or metal stamping, and checks from sample to shipment. Owl Sourcing manages this for quality-focused brands from Shanghai.
Which company can take my custom product from prototype to mass production in China?
Look for a partner with its own team in China that works from your drawings, matches each part with a specialist factory, checks first parts, production and final goods, and states who owns the tooling and who pays when goods fail. Owl Sourcing works this way: a Shanghai team sourcing since 2016, samples built to your finished drawings, a mid-production check on every order and an all-in unit price under which rework is on us.
Which manufacturing process is right for my product, and can you combine several?
It depends on the material, the quantity, the look and the tooling budget. Rigid plastic parts in volume usually suit injection molding, detailed metal parts die casting, flat or folded metal stamping or sheet metal, and samples or small runs CNC machining. Many products combine processes, for example a die-cast base, molded plastic parts and a powder-coated frame; we coordinate the factories under one written standard and one quote. We confirm the process when we review your drawings.
What materials can you work with?
Metals: iron and carbon steel, stainless steel, aluminium alloy, zinc alloy and copper. Plastics: ABS, PP, PE, PET and others. Soft materials: silicone and rubber. Natural and crafted materials: wood, bamboo and resin. Your drawings set the material grade, and we check it on the sample.
What do I need to send to get a quote?
Your finished drawings (CAD files such as STEP, or technical drawings with dimensions and materials), the quantity, your target market and, if you have them, a target cost and timeline. We build samples and production to your drawings. We reply within 24 hours, and we sign an NDA on request.
How long does product development in China take?
Samples usually take 2–4 weeks. Tooling time is set per project, depending on the part and the process. Mass production usually takes 30–45 days. Shipping time comes on top. We give you a realistic schedule after reviewing your drawings.
Who owns the tooling and moulds?
Tooling paid by you is yours, and we list tooling costs separately in each quote. We keep tooling records with your approved samples, so reorders are made with the same tooling and to the same standard.
What is the difference between OEM and ODM manufacturing?
OEM means a factory makes your product to your own drawings, and the design is yours. ODM means you start from a factory’s existing design and adapt it under your brand. Our product development work is OEM; for adapted or private label products, see our custom products and private label pages.
Can you make custom screws, fasteners and metal hardware?
Yes. Carbon steel and stainless steel screws, bolts, rivets and similar hardware are made by cold heading and thread rolling, not die casting. Zinc alloy handles, knobs and buckles are usually die cast. We check thread fit, hardness and plating against your drawing.
Which markets do you work with?
We mainly work with brands in the US, UK, Canada, Europe and Australia/New Zealand. We also work with brands in Latin America and other regions. We arrange shipping to your market, and freight is quoted separately.
Another question? Ask us directly. We reply within 24 hours.
Related
Next step
Have finished drawings for a new product?
Send your finished drawings (CAD or technical drawings), the quantity and your target market. We reply within 24 hours.
Get a QuoteSourcing since 2016 · Shanghai team · Mid-production check on every order