Order Workflow & Process

  • Dedicated Project Manager
  • Real-Time Status Updates
  • Door-to-Door Shipping

From your first RFQ to final delivery, DEK follows a structured, transparent workflow — keeping you informed at every stage and ensuring parts arrive on-spec, on-time, and with complete documentation.

  • 24hr
    Quote Turnaround (Standard)
  • 7days
    Fastest Prototype Lead Time
  • 98%
    On-Time Delivery Rate
  • DDP
    Global Delivery Terms Available

From RFQ to Delivery in 8 Steps

Every order follows this structured workflow — with built-in quality gates, engineering reviews, and customer approval checkpoints at each critical stage.

Get Instant Quote
  • STEP 1

    RFQ Submission

    Upload your CAD files, drawings, and requirements through our portal or email. Include quantity, material, finish, and delivery expectations. Our team acknowledges receipt within 2 hours.

    STEP / IGES / Native CAD 2D Drawing (PDF) 2D Drawing (PDF)
  • STEP 2

    Engineering Review & DFM

    Our applications engineers analyze your design for manufacturability. You receive a DFM report with cost-saving suggestions, tolerance feedback, and material recommendations within 48 hours.

    Feature-level DFM Cost optimization Material alternatives
  • STEP 3

    Quotation & Approval

    Detailed quotation issued with unit pricing, tooling costs, lead time, and payment terms. Once you approve and issue a PO, your order enters the production queue.

    Line-item pricing Firm lead time Volume pricing tiers
  • STEP 4

    Material Procurement

    Raw material sourced from qualified suppliers with full mill certification. Material identity verified at incoming inspection (IQC) before release to production.

    Certified suppliers Mill cert traceability Customer-supplied material OK
  • STEP 5

    CNC Programming & Production

    CAM programming, fixture setup, and machining executed on our 3-, 4-, and 5-axis CNC centers. In-process quality checks (IPQC) monitor dimensional stability throughout the run

    SPC monitoring Tool wear tracking Photo updates available
  • STEP 6

    Post-Processing & Surface Treatment

    If required, parts proceed to heat treatment, anodizing, plating, passivation, or other surface treatments through our qualified subcontractor network — all with process certifications.

    Nadcap-accredited partners Process cert included
  • STEP 7

    Final Inspection & Documentation

    Full OQC inspection on calibrated CMMs and optical systems. Documentation package assembled — CoC, dimensional report, material certs, FAI if applicable — and reviewed by QA before release.

    CMM inspection Full doc package QA sign-off
  • STEP 8

    Packaging & Delivery

    Parts carefully packaged with anti-corrosion protection and custom crating for fragile or precision components. Shipped via your preferred carrier or our DDP logistics service with tracking provided.

    VCI / foam / custom crat DDP / EXW / FOB terms Real-time tracking

What to Include With Your RFQ

The more detail you provide upfront, the faster and more accurate our quote will be. Here's what helps us give you the best price and lead time.

  • 3D CAD Model

    STEP, IGES, Parasolid, or native format. This is the primary input for our engineering review and CAM programming.

    • STEP preferred (.stp / .step)
    • SolidWorks / NX / CATIA native OK
    • Assembly files if applicable
  • 2D Drawing (PDF)

    Dimensioned drawing with GD&T, material callout, surface finish, and any special notes or customer specifications.

    • Tolerances & GD&T
    • Material & finish specs
    • Revision level & date
  • Project Details

    Quantity, target delivery date, annual usage forecast, documentation requirements, and any industry-specific standards.

    • Quantity & delivery date
    • Annual volume estimate
    • Inspection / cert requirements

Typical Lead Times

Lead times depend on part complexity, material availability, quantity, and post-processing requirements. The ranges shown reflect typical door-to-door timelines including shipping. Expedited options are available for urgent programs — contact your project manager for current capacity.

  • Rapid Prototype

    Simple geometry, 1–5 pcs

    7–10 Days

  • Standard Prototype

    Complex geometry, 1–20 pcs

    10-15 Days

  • Low-Volume Production

    20–500 pcs

    15–25 Days

  • Production Run

    500–10,000+ pcs

    20–35 Days

  • Expedited / Rush

    Subject to capacity

    As fast as 5 days

Full Visibility Into Your Order

You're never in the dark. DEK provides proactive status updates and direct access to your project manager throughout the entire order lifecycle.

  • Dedicated Project Manager

    A single point of contact who knows your parts, your specs, and your schedule — from quote through delivery.

  • Production Milestones

    Proactive email updates at key stages: material received, machining started, inspection complete, shipped.

  • Photo Documentation

    In-process and pre-shipment photos provided upon request so you can verify parts visually before they arrive.

  • Shipment Tracking

    Carrier tracking number shared at dispatch with estimated arrival date and customs clearance status for international orders.

Related Pages

Learn more about our quality systems, order processes, and how we handle your projects end-to-end.