T1 is the first mold trial that produces sample parts for dimensional and visual review. Lead time to T1 is the sum of design approval, steel purchase, CNC/EDM, assembly, and tryout—not only “cutting days” advertised in marketing emails.
T1 is the first mold trial that produces sample parts for dimensional and visual review. Lead time to T1 is the sum of design approval, steel purchase, CNC/EDM, assembly, and tryout—not only “cutting days” advertised in marketing emails.
Typical schedule building blocks
- DFM and mold design approval loops.
- Steel and standard component procurement.
- CNC, heat treat (if any), EDM, polishing, assembly.
- Hot runner integration and wiring checks.
- Tryout, sample prep, inspection report.
| Complexity | Examples | Relative T1 timing |
|---|---|---|
| Simple | 2-plate, few actions, open & shut | Shortest |
| Moderate | Slides, texture, 2 cavities | Mid |
| High | Unscrewing, multi-shot interfaces, large tools | Longest |
What buyers do that delays T1
- Late ECO after steel is cut.
- Slow design approvals on gate and parting line.
- Unclear resin availability for tryout.
- Adding texture or polish class late.
After T1: correction rounds
Dimensional out-of-spec for mold-caused issues usually trigger steel-safe adjustments and T2. Cosmetic texture may need separate buy-off. Contract how many mold-caused rounds are included.
Planning with HC-Mold
Share target launch dates early so cavity strategy and steel choice fit the calendar. Complete RFQs receive reply ≤12h and quote ≤24h targets. Factory in Chang'an, Dongguan; ISO 9001:2015.
Building a realistic program calendar
Work backward from product launch: regulatory testing, packaging artwork, and ocean freight all sit after T1. If T1 is late by two weeks, marketing samples and tooling corrections compress into the same window. Buffer for at least one correction round on moderate complexity tools.
Parallel paths help: CNC cosmetic models for photography while steel is cut; packaging design based on frozen outer dimensions even before final ribs are optimized. Communicate freeze dates for industrial design surfaces that affect parting lines.
Chinese New Year and National Day capacity constraints are predictable. Place POs and design freezes with those blackout periods in mind. HC-Mold will flag calendar risks when target T1 dates are shared at RFQ time rather than after kickoff.
Buyer checklist before you issue the PO
Confirm drawings are revision-controlled, materials are purchasable in China within your schedule, and inspection methods are agreed in writing. Ambiguity at PO stage becomes cost later. List secondary operations, packaging and labeling so they are not treated as free extras. If multiple factories are bidding, freeze the same specification package for all—do not let informal calls create hidden scope differences.
Align internal stakeholders: industrial design owns cosmetics, engineering owns function, procurement owns total cost and risk. A single RFQ owner should consolidate feedback so the manufacturer receives one voice. For export programs, involve logistics early on Incoterms preference and whether tools or finished goods will cross borders.
T1 sample lead time injection mold decisions improve when data is complete. HC-Mold International Co., Limited in Chang'an, Dongguan, Guangdong, China operates under ISO 9001:2015 with free DFM on complete packages, reply within 12 hours, and quote within 24 hours when files, material, volume and finish are clear. Email contact@hc-mold.cn or call +86-769-85327002. Prototype CNC frequently supports MOQ of one piece when geometry is defined.
Documentation to keep in your program folder
- Final quote with assumptions listed line by line.
- NDA and tooling ownership clauses if molds are involved.
- Approved DFM screenshots and CAD revision that matches the PO.
- Sample reports (dimensional and visual) with clear accept/reject notes.
- Packaging photos and carton specs for repeat orders.
FAQ
Is T1 the same as production release?
Not always. T1 validates the tool path; production release may require capability data and packaging trials.
Can CNC bridge cover T1 delays?
Yes—CNC or soft tools can supply interim parts if geometry allows.
Do holidays affect China mold schedules?
Yes. Plan around major holidays with earlier PO placement.
How do I request a schedule?
Send CAD, resin and target dates to contact@hc-mold.cn for a gated timeline.
Ready to source molds with clear T1 planning? Send your STEP/IGES drawings, material notes, volume band and finish requirements via our RFQ form. HC-Mold International Co., Limited is a direct OEM manufacturer in Chang'an, Dongguan, Guangdong, China (ISO 9001:2015). Contact: contact@hc-mold.cn · +86-769-85327002. Free DFM review; reply ≤12h and quote ≤24h on complete RFQ packages.
Talk to HC-Mold engineering
Free DFM · reply ≤12h · quote ≤24h on complete RFQ · ISO 9001:2015 · Dongguan, China