Lead Times Explained
Standard vs expedited: how process, complexity and quantity set delivery
Lead time is the calendar from order placement to shipment: standard (economic) or expedited (premium). It is set by process queue, part complexity, material availability and quantity, and the quote shows both options. Expediting typically adds 20–40% to price; the platform guarantees the quoted date and tracks progress online.
1. What sets lead time
Process: machining 3–10 days standard (milling/turning), 3D printing 2–5 days, sheet metal 4–10 days, molding T1 in 5 days then 10–20 days production, DMLS 7–14 days. Complex features and tight tolerances add inspection and programming days.
Quantity extends lead time for machining (more machine hours) but barely for molding after T1 approval. Material stock matters: exotic grades and large billets add sourcing days.
2. Standard vs expedited
Standard lead is the baseline price — the queue is filled efficiently. Expedited slots your order ahead: typically 30–40% faster delivery at a 20–40% price premium, available on most processes and quantities.
The quote shows both; the engine also flags the cheapest combination when delivery is flexible (e.g. ship the critical 10 parts expedited, the rest standard).
3. Tracking and commitments
Order status is updated online: quoted → in production → QC → shipped. Dates shown are shipment dates (EXW) — add transit separately on the delivery quote. Delays trigger automatic notification and credit.
Lead times quoted exclude weekends for expedited rush promises; standard quotes are calendar-day estimates with typical accuracy within ±2 days.
4. Planning your schedule
Add buffer: iterate prototypes (2–5 days each) before production, order long-lead materials in parallel, and lock the expedite option only after the design is frozen — expedite is charged per order, not per iteration.
For recurring orders, the platform can hold a blanket PO and release batches at quoted lead time; volume discounts and lead-time history improve scheduling accuracy.
Quick reference
| Process | Standard lead | Expedited |
|---|---|---|
| 3D printing (SLS/MJF/SLA) | 2–5 days | 1–3 days |
| CNC machining | 3–10 days | 2–5 days |
| Sheet metal | 4–10 days | 2–6 days |
| Injection molding (after T1) | 10–20 days | 5–10 days |
| DMLS metal | 7–14 days | 4–8 days |
| Expedite premium | — | +20–40% price |
Sources & references
- Xometry Learning Center — Lead Times (public engineering reference)
- Protolabs — Turnaround Times (public engineering reference)
- Stratasys — DMLS / SLA production lead-time documentation (public engineering reference)