This is a Small Batch Progressive Die Stamping Metal Clip Prototype — a precision-formed clip produced on a multi-station progressive die, built for engineers who need 50 to 5,000 parts before full pr
This is a Small Batch Progressive Die Stamping Metal Clip Prototype — a precision-formed clip produced on a multi-station progressive die, built for engineers who need 50 to 5,000 parts before full production. You get ±0.01mm positional tolerance, surface finish down to Ra 0.8, and a Rockwell hardness of 48-52 HRC after heat treatment. Typical prototype lead time is 7 days from drawing approval, with no MOQ required.
Unlike a compound die, a progressive die moves the metal strip through multiple stations. Each station performs one operation: piercing, notching, bending, or cutting off. For a metal clip prototype, this means the part is fully formed — including side bends and spring tabs — before it exits the die. We use a 25-ton high-speed press at 200 SPM for small batches. This gives you a functional clip, not a cosmetic sample, with burr height controlled under 0.05mm.
Your clip needs to hold tension. We start with 301 stainless steel (full hard) for corrosion resistance or C75S carbon steel for high yield strength. For 301, we specify a hardness of 48-52 HRC. For C75S, we quench and temper to 44-48 HRC. If your clip requires electrical conductivity, we offer beryllium copper C17200 at 36-42 HRC. All heat treatment is done in-house in a vacuum furnace to prevent scale, then we verify hardness on a Rockwell tester before any measurement is taken.
A progressive die for a clip prototype costs between $800 and $2,500, depending on the number of stations (we use 4 to 8 stations). For a 500-piece order, tooling cost is amortized but still significant. For 5,000 pieces, the per-part price drops by 30-40% because the die is already proven. We can also make a simplified 2-station die for a one-off functional test — this cuts tooling cost to $400. We will quote both options so you can choose based on your testing budget.
Every metal clip prototype ships with a dimensional report. We measure critical bend radii and hole positions on a CMM (Coordinate Measuring Machine) with a resolution of 0.001mm. For spring-back verification, we use an optical comparator at 20x magnification. Surface finish is checked with a profilometer — we hold Ra 0.8 on the mating surface, Ra 1.6 on non-critical areas. We photograph each batch of 20 parts for visual record, and you receive a PDF with all data points before shipment.
Most stamping factories in China refuse orders under 10,000 pieces because setup costs eat into profit. We run a dedicated prototype line with quick-change die holders. This allows us to accept a single clip order — even 100 pieces — without a minimum quantity. Small batch lets you test form, fit, and function in your assembly before committing to hard tooling. We also store your die for 12 months free of charge, so reorders are just a phone call away. This is precision manufacturing made in China, but with a machine-shop mindset.
Standard lead time for a Small Batch Progressive Die Stamping Metal Clip Prototype is 7 working days after drawing approval. This includes die making (2 days), stamping (1 day), heat treatment (1 day), and inspection (1 day). For urgent requests, we can ship a soft-tool prototype in 72 hours — but only if your clip has fewer than 3 bends. We ship via DHL or FedEx, with a typical transit time of 3-5 days to the US and 2-4 days to Europe. We cover the cost of the die steel for orders over 2,000 pieces.
Send us a STEP or DXF file with your clip's bend radius, material thickness, and grain direction specified. If you don't have a full drawing, a hand sketch with critical dimensions is enough to start. Our engineers review your part for common stamping issues: minimum bend radius (we recommend 0.5x material thickness), hole-to-edge distance (must be at least 1.5x thickness), and spring-back allowance. We return a DFM (Design for Manufacturing) report within 24 hours. This is the same process used in our precision stamping tolerances guide, which lists achievable limits for every feature.
| Parameter | Value / Range |
|---|---|
| Material Thickness | 0.1 mm – 3.0 mm |
| Stainless Steel Grades | 301, 304, 316L |
| Carbon Steel Grades | C75S, DC01, SPCC |
| Copper Alloys | Beryllium Copper C17200, Brass C2680 |
| Hardness (after heat treat) | 36 – 52 HRC depending on material |
| Positional Tolerance | ±0.01 mm |
| Surface Finish Ra | 0.8 µm (critical), 1.6 µm (standard) |
| Burr Height | ≤ 0.05 mm |
| Flatness | ≤ 0.02 mm per 25 mm length |
| Lead Time | 7 working days (prototype), 3 days (soft tool) |
| MOQ | No MOQ (1 piece accepted) |
| Max Part Size | 150 mm x 100 mm |
First articles are where most stamping failures happen. We run a 10-piece sample at reduced press speed (30 SPM) and measure every critical dimension. If the bend angle is off by more than 0.5 degrees, we adjust the die shim and re-run. This trial process is documented in our essential metal stamping tool maintenance checklist, which you can use to audit your own tooling. We only move to full speed after the first article passes your drawing tolerances. This cuts scrap rate below 0.5% even on small batches.
If your clip is for automotive or medical use, we offer passivation (ASTM A967) for stainless steel, zinc plating (5 µm) for carbon steel, or electroless nickel plating (10 µm) for wear resistance. For spring clips, we recommend no coating on the contact area to preserve friction. We test salt spray resistance up to 72 hours per ASTM B117. This is optional, but it is a single line item on your quote — no hidden charges.
We ship clips in anti-static plastic trays with cell dividers, so parts do not tangle or deform in transit. Each tray is labeled with the part number, batch ID, and heat treatment lot. You receive a Certificate of Conformance with every shipment, listing material grade, hardness, and dimensional results. For high-volume assembly, we can also provide tape-and-reel packaging — but for prototypes, trays are standard.
Yes, we have no MOQ — a 50-piece run is quoted and processed the same as a 5,000-piece run, with only the per-part price differing due to tooling amortization.
Send a STEP, IGES, or DXF file; if you only have a PDF drawing, we can extract dimensions manually — just include a ruler or reference dimension in the sketch.
We inspect 100% of critical dimensions on first articles, then use statistical process control (SPC) on the full batch, with a CMM report included for every order.
We will re-run the heat treatment or switch material grade at no extra cost for the first revision, provided the failure is due to material hardness, not a design flaw.
Send your drawing of a Small Batch Progressive Die Stamping Metal Clip Prototype to sc@bquq.com. We reply with a firm price, tooling cost, and lead time within 12 hours on business days. For urgent questions, reach us on WhatsApp at +86 13713157787. We speak English and Cantonese, and we respond to every inquiry within one working hour. No MOQ, no minimum order value — just a clear quote for your clip prototype.
| Parameter | Capability |
|---|---|
| Materials | SPCC, SGCC, SUS301/304/316, brass, copper, beryllium copper, phosphor bronze |
| Process | Progressive die stamping, fine blanking, deep drawing, bending, tapping |
| Tolerance | ±0.01mm standard, ±0.005mm on request |
| Surface | Zinc plating, nickel, tin, gold, powder coating, passivation, anodizing |
| Die Size | Up to 1200 x 800 mm, 16-250 ton presses |
| Thickness | 0.05 - 6.0 mm sheet metal, wire 0.1 - 8.0 mm |
| Prototype | 7-15 days tooling, no MOQ on samples |
| Inspection | Full report per batch, CMM and optical measurement |
