FAQs

HomeFAQs
Custom Scale Model Manufacturing FAQ

Before You Start a Custom Scale Model Project

Clear answers about quotation requirements, 3D data, prototype development, tooling, MOQ, production, payment and delivery.

13+ Years OEM scale model manufacturing experience
Typical MOQ 1,000 pcs Smaller quantities can be evaluated
24-Hour Response For new project enquiries
Approx. 160 Days Typical three-stage project schedule
12-Month Warranty For confirmed manufacturing defects
Client-Owned Tooling Confidential and project-exclusive
B2B

OEM Manufacturing Only — No Retail Sales

Scale Artisan develops and manufactures custom scale models for client projects. We do not sell ready-made models or individual pieces.

01

Quotation & Project Information

What information do you need to quote a custom scale model?

For an initial quotation, please provide:

  1. Reference photos and actual dimensions of the real vehicle or equipment.
  2. Required scale and estimated order quantity.
  3. Required functions and packaging preference.

Editable 3D data is not required for the initial quotation.

What types of custom scale models can you manufacture?
  1. Vehicles: cars, buses, trucks and special-purpose vehicles.
  2. Industrial equipment: construction machinery, forklifts, cranes, mining equipment and agricultural machinery.
  3. Other equipment: aircraft and other industrial products suitable for custom scale-model development.
Can you reproduce our product appearance, branding and functions?

Yes. Depending on the model scale and structure, we can reproduce:

  1. Appearance: exterior shape, proportions and visible details.
  2. Branding: colours, logos, graphics and product markings.
  3. Functions: opening, rotating, steering, lifting, telescoping, folding or other suitable mechanical movements.
Can you recommend the right scale for our model?

Yes. We normally consider:

  1. The actual dimensions of the real vehicle or equipment.
  2. The functions and level of detail that need to be reproduced.
  3. Display, packaging, quantity and budget requirements.

We can then recommend a practical model scale before development begins.

02

Development, Prototype & Tooling

Is editable 3D data required to develop a new project?

Yes. Editable 3D data is required before formal project development starts.

We can work with any one of the following formats:

  1. Pro/ENGINEER
  2. UG (Unigraphics)
  3. Mastercam
  4. IGES format
  5. STEP format

For quotation: 3D data is normally not required.
For project development: editable 3D data is required.

What happens during Stage 1 development?

Stage 1 typically takes approximately 35 days.

Step 01 Scale Model 3D Original product data is scaled and engineered into model-production 3D data.
Step 02 Client 3D Approval The model 3D data is reviewed and corrected according to client feedback.
Step 03 Prototype Prototype parts are produced, refined and assembled for physical evaluation.
Step 04 Final Approval The client approves the physical prototype before tooling begins.
  1. Scale-model 3D engineering. The original vehicle or equipment data is scaled and converted into model 3D data. Parts, assembly structure and required functions are engineered for model production.
  2. Client 3D review. The model 3D data is sent to the client for review. Required corrections are completed and confirmed before prototype parts are produced.
  3. Prototype production and assembly. Prototype parts are produced and then refined, fitted and assembled by the prototype team.
  4. Client prototype approval. The completed physical prototype is submitted to the client. After approval, the project is released for tooling.

Important: appearance, structure and functional requirements should be finalized during Stage 1 before production tooling begins.

Why is a prototype required before tooling?

The physical prototype allows the complete model to be checked before production molds are made.

  1. Appearance & proportion. Confirm model size, scale, proportions, exterior shape and key visible details.
  2. Parts & structure. Check part distribution, assembly structure, component fit and overall design.
  3. Functions. Verify that opening, rotating, lifting, steering or other required functions work as intended.
  4. Client approval. The physical prototype is submitted to the client for confirmation before tooling starts.

Structural changes should be completed at the prototype stage. Once production molds are made, major changes may require mold modification or new tooling, increasing both project cost and lead time.

What is the prototype made from?
Material ABS is commonly used for prototype parts.
Purpose Verify appearance, structure, parts and functions.
Scale Normally the same scale as the final production model.

ABS is well suited to prototype work because it can be machined, refined, fitted and polished accurately during physical model evaluation.

The prototype is primarily an engineering and design-confirmation sample. It allows both sides to review the physical model before production tooling is released.

Who owns the molds and tooling?

The tooling developed and paid for under your project belongs to your company.

  1. We store and maintain the tooling for future production orders.
  2. Client-owned tooling is not used to manufacture products for other customers without authorization.
  3. Tooling and project information remain specific to the client's project.
Can you sign an NDA before we send our 3D data?

Yes.

  1. You may send your standard NDA for review.
  2. 3D data and technical documents are used only for the agreed project.
  3. Client tooling and project information are not used for unauthorized production or sales.
03

MOQ, Cost & Payment

What is your minimum order quantity?

Our typical MOQ for a new die-cast OEM project is 1,000 pcs per model.

  1. 1,000 pcs or more: standard production route.
  2. Smaller quantities: can be considered, but unit cost will normally be higher.
  3. Very small quantities: alternative production methods can be evaluated depending on the project.
Why is there a separate tooling cost?

Each custom scale model is engineered specifically for the client's real product. Dedicated tooling is therefore required before mass production.

  1. Dedicated molds are produced for the required die-cast and plastic components.
  2. Tool trials and adjustments are completed before production approval.
  3. The approved tooling can then be used for future repeat production.
What affects the price of a custom scale model?
  1. Model size, material and order quantity.
  2. Part count, detail level and functional requirements.
  3. Painting, printing, interior detail and packaging.

This is why the basic project requirements need to be confirmed before a formal quotation is prepared.

What are your standard payment terms?
  1. After contract signing: 50% of the tooling fee.
  2. After production sample approval: remaining 50% of the tooling fee + 40% of the mass-production cost.
  3. Before shipment: remaining 60% of the mass-production cost.

Final commercial terms are confirmed in the project quotation and contract.

04

Production, Quality Control & Delivery

How long does a complete custom scale model project take?

A typical new die-cast scale model project takes approximately 160 days across three main stages.

Stage 1 Approx. 35 Days 3D Engineering & Prototype Approval
Stage 2 Approx. 75 Days Tooling & Production Sample
Stage 3 Approx. 50 Days Mass Production

The final schedule may vary depending on project complexity, client approval time, design changes and packaging requirements.

See our custom scale model development process for a more detailed explanation.

What happens during the tooling and production sample stage?

Stage 2 typically takes approximately 75 days.

  1. Production molds are manufactured for the required die-cast and plastic parts.
  2. Tool trials, part inspection and necessary tooling adjustments are completed.
  3. A production-standard sample is assembled and submitted to the client for approval.

Mass production starts after the production sample is approved.

How do you control quality during mass production?

Quality control is carried out throughout production, not only at final packing.

  1. Parts inspection: die-cast parts, plastic parts and transparent components are checked before assembly.
  2. Paint, printing & assembly inspection: surface finish, colour, printing, fit and panel gaps are checked during production.
  3. Function & final inspection: required movable functions, overall appearance and packaging are checked before shipment.
What is your warranty period?

Our standard warranty period is 12 months.

  1. The warranty applies to confirmed manufacturing defects under normal handling and storage conditions.
  2. Damage caused by misuse, improper storage or unauthorized modification is not normally covered.
  3. Final warranty coverage follows the agreed project contract.
Can you make custom packaging for the models?

Yes. Packaging can be developed according to the project, presentation and shipping requirements.

  1. Standard packaging: protective inner packaging with printed colour box.
  2. Premium packaging: foam insert with presentation or gift box.
  3. Custom branding: logos, artwork and product information can be incorporated into the packaging.
Can you arrange international shipping?

Yes. Shipping can be arranged according to the order size and destination.

  1. Courier or air freight for suitable shipments.
  2. Sea freight for larger production orders.
  3. DDP delivery can be evaluated for selected destinations.

Final freight cost is calculated after production quantity, carton dimensions, gross weight and delivery address are confirmed.

Have a New Scale Model Project?

Send us your product photos, actual dimensions, required scale, quantity, functions and packaging preference. Our team normally responds to new project enquiries within 24 hours.

Request a Quotation →
Start typing to see products you are looking for.

Product Enquiry