Can you take my idea and create drawings?
Yes. After an initial product consultation with a client, either by phone or in person, we will have a clearer, more refined understanding of the specific product evaluation and/or product design needs.

During this initial discussion period, we will work with you to generate a Scope of Work, which will list your requirements. This serves as a guide in the quotation process.

What software packages do you use?
Discover Global has the ability to read most all design software packages. Our U.S. operations and overseas operations use Solidworks. If you are going to send us drawings for either modification or quotation, we prefer they be in the following formats: Solidworks, Autocad, IGS, STL, Pro-E

What types of tools do you produce?
By acting as both a domestic producer and international exporter of machine tooling from overseas, Discover Global manufactures a large variety of custom design tooling. These include custom designed tools for plastic injection molding, plastic, metal injection molding, metal die casting, aluminum extrusions, forging, investment casting, permanent mold, sand casting, machining fixtures, deep drawn stamping, progressive die stamping as well as others.

Where do you produce tools?
Discover Global manufactures tooling both in the United States and overseas. With this extent of manufacturing capabilities, Discover Global is able to manufacture custom tooling in the most cost effective location and deliver to you. Tools manufactured overseas are typically much less expensive and can be completed with a shorter lead time compared to the US.

How does the tooling process work and what is a typical tooling timeline?
Discover Global follows a very standard machine tooling supply process. It is very important the tooling process be followed properly so the client receives the best possible custom designed tool for their parts. If this is not done properly, tooling problems may arise such as longer cycle times, which will lead to higher unit costs. We strive to provide our clients with the best possible tooling for their unique situation.

Every product’s tooling timeline varies depending on its complexity and at what stage Discover Global becomes involved. A typical timeline for a injection molding tool from receiving drawings to the final parts being approved is 8 to 10 weeks.

What are the typical costs for tooling?
Tooling costs can vary greatly depending on both the project and where the tool is built. Typically you can see a 30-40% cost savings in overseas tools.

Will you manufacture tools for me to run elsewhere?
Yes, Discover Global will accommodate your need to have your tool made in overseas and act as an exporter of your tool from overseas to the US. We will manufacture tooling and package it for shipping to your location.

What type of manufacturing solutions do you offer?
Discover Global performs a wide variety of metal and plastic contract manufacturing at both our domestic and overseas facilities. Our domestic facilities are designed for low to moderate volume projects requiring shorter lead times, whereas our overseas facilities are designed for moderate to high volume projects.

Discover Global also has the ability to combine all of these parts together to deliver you a final assembly, packaged and ready to be delivered to your consumers.

What are manufacturing lead times in the US and overseas?
Typical manufacturing lead times vary for different types of products and also depending on volumes. For an initial production run overseas, the typical lead-time is six weeks for production. After the initial production run, lead times are typically closer to five weeks. In addition, after production in overseas, freight will take one week by air and approximately four weeks by ocean.

In the U.S. lead-times depend largely on raw material availability. If raw materials are in stock, manufacturing lead times are typically one to three weeks depending on production backlog.

Overseas versus US Manufacturing?
Discover Global has traditionally manufactured a significant portion of its products overseas. Through the years we have found there to be value in maintaining both domestic and overseas manufacturing capabilities. Our experience shows deciding whether to manufacture either domestically or offshore strictly depends upon the unique needs of each customer.

An obvious benefit to manufacturing overseas is the opportunity to drastically reduce production costs. For metal and plastic products our customers have experienced 20-50% manufacturing cost savings depending on labor requirements. The higher the volumes produced the more cost savings Discover Global is able to provide for its customers.

Additionally, should the client desire a quick-turn production for manufacturing performed overseas, the cost of air shipping goods into the US can be very expensive. Because goods shipped from overseas to the US via ocean requires several weeks to delivery to the customer after production completion.

The major benefits to Discover Global’s domestic manufacturing operations are the ability to provide customers with quick turn lower volume production services and the closer proximity of manufacturing activities to customers. Domestic manufacturing requires shorter overall lead times.

Will you manufacture my previously designed product (e.g. a product based on existing prototypes, designs, or drawings)?
Yes, in fact approximately 80% of products manufactured by Discover Global are based on existing prototypes, designs, or drawings. While your product may have previously been designed elsewhere, Discover Global is in an excellent position to assist you in improving those designs by exploring engineering cost-savings options or manufacturability improvements.

How long does it take to ship from overseas to the US?
Typically, shipping via ocean from overseas to the US takes approximately 4-5 weeks. Additionally, air freighting goods into the US takes 7 days for bulk shipments.

Which shipping method do you recommend?
Both timing and costs are the major drivers in answering this question. Generally, we recommend ocean shipment for large volume orders. Shipping ocean will allow a lower per pound shipping cost but requires longer lead times. As mentioned above, shipping via ocean typically takes 4-5 weeks. For smaller volume orders for which time is a critical factor we recommend airfreight.

I’m a new startup company. What payment terms can I get?
Discover Global accepts either a prepayment of 100% in advance or in some cases a minimum prepayment of 75% from new startup companies.

My company is not located in the US. What terms can I expect?
Discover Global will accept wire transfers in advance or a letter of credit from its international clients.

What are your credit policies?
Individual Customers (includes firms in business <1 year and new startup companies): 100% prepayment or minimum prepayment of 75% for approved customers.
Established Companies: A standard credit check will be performed where our credit form will need to be signed. In addition, 3 credit and 1 bank reference are required. Credit will be determined based on credit review.

Tooling Customers: 50% down and 50% due upon first article approval if a customer has approved credit. Customers without credit will be required to pay 100% down, or in some cases 75% down.

What are your Standard Terms and Conditions?
Our Standard Terms and Conditions can be found by clicking on the following link: Discover Global Standard Terms and Conditions.

Are you ISO certified?
Yes, Discover Global and all of our subcontractors are ISO certified.

Can I view a copy of Discover Global’s ISO certification?
A copy of our ISO certificate can be found by clicking on the following link: Discover Global ISO 9001:2015 Certificate.