What is the MOQ for a custom timing belt, and how does prototyping or sampling work?

Quick Answer

For a custom timing belt, our prototyping MOQ is as low as 10 pieces per specification, and production orders usually start at 50 to 100 pieces depending on tooth profile, width, and material. Custom samples are typically dispatched in 5 to 7 working days when tooling already exists and 7 to 12 working days when a new mold, die, or grinding fixture is required. Mixed-specification sample orders are accepted so you can test several candidates in one shipment, and the sample cost is rebated against your first production purchase order.

Why MOQ and Sampling Matter to US and European Buyers

In conversations with North American OEMs and European machine builders, three frustrations come up repeatedly: being forced to buy 500 pieces of a custom belt just to validate a redesign, paying for samples that never get refunded, and waiting three to four weeks for a part that is supposed to be a quick iteration. Our sampling program was built around removing exactly these friction points.

• Prototyping MOQ from 10 pieces — enough material to machine-mount, run a pilot shift, or send to your lab for material certification.
• Sample lead time 5–7 working days from existing tooling, with 7–12 days for new custom molds and extruder calibrations.
• Mixed SKUs in one sample shipment — validate several widths, profiles, or compounds in a single purchase order.
• Sample-cost rebate against your first PO, so the prototype is not a sunk cost.
• Test report included with every sample shipment: tensile strength, elongation, Shore hardness, and dimensional inspection.

What You Need to Send Before We Quote a Sample

To convert a sample request into an accurate quote within 24 hours, share these five points with our engineering team:

1. Belt specification — tooth profile and pitch (HTD, STD, T, AT, RPP, Imperial RMA), belt length, width, and number of teeth.
2. Material and reinforcement — chloroprene rubber (CR), hydrogenated nitrile (HNBR), EPDM, polyurethane (PU), silicone; fiberglass, aramid / Kevlar, steel, or polyester tensile cord.
3. Application context — operating temperature, peak torque, RPM, chemical or oil exposure, food / pharmaceutical / outdoor environment.
4. Pulley data — number of teeth, flange style, center distance, keyway, or a sample of the existing pulley.
5. Compliance target — RoHS, REACH, FDA, UL, or specific OEM cross-reference such as Gates, Continental ContiTech, Bando, or Mitsuboshi part numbers.

What Happens After You Approve the Sample

Mass-production lead time typically runs 10–18 working days after sample approval, depending on batch size and reinforcement. Ocean freight to US ports (Los Angeles, New York, Houston) usually adds 12–18 days; air freight is available for urgent lines in 5–7 days. Every production batch carries 100% dimensional inspection plus batch-level tensile and Shore-A testing, and a full traceability dossier (material lot, cord lot, cure date, QC signature) is shipped with the goods.

Common Buyer Questions We Hear

Can I get a free sample? We provide free samples for stock-style custom specifications; for unique compounds or new tooling, a small sample fee applies and is fully rebated on the first production PO.

Do you ship samples via DHL / FedEx? Yes — we routinely ship sample parcels via DHL, FedEx, UPS, or TNT for North American and EU destinations, typically arriving in 3–5 business days.

Can you sign an NDA before I share drawings? Absolutely. Our legal team routinely countersigns mutual NDAs and confidentiality agreements so that your drawings, bills of material, and proprietary dimensions stay protected.

Send your drawing, sample, or specification to our engineering team and you will receive a fixed-price sample quote within 24 hours.