How to Get Custom EV Charging Pin Prototypes: A Step-by-Step Guide

So you’re designing a new charging gun and need prototype pins. You have a drawing, a rough sketch, or maybe just a reference part. What’s the fastest way to get machined samples in your hand?

Here’s the process we use at VOLCRIX for prototype charging pin orders — from drawing review to delivered samples.

Step 1: Send Your Drawing or Reference

We accept PDF, STEP, IGES, and DXF. If you don’t have a formal drawing, a rough sketch with critical dimensions is enough. Even a reference part works — we can reverse-engineer it and suggest optimizations for Swiss turning manufacturability.

Send to: lesley@volcrix.com

Step 2: Engineering Review (24-48 hours)

Our engineering team reviews the design for:

• Swiss turning feasibility — can all features be machined in a single setup?
• Material selection — is the specified alloy appropriate for the application?
• Tolerance stack-up — are the specified tolerances achievable and necessary?
• Plating clearance — is there enough stock for the specified plating thickness?
• Cost optimization — are there features driving up cost without adding value?

Step 3: Quotation (24-48 hours)

You’ll receive a quote covering tooling, per-piece pricing, lead time, and shipping options (DDP available for US and EU). Prototype quantities of 100-500 pieces are typical.

Step 4: Production (5-7 working days for prototypes)

Prototype runs use the same Swiss CNC machines and processes as production runs — no shortcuts. You get production-quality parts at prototype quantities. First article inspection (FAI) report is included.

Step 5: Delivery (5-7 days DDP air freight)

Parts ship via express air freight with DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) terms. You receive the package at your door — no customs paperwork, no surprise fees.

Total timeline from drawing to parts in hand: approximately 2-3 weeks for prototype quantities.

For more on the sourcing process, see our sourcing FAQ. For a real project example, check our charging pin case study.

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

What file formats for quotes?

PDF, STEP, IGES, DXF. A rough sketch or reference part works too.

How many prototype pieces?

100-500 for validation. Pilot runs of 1,000-5,000 for assembly fit testing.

How fast can I get prototypes?

5-7 working days machining + 5-7 days DDP air freight. Total: 2-3 weeks.