From concept to carton.
One clear process.
Every project follows the same five-phase workflow. One point of contact from start to finish. No guesswork, no disappearing acts.
Brief & Concept
You share your reference — a sketch, photo, tech pack, or even a competitor’s button you’d like to improve. We assess feasibility, recommend suitable materials and surface treatments, and provide a preliminary quote. If you’re unsure about material choice, we guide you based on your garment type, budget, and desired aesthetic.
Sample Development
We create a physical prototype. This includes custom tooling (mold or die), material preparation, surface treatment, and dimensional verification. You receive the sample via express courier for hands-on evaluation. Sample cost depends on complexity — simple modifications to existing molds are lower; fully custom 3D designs require new tooling.
Approval & Refinement
You review the sample and provide feedback. Most projects need 1–2 rounds of adjustment — typically fine-tuning color, finish texture, or dimensional details. We adjust and re-sample until you sign off. Color matching follows ΔE<1.5 standard; we can also match to a physical Pantone chip or fabric swatch you provide.
Bulk Production
Once approved, we schedule production. Inline quality checks run throughout — not just at the end. Every batch is tested for dimensional accuracy, surface finish consistency, and functional performance (snap force, shank strength, etc.). We send production progress updates and flag any issues before they become problems.
QC & Delivery
Final inspection before packing. We pack according to your spec — bulk poly bags, individual cards, or custom packaging. Shipping options include express courier (DHL/FedEx/UPS), air freight, or sea freight depending on volume and urgency. We provide tracking and handle export documentation.
Hardware
Response
Consistency
Turnaround
Process and Ordering FAQ
MOQ, sampling, tooling, and lead time answered directly, so the commercial terms are clear before you send a tech pack.
What is your minimum order quantity?
MOQ starts at 2,000 pcs per design. The threshold applies per design rather than per order, so a collection using three distinct button designs is quoted as three separate 2,000-pc lines. Where a design draws on an existing mold reference, the same MOQ applies without an additional tooling investment.
How long does sampling take?
Typical sampling is 14 days from an approved specification. If the design requires a new mold, allow an additional 5 to 7 days for mold fabrication before the sampling clock starts. Designs matched to one of the 10,000+ existing mold references skip that step entirely.
Do I have to pay for tooling or molds?
A fully custom shape requires a new mold, which is a one-time tooling charge quoted with the project. Designs that use an existing mold reference carry no tooling charge. Where a project is close to an existing reference, Noraforge identifies the match at quotation so the tooling decision is explicit before sampling begins.
What is the bulk production lead time?
Bulk production typically runs 21 to 25 days after sample approval, depending on the finish process and quantity. Electroplated finishes that require chemical aging, such as antique brass and antique copper, add roughly 3 to 4 days at the plating stage.
How many sampling rounds should I plan for?
Most projects reach approval within one to three rounds. A complete specification at the outset is the single largest factor in reducing rounds: material, gauge, dimensions with tolerance, finish name with a color reference, logo method, and artwork as a vector file. Incomplete specifications let factory defaults fill the gaps, which is what generates additional rounds.
What do you need from me to start?
Any one of the following is enough to begin: a physical sample, a clear photo with a dimension reference, logo artwork in vector format, or a tech pack trim page. Inquiries receive a response within 24 hours. Where information is missing, Noraforge lists the specific open items rather than assuming defaults.
Ready to develop your custom hardware?
Send a reference image, sketch, or tech pack. We respond within 24 hours.
Request a Quote →