01 · Concept & CAD
Customer sends CAD, STEP, PDF, hand sketch, or sample. Our engineers convert into a manufacturable 2D drawing and 3D STEP, returning a DFM report in 3–5 working days.
OEM & Custom
Custom Spec Tooling for Aluminum Telescopic Poles
Poolpole develops custom extrusion dies, machining fixtures, and assembly tooling for OEM aluminum telescopic pole programs — from concept sketch or CAD to mass production at our Jiangsu factory. DFM review in 3–5 days, mold build in 15–25 days, first articles in 7–14 days after mold sign-off.
15–25Days Mold Build
100k+Cycles Mold Lifetime
8Accepted CAD File Formats
100%Customer-Owned Tooling Policy
Scope
What You Can Customize on a Pool Pole Program
Custom tooling at Poolpole covers every layer of an aluminum telescopic pole — not just the extrusion die. You can spec:
- Extrusion profile — round, oval, custom OD/ID, wall-thickness band
- Lock structure — hidden-cam, internal-positioning, end-stop, magnetic, threaded
- Tube length range — fixed or telescopic, 2- / 3- / 4- / 5-section
- End geometry — necking, flaring, chamfer, custom slot patterns
- Acabamento da superfície — anodize color, sandblast grit, sealing
- Marca — laser marking position, logo plate, color box, hanger card
Tooling Development Lifecycle — 3 Stages
02 · 3D Prototype
SLA / SLS printed prototype of plastic locking parts plus a short cut of extruded aluminum proves fit, lock engagement, and assembly feel — before any steel tooling is cut.
03 · Mold Build & Trial
Steel extrusion die or injection mold is cut, hardened, and trialled. Small-batch trial run (typically 50–200 pcs) ships for customer sign-off before mass production.
Policy
Mold Cost, IP & Confidentiality
Mold cost is quoted up-front and is typically refundable against bulk-order volume (TODO confirm exact threshold) — so the cost amortizes once orders cross the agreed quantity. Customer-specific tooling stays in our racks ready for repeat orders.
IP & confidentiality: every customer signs an NDA before DFM review. Customer-specific molds are never used for any other client, and customer logos, packaging artwork, and product photos are not displayed publicly without written permission.
Tooling ownership transfers per the agreed terms in the OEM contract — see OEM services for the full IP framework.
Timeline
From CAD to Mass Production — Typical Schedule
| Estágio | Duração | Deliverable |
|---|---|---|
| DFM review | 3 a 5 dias | 2D drawing + STEP + DFM report + tooling cost |
| 3D prototype (optional) | 5–7 days | Printed plastic prototype + extrusion sample |
| Mold build & trial run | 15 a 25 dias | 50–200 pc trial batch for customer sign-off |
| Mass production (first order) | 30–40 days | Full bulk order with retail-ready packaging |
| Repeat orders | 20–30 days | Existing tooling — straight to extrusion queue |
Custom Spec Tooling — FAQ
What CAD file formats do you accept for custom tooling?
STEP, IGES, DWG, DXF, STL, OBJ, PDF drawings, and physical samples. The DFM team handles file conversion and dimensioning — if you only have a hand sketch or a sample, that works too.How much does a custom extrusion die cost?
Extrusion die cost depends on profile complexity, OD, and wall thickness — typically a small four-figure USD setup per profile. Quote returned with the DFM report. Most customers see the die cost recovered against the first 1–2 bulk orders.Can my custom tooling be used for other customers?
No. Customer-specific tooling is segregated in our racks and never used for any other client. This is contractual under the OEM NDA — see OEM services.How long until I see a working prototype?
If you opt for the 3D prototype stage, you have a printed-plastic + extrusion-sample prototype in hand 8–12 days after DFM sign-off. Steel tooling adds 15–25 days for the first trial batch.What if my customer's design needs revision after the first trial?
Common. Minor mold rework is included for the first revision cycle. Substantial geometry changes (e.g. profile OD change) require a new die. We flag rework cost transparently before cutting steel.Do you sign an NDA before DFM review?
Yes — standard mutual NDA before any drawings or samples are shared. Customer artwork, packaging design, and product photos are protected until written release.Start Your Custom Aluminum Pole Tooling Project
Send CAD, a sample, or just a concept — NDA + DFM report in 3–5 days, tooling quote within 24 hours of sign-off.