Ordering answers, capability details, and plain-language definitions pulled together from our fabrication and distribution work, so you can plan and spec with confidence.
Straight answers on lead times, minimums, tolerances, fabrication capabilities, shipping, and compliance.
Ordering & Lead Times
01What's a typical lead time?+
Stock material typically ships within 1–3 business days. Custom fabrication timelines depend on part complexity and volume — we'll give you a firm date when we quote the job.
02Is there a minimum order quantity?+
No formal minimum on stock shapes — we cut to the length or quantity you need. Custom fabrication runs are quoted individually based on setup and material.
03How do I get a quote?+
Send a print, sample part, or a description of your application to our team. Include material, quantity, and tolerance requirements where known — the more detail, the faster we can turn around pricing.
04Can I set up a recurring or blanket order?+
Yes. Many customers set up scheduled releases against a blanket order to keep production running without re-quoting every time. Ask your account contact to set this up.
05What are your standard payment terms?+
Standard terms are net 30 for approved accounts, with alternative arrangements (deposits, credit holds) available for larger or first-time orders. Contact us to set up an account.
Tolerances depend on material and geometry — plastics move more than metal with temperature and moisture. We'll confirm achievable tolerances against your print before quoting, and flag anything that needs a design adjustment.
08Can you match a competitor's spec or part?+
In most cases, yes. Send a print, sample, or the competitor's part number and we'll confirm material equivalency before quoting.
09Do you provide material certifications with fabricated parts?+
Yes — certificates of conformance and material traceability documentation are available on request, and are standard on many regulated or DoD-adjacent orders.
10Can you work from a sample instead of a drawing?+
Yes. Send a physical sample or worn part and we can reverse-measure it, recommend a material, and quote replacement parts.
Shipping & Compliance
11Where do you ship from, and what are the options?+
Orders ship from our Cedar Grove, NJ facility via common carrier or your preferred freight account. Local pickup is also available.
12Do you hold any compliance certifications?+
Emco maintains ITAR and SAM certifications for handling Federal Contract Information, supporting customers with DoD-adjacent supply chain requirements.
13Can you accommodate rush orders?+
Often, yes — let us know your deadline when you request a quote and we'll confirm whether an expedite is possible and any associated cost.
Section B — Reference
Glossary & Industry Links
Plain-language definitions for common terms, plus the standards bodies and resources our specs reference.
Material Properties
TENSILE STRENGTH
The maximum stress a material can withstand while being stretched before it breaks.
DIELECTRIC STRENGTH
The maximum voltage a material can withstand without electrical breakdown — relevant for insulating applications.
FLEXURAL MODULUS
A measure of a material's stiffness when bent — higher values mean the material resists bending more.
COEFFICIENT OF FRICTION
A measure of how much resistance two surfaces create when sliding against each other. Lower values mean a slicker, lower-friction surface.
MOISTURE ABSORPTION
How much water a material takes on from the surrounding environment, which can affect dimensions and mechanical properties over time.
Fabrication & Ordering
MACHINABILITY
How easily a material can be cut, drilled, or shaped without excessive tool wear, heat buildup, or distortion.
NET SHAPE
A finished part machined to final dimensions in one pass, requiring no further processing before use.
CERTIFICATE OF CONFORMANCE (C OF C)
A document confirming that a shipped part or material meets the specifications and standards required by the order.
HDU BOARD
High-density urethane board — a rigid foam used for tooling, signage, and mold patterns where wood or metal would be too heavy or costly.
BLANKET ORDER
A standing purchase order covering a set quantity or value of material over a period of time, released in smaller scheduled shipments.
Standards & Certification Bodies
ASTM InternationalStandards directory for material testing methodsUL Product iQMaterial and component certification lookupCMMC Accreditation BodyCybersecurity maturity model certification info
Industry Associations
Plastics Industry AssociationTrade association for the plastics manufacturing sectorInternational Association of Plastics DistributionDistribution-focused industry group
Related Reading
Choosing Between UHMW and HDPEGuidance on wear applicationsUnderstanding Plastic Tolerances vs. MetalWhy plastic parts spec differently
