Connector FAQ
Answers to common questions about connector selection, custom development, samples, quality documentation and working with FPIC.
Custom Development
Does FPIC provide OEM and ODM support?
Yes. FPIC supports drawing-based manufacturing and application-led connector development. OEM projects start from your approved design and manufacturing requirements; ODM support can include concept review, structure development, material selection, tooling feasibility and prototype evaluation. Responsibilities, deliverables and approval criteria are agreed for the project.
Can a project start without a complete drawing?
Yes. A concept, reference sample or description of the connection problem can be a starting point. Send the installation space, required function, electrical load, mating interface and environmental conditions. FPIC can review these inputs with you before defining the design and prototype scope.
Which connector features can be customized?
Customization can address the housing, contact arrangement, mounting, termination, material, plating, sealing, color, identification and packaging. Feasibility depends on the product construction and application requirements. Changes affecting a certified configuration are reviewed for their effect on the approval scope.
How does a custom project move into production?
The typical route is requirement review, feasibility evaluation, design and tooling planning, prototype development, sample verification and production release. The project plan defines drawing revisions, acceptance criteria and customer approval points. Trial production and process preparation are included where needed before repeat manufacturing.
What does FPIC’s zero-risk development promise cover?
The promise applies to qualified custom development projects under an agreed project arrangement. Development fees may be refundable if FPIC cannot meet the agreed development requirements, subject to the project agreement. Eligibility, technical acceptance criteria, covered costs and refund conditions must be confirmed before development begins.
Samples & Quotations
Can I request samples before placing a production order?
Yes. Send the part number or drawing, sample quantity, evaluation purpose and delivery destination. FPIC confirms availability, preparation time and any sample or shipping charges for the selected product. Samples from an existing series and newly developed prototypes have different preparation requirements.
What should I send for an accurate quotation?
Send the part number or drawing revision, specifications, required quantity, estimated annual demand, delivery destination and target schedule. Include material, plating, testing, approval and packaging requirements where relevant. For replacement projects, identify the reference part and the interface that must be retained.
Is there one minimum order quantity for all products?
MOQ is confirmed for the selected connector and order scope. The applicable quantity is reviewed against materials, tooling, manufacturing setup and packaging, rather than one figure covering every product family. State your prototype, initial-order and repeat-order quantities separately so FPIC can evaluate the production route.
How long is a quotation valid?
The validity period is stated on the FPIC quotation. Check its expiry date and the assumptions covering specifications, quantity and delivery requirements before placing an order. A change in drawing, material, plating, quantity or scope may require an updated quotation.
Are tooling, prototypes and tests included in the unit price?
The quotation defines which costs are included and which are charged separately. Ask for the treatment of tooling, prototype preparation, inspection or testing, approval work, packaging and freight where relevant. Confirm the agreed scope before authorizing development or placing a production order.
Which management-system certifications does FPIC hold?
FPIC’s management systems include ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 13485 and IATF 16949. Request the applicable current certificate and scope for your supplier review. A management-system certificate does not establish product certification or suitability for every application.
Does FPIC offer UL-certified connectors?
Yes. FPIC’s energy storage connector range includes UL-certified 1000 V, 1500 V and 2000 V DC series, with configurations up to 450 A. Request the certificate reference and covered part number for your selection. Certification of a connector does not automatically cover a custom variation, cable assembly or complete equipment.
What inspection and testing can be included?
The inspection and verification plan is defined for the product and application. It can include dimensions, appearance, contact resistance, insulation resistance, dielectric withstand, temperature rise, mating force, retention and relevant environmental evaluation. Confirm the test conditions, acceptance criteria and sampling or production-test scope; not every test applies to every order.
Can FPIC provide RoHS or REACH information?
Request the declaration or supporting compliance information needed for the selected part number, material configuration and market. Specify the applicable substance requirements and document format during the inquiry. The available evidence and any additional assessment are reviewed for the product rather than assumed to cover every configuration.
Can FPIC support automotive PPAP or IMDS requirements?
PPAP documentation and IMDS submission can be discussed for automotive connector and component projects. Specify the requested PPAP level, customer-specific requirements, submission timing and material information during project review. The agreed deliverables depend on the product and project scope, rather than applying automatically to every order.
How are production records and changes controlled?
Approved drawings, material requirements, process instructions and inspection criteria define the released production configuration. FPIC uses manufacturing and quality records to support traceability. Define the required lot identification, document package, record-retention needs and change-notification requirements when the project is agreed.
Production & Delivery
Which manufacturing processes does FPIC perform in-house?
FPIC integrates connector engineering, tooling, plastic injection molding, metal processing, assembly and testing. This supports coordination between product design and production feasibility. The process route and any project-specific sourcing requirements are reviewed for the selected construction.
Can FPIC support both development quantities and repeat production?
Yes. FPIC can evaluate prototype, trial-production and repeat-manufacturing requirements. Production methods are selected according to product structure, quantity, tooling and inspection needs. Share your initial order and annual forecast so capacity planning and the manufacturing setup can be reviewed together.
How are tooling and production lead times confirmed?
Tooling, prototypes and production are scheduled as separate stages where applicable. Timing depends on design readiness, tooling work, materials, verification, customer approval and order quantity. FPIC confirms the project schedule after reviewing the requirements; an existing-part order should not be assumed to follow the same timeline as a new development.
Can customers visit or audit FPIC’s factory?
Yes. Factory visits and supplier audits can be arranged with FPIC in advance. Share the audit scope, preferred dates, relevant product or process and document requirements. The visit plan can then be coordinated with the manufacturing, engineering and quality teams.
Orders & After-Sales Support
What payment terms apply to a new customer?
For new customers, FPIC normally uses T/T in advance. The applicable payment schedule is confirmed in the quotation or order agreement, including any development or tooling charges. Any alternative credit arrangement requires separate agreement.
Can packaging and shipment requirements be specified?
Yes. Include the delivery destination, labeling, packaging method and required shipment documents with your inquiry. Reel, tray or other packing arrangements are reviewed against the selected product and handling process. Freight responsibilities and shipment terms should be confirmed with the order.
What storage and soldering guidance applies to FPIC parts?
Use the handling, storage and soldering requirements for the exact part number and packaging. Request the applicable moisture-sensitivity information where relevant, soldering profile, shelf-life guidance and any preparation requirements before assembly. Do not apply one MSL classification or storage condition to all connector families.
What warranty terms apply to an order?
Confirm the applicable warranty period, storage and handling requirements, exclusions and claim procedure in the quotation or supply agreement before ordering. These terms need to match the product and agreed conditions of use. Keep the order reference and batch information available if a quality concern arises.
What should I do if I find a quality issue?
Contact your FPIC representative or info@fpiconn.com with the part number, order reference, lot or date code, affected quantity, photographs and a description of the issue. Include the operating or assembly conditions and any inspection results. Coordinate the investigation and any return arrangement with FPIC before shipping material back.