Our Velocity Based Lead Times
Not every project moves at the same pace. That's why Protocase gives you the flexibility to choose the manufacturing velocity that best fits your timeline — without ever compromising on quality. Explore the three options below to find the right fit for your project.
Priority
2-3 Day* Fixed, Nominal lead time
When every minute matters.
Choose Priority for projects that cannot wait. With our highest manufacturing velocity and a nominal 2–3 day* lead time, it's built for urgent prototypes, tight development schedules, and time-critical projects.
- Fixed, Nominal 2-3 business day* lead time
- We actively welcome complex projects
- Job never waits in a general queue
- FedEx overnight shipping included
Express
5-10 Day* Fixed, Nominal lead time
When predictable delivery matters.
Express provides a nominal 5–10 business day* manufacturing lead time, making it ideal for projects that require scheduling confidence while still benefiting from the world's fastest, most nimble manufacturing supply chain.
- Fixed, Nominal 5-10 business day* lead time
- We actively welcome complex projects
- Job never waits in a general queue
- FedEx 2-3 day* shipping included
Economy
10+ Day* variable lead time
When your project isn't time-sensitive.
Economy is ideal for customers who want access to the same industry-leading quality, engineering expertise, and customer support as every one has come to expect from Protocase, but don't require an expedited production velocity. This option is ideal when greater scheduling flexibility in return for cost savings.
- Variable 10+ day* lead time
- Scheduled into normal production queues
- Same quality, expertise & support as every Protocase order
- FedEx ground or equivalent shipping included
*Assumes the job is below the applicable threshold and required items are in stock. Additional time may be required and will be disclosed at the time of quotation.
What Each Velocity Based Lead Time Means for Your Project
Here's a closer look at what influences your lead time and what you can expect from each manufacturing velocity.
Priority / 2-3 Day* Fixed, Nominal lead time
Priority Velocity ships jobs 2-3 days once job is approved and into production, provided the job falls below our in-house hour threshold and can be completed entirely in-house using stock materials and standard processes. We actively welcome complex projects requiring extended labor, non-stock materials, or third-party finishing. While these specialized requirements may extend the lead time, your project moves forward immediately, delivering your custom parts significantly faster than standard industry timelines.
In rare cases, such as in-process defects or NCRs, additional time may be required. Our velocity guarantee means your job is addressed promptly and never waits in a general queue, which is what makes this 2-3 day* window function as a fixed lead time in practice, even though it can shift with job complexity.
FedEx 2-3 day* shipping is included with all Express orders, so you'll typically have parts in hand within the same week you place your order.
Express / 5-10 Day* Fixed, Nominal lead time
Express velocity ships jobs 5-10 business days from order approval, provided the job falls below our in-house hour threshold and can be completed entirely in-house using stock materials and standard processes. We actively welcome complex projects requiring extended labor, non-stock materials, or third-party finishing. While these specialized requirements may extend the lead time, your project moves forward promptly, delivering your custom parts significantly faster than standard industry timelines.
In rare cases, such as in-process defects or NCRs, additional time may be required. Our velocity guarantee means your job is addressed promptly and never waits in a general queue, which is what makes this 5-10 day* window function as a fixed lead time in practice, even though it can shift with job complexity.
FedEx 2-3 day* shipping is included with all Express orders, so you'll typically have parts in hand within one to two weeks of placing your order.
Economy / 10+ Day* variable lead time
This velocity will typically result in jobs being shipped 10+ days from approval, with actual timing determined by current production capacity, total work hour requirements, material availability, and any required third-party processes or finishes. Unlike Priority and Express, Economy orders are scheduled into normal production queues as capacity becomes available, while still being produced using the same fast, high-velocity manufacturing process.
While production velocity is variable, our commitment to quality is not. Economy orders are manufactured using the same processes, equipment, engineering expertise, and inspection standards as every other Protocase order, giving customers with budget-sensitive jobs the lowest available price without compromising the quality, service, or engineering support that Protocase is known for. FedEx ground or equivalent shipping is included, and delivery timing will vary based on the production schedule and shipping destination.
*Assumes the job is below the applicable threshold and required items are in stock. Additional time may be required and will be disclosed at the time of quotation.
Not Sure Which Velocity Fits Your Project?
No two projects are the same. Whether you're working against a tight deadline or planning ahead, our team is happy to review your timeline, specifications, and budget to help you choose the manufacturing velocity that's right for your project.
Contact an Account Manager