Question 1

What is your minimum order quantity, and can you build a single prototype?

Accepted Answer

There is no minimum order quantity on a custom first article. We will build 1-5 prototypes so you can validate the design in your own system before committing to volume.

Question 2

What are your typical lead times?

Accepted Answer

Standard parts in quantities of 1-5 pieces generally ship within 10-14 business days. For custom prototypes, once the design is approved and the order is placed, lead time is typically 2-3 weeks for up to five pieces. Production lead times vary based on quantity, design requirements, material availability, and capacity. The applicable lead time is confirmed in writing with every quotation.

Question 3

Can you accommodate expedited orders?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We always do our best to accommodate expedited orders when production capacity and material availability allow. Depending on the requested timeline, an expedite fee may apply. Expedited service is not guaranteed for every order, but our team will work with you to determine the fastest available option.

Question 4

What are your payment terms?

Accepted Answer

Terms are confirmed on each quotation. Established accounts are generally set up on net terms following a credit review, and new accounts typically begin with prepayment or a deposit on tooling and first articles. Our sales team will confirm the terms that apply to your order before you place it.

Question 5

Can you build to our print or drawing?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Build-to-print is routine for us. Send your drawing with the request for quotation and our engineers will confirm manufacturability, flag anything that would affect cost or lead time, and quote against your print rather than substituting our own design.

Question 6

Can you help design a transformer if we do not have a completed specification?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Send us what you have and our engineering team can help you work through the rest. We regularly help customers define VA rating, voltages, mounting, and certification requirements from the application itself.

Question 7

What information should I include when asking for a custom design?

Accepted Answer

Power rating (VA); input and output voltages; operating frequency; size or space limits; mounting style; wire or terminal requirements; any certification or testing requirements; and estimated yearly quantity. If you do not have all this information yet, that is okay. Send us what you have, and our engineering team can help you work through the rest.

Question 8

Why should I consider changing an EI transformer to a toroidal transformer?

Accepted Answer

In many applications, a toroidal transformer can offer several advantages over a traditional EI transformer. Toroidal designs are often smaller, lighter, quieter, and more energy efficient. They can also produce less magnetic interference, which can be helpful in sensitive electronic equipment. A toroidal design is not the best fit for every application, but our engineering team can review your existing transformer and help determine whether converting to a toroidal design could improve performance, reduce size or weight, or lower overall cost.

Question 9

Can you manufacture replacement or obsolete transformers?

Accepted Answer

Yes. In many cases, we can reverse engineer an existing transformer and develop a replacement. To do this, we will need certain electrical, mechanical, and application specifications. If you do not have all the information available, send us what you have and our engineering team can help determine what else is needed.

Question 10

Which agency certifications and standards can you build to?

Accepted Answer

We regularly design and build to UL 506, UL 5085, UL 60601, CSA C22.2, IEC 61558, IEC 60601-1, and EN 60601, along with CE marking for the applicable directives. Design for compliance is built in from the start rather than retrofitted after prototyping. Tell us which standards apply to your end product and we will confirm what we can certify against.

Question 11

Are your products RoHS and REACH compliant?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Our standard materials are RoHS compliant and lead free, and we maintain REACH compliance across our supply chain. Material declarations and certificates of compliance are available on request for any part we ship.

Question 12

Do you support first-article inspection, AQL inspection plans, and PPAP?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We can plan production-grade AQL inspection to your sampling standard, issue first-article inspection reports, and assemble full PPAP packages including dimensional layouts, material certifications, and process flow documentation. Tell us what your quality team needs at the request-for-quotation stage so it is priced in from the start.

Question 13

What testing is performed before transformers are shipped?

Accepted Answer

Each transformer is tested to confirm that it meets the required electrical and quality specifications before shipment. Testing may include checks for voltage, current, continuity, insulation, and dielectric strength, depending on the product and customer requirements. Additional testing can also be performed when required by the application or specification.

Question 14

Where are your transformers manufactured?

Accepted Answer

Our headquarters, engineering team, and primary manufacturing facility are in Salisbury, Maryland, USA. We also have engineering and manufacturing capabilities in São José dos Pinhais, Paraná, Brazil.

Question 15

Can we choose between U.S. and Brazil production?

Accepted Answer

In some cases, yes. Toroid manufactures in the U.S. and Brazil and also works with a trusted production partner in China. The best production location depends on the transformer design, order volume, material availability, customer requirements, and logistics. If country of origin is important for your program, let us know during the quotation process and we will confirm the planned manufacturing location in writing.

Question 16

Can you support ongoing production programs and scheduled releases?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We can support ongoing production programs, including blanket purchase orders with scheduled releases. Unless otherwise agreed upon, all units on a blanket purchase order must be released and shipped within one year of the order date.

Question 17

Can you support both low-volume and high-volume production?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We support everything from small prototype and low-volume orders to ongoing, higher-volume production programs. Production planning and lead times depend on the quantity, design requirements, material availability, and scheduling needs for each order.

Question 18

Do you keep custom transformers in stock?

Accepted Answer

No. Custom transformers are made to order based on each customer's specific requirements. Raw materials are purchased based on confirmed purchase orders, not forecasts. Because of this, lead times may vary depending on material availability, order quantity, and production requirements.

Question 19

How do you handle NDAs and confidential designs?

Accepted Answer

Both mutual and one-way NDAs are welcome. Send us yours or use ours, whichever is faster for your legal team. Confidential designs stay inside engineering and are never used in case studies, marketing, or reference calls without written permission.

Question 20

Who owns the design for a custom transformer?

Accepted Answer

Ownership depends on how the transformer is developed and the terms agreed upon for the project. Customer-provided drawings, specifications, and proprietary information remain the customer's property. Designs, drawings, manufacturing methods, and other intellectual property developed by Toroid generally remain Toroid's property unless otherwise agreed to in writing.

Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

Ordering & Lead Times

Custom Design & Engineering

Certifications & Quality

Manufacturing & Supply

Intellectual Property

Technical Topics

Toroidal vs. E-I Laminated Cores

Inrush Current & Soft-Start

Regulation, Efficiency & Temperature Rise

Transformer Noise & Vibration

Magnetic Fields & EMI

Fusing & Circuit Protection

Design Guides

Specifying a Custom Transformer

Mounting & Enclosure Options

Input, Output & Winding Options

Electrical Performance & Design Considerations

Medical & Safety Isolation

Certifications & Testing

Product Datasheets

How to Request a Quote

Define your specs

Submit your requirements

Review & quote

Prototype & production