Published on 10/19/2026
A line is down, or a demo is next Thursday, and the cable you need is not on anyone's shelf. Suppliers quote anywhere from 2 days to 8 weeks for what looks like the same assembly. This page explains where lead time actually goes, what you control, and what has to be true for a quick-turn build to happen.
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For most custom assemblies, waiting for parts is the longest step, not building. A typical order passes through five stages.
| Stage | What happens | Typical effect on lead time |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Quote and drawing approval | Spec confirmed, questions answered | Hours to days; depends on how complete your RFQ is |
| 2. Connector sourcing | Connectors pulled from stock or ordered | Zero if in stock; often the longest wait if ordered |
| 3. Cable sourcing | Cable cut from stock reel or ordered | Zero if stocked; days to weeks otherwise |
| 4. Build | Cut, strip, terminate | Minutes per piece for standard builds |
| 5. Test and ship | VNA sweep, packing, dispatch | Same day for the sweep; shipping time varies by route |
The build itself is the shortest stage. Everything else is availability and communication, and both are things a supplier can prepare for by holding stock and a buyer can prepare for by sending a complete request.
Need parts fast? Mark your request urgent and include cable, connectors, length and quantity.
Send an Urgent RequestSigmaRF lists lead times as short as 2 days. That figure is real when four things are true, and it is better to state them than to hide them.
Conditions for a 2-day build
What breaks a 2-day lead time
We hold connector stock and sweep every assembly in-house on a VNA before shipment, so the stages that usually add days sit inside one team. If your job needs an unusual part, we tell you at quote time and give a date, not a hope. The same approach applies to small orders: see buying small lots.
Writing "URGENT" in the subject line does not change anything by itself. What helps is giving the supplier the facts that decide speed.
Subject: RFQ quick-turn - 10 pcs SMA-M to SMA-M, RG316, 500 mm Needed by: [date], delivery to [city/country] Quantity: 10 (partial shipment OK: yes) Cable: RG316, PTFE, or equivalent you stock Connectors: SMA male straight, both ends Length: 500 mm +/- 5 mm Test: VSWR and insertion loss, 100 MHz to 6 GHz, data per unit Substitutions: equivalent connector brand OK: yes
The last two lines matter most. Allowing equivalent parts gives the supplier room to use what is on the shelf, and stating partial shipment tells them speed matters more than a single box.
| Situation | What to expect | What helps |
|---|---|---|
| Standard build, parts in stock, complete RFQ | Days, as short as 2 for SigmaRF | Send the full spec in the first message |
| Standard build, one part to order | Days to a couple of weeks, depends on the part | Accept an equivalent connector |
| Special connector or exotic cable | Weeks; depends on availability | Order the long-lead part early, before the design freezes |
| Design change mid-order | Restarts part of the process | Freeze length and connector before the order |
For the process stages from prototype through production, see the prototype-to-production guide. For what shifts cost as lead time shortens, see the cost drivers article.
How long does a custom cable assembly take?
From 2 days when parts are in stock and the build is standard, to several weeks when connectors or cable must be ordered. The parts, not the build, set the timeline.
Can I get custom RF cable assemblies in 2 days?
Yes, when SigmaRF stocks the connectors and cable, the construction is standard and the request is complete. We confirm the date at quote time.
What slows down a custom cable assembly order?
Missing information in the RFQ, parts that must be ordered, drawing changes after approval and non-standard test requirements.
How do I ask for a rush cable assembly order?
State the needed-by date, quantity, cable, connectors, length and test scope in the first message, and say whether equivalents and partial shipments are acceptable.
Does a fast turnaround cost more?
Often yes, because it uses stock and prioritises the job. Ask for the price difference between standard and rush so you can decide.
Are quick-turn assemblies still tested?
They should be. SigmaRF sweeps every assembly on a VNA for VSWR and insertion loss before shipment, including quick-turn orders.
Where are quick-turn assemblies built?
At our Vadodara, India volume facility or our Cleveland-area precision facility, depending on your location and spec.
Lead time is mostly parts availability and clear communication. Send a complete request, accept equivalent standard parts and allow partial shipments, and choose a supplier that holds stock. That is how a 2-day build happens.
Ready to talk about your build?
Send an urgent request with your needed-by date and we will confirm a realistic delivery date.
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