Frequent questions

General

  • O-FLEX³ is a manufacturing company based in Portugal, specialized in high-quality metal furniture and components.

    We support designers, studios, and brands from concept to prototype, and into production when the project is ready.

    We don’t design.

    We make sure the design actually works in the real world.

  • Send us an email at info@oflex3.com with :

    1. your concept or design

    2. its current level of definition

    3. your objective (prototype, production, trade show, market launch)

    4. Any additional information (there is never too much detail)

    We’ll take it from there.

  • No.

    We work as an industrial partner:

    • technical guidance

    • co-development

    • anticipation of production issues

    • clear communication on constraints

  • Metal is our core expertise (steel, stainless steel, aluminum), but we regularly integrate:

    • leather, fabrics, upholstery

    • wood, resin, glass

    • machined parts and custom hardware

    We manage the entire process with our partner network. You can find more information on this in our Materials & finishes section.

Intérieur d'un salon avec une table en bois, une chaise en métal, une cheminée en verre, un fauteuil rembourré à rayures, et une grande fenêtre avec vue sur une rue avec des voitures et des arbres, et un mur avec un logo bleu 'O-FLEX3'.
Une personne utilisant une machine de polissage dans un atelier de fabrication, avec des outils suspendus et un poste de travail en métal perforé.

Minimum quantities

  • Yes — but it depends on the project.

    • Prototype: MOQ = 1

    • Small series: possible from a few units

    • Industrial series: MOQ defined according to material, process, and tooling

    We don’t reject projects solely because of volume. We can go from one to thousands of units.

  • Absolutely.

    Many clients begin with:

    • 1 prototype

    • then 1–2 test units

    • before committing to a larger production run

    This is a workflow we know well.

Un ingénieur effectue des travaux de soudage ou de fabrication dans un atelier industriel, utilisant un casque de protection et des gants, avec des étincelles visibles.

Prototyping & development

  • Yes.

    Prototyping is a key part of our approach. It’s a phase of technical and aesthetic validation, not just “the first piece.”

  • Yes.

    We work on one-off pieces, experimental projects, and concept prototypes — as long as the project is technically coherent.

  • Because a prototype includes:

    • technical analysis

    • process development

    • testing and adjustments

    • non-repeatable labor time

    As a reference, a prototype is usually priced at around 3× the series unit price. But this vary significantly from one project to another.

  • Yes.

    For complex or innovative projects, several iterations are often needed.

lead times

  • On average:

    6 to 8 weeks, depending on complexity and iterations.

  • It depends on:

    • quantities

    • materials

    • finishes

    Lead times are clearly defined at quotation stage. But on average, it’s 8 weeks from order validation to shipping.

  • Yes, regularly.

    This requires:

    • early planning

    • fast validation

    • clear decision-making

Pricing & process

  • Yes.

    However, a target price greatly helps guide technical decisions.

  • Pricing depends on:

    • manufacturing time

    • material

    • finishing

    • tooling (if required)

    • volume

    We always aim for transparent, explainable pricing.

  • Tooling is used to:

    • ensure repeatability

    • guarantee quality

    • optimize production time

    In some cases, tooling can be reduced or avoided by adjusting the design.

Feasibility & engineering

  • Yes — this is actually where most of our value lies.

    We analyze:

    • geometries

    • bending radii

    • welding access

    • tolerances

    • finishing constraints

    • hidden production costs

    And we propose smart adjustments without compromising the design intent.

  • We don’t just say “no.”

    We explain:

    • why it doesn’t work

    • where the constraints are

    • what alternatives are possible

    The goal is a product that is buildable, reliable, and visually strong.

  • Yes.

    We regularly work from:

    • sketches

    • partial drawings

    • STL / STEP files

    • DWG / DXF files

    Our engineering department can take you project anywhere from a first sketch to an advanced project and turn it into a producible object.

Finishes & materials

  • Depending on the material:

    • raw / industrial

    • brushed

    • polished

    • sandblasted / glass-blasted

    • painted (powder coating, liquid paint, special textures)

    You can see some examples of the finishes we offer on the “Materials & finishes” page of our website.

  • Yes.

    We often propose options that are:

    • more durable

    • more consistent industrially

    • sometimes more cost-efficient

Shipping

  • We work in EX Works.

    Shipping is not included in our prices but we can provide shipping options to our customers through our logistical partner if need be.