First, determine how many prototypes to produce. The prototyping sequence is: paper prototype (structure), color prototype (color), and finished product prototype (finishing); first distinguish between “structure not finalized” (start with the paper prototype) and “color matching only” (skip the paper prototype) before scheduling—structure comes first, color second.
How long does a finished product prototype take? Finished sample (full production process): box assembly (hand-assembled / machine-assembled), finishing (hot stamping, UV coating); “overlapping processes” (multiple finishes) add additional days. The turnaround time for finished samples depends on the number of finishing processes.
How long does a paper sample take? Paper samples (hand-made / machine-made): hand-made samples (fast, 1–3 days), machine-made samples (slower, depends on machine availability); “complex structures” (irregular shapes) affect the duration. The paper sample lead time depends on the die-cutting progress.
The logic behind the prototyping timeline: Paper samples establish the structure, color samples establish the colors, and finished samples establish the processes—by clearly specifying “how many samples to produce and in what order,” prototyping time is spent where it counts most.
How should the timeline be scheduled? Schedule: Paper samples (foundation) + color samples (in parallel) + finished samples (final touches); “Rush” (fees) must be discussed in advance. For scheduling details, follow the principle of “patterns first, color samples next, then finished samples.”
The prototyping timeline is the “hidden delivery date” in quotes: When clients ask when goods can be shipped, they often first ask when they can see samples—if the timeline isn’t planned well, a single delay at the front end can throw the entire delivery schedule into disarray. This article clarifies the prototyping timeline for clients seeking custom packaging solutions to use as a reference.
How long do color proofs take? Color proofs (digital / press): Digital proofing (fast, same day); press proofing (slow, subject to press availability); “color matching” (Pantone) is based on the press proof. The color proof timeline follows the printing schedule.
