SGL's published flush-casement product estimate is 20–35 days after drawing approval and deposit confirmation. Other supplier examples include 30–45 days for ORM's standard container orders and 4–6 weeks from final survey for Multitrades' made-to-measure windows. These figures apply to different products and scheduling milestones; delivery to a port or jobsite adds transport and destination steps unless the quotation includes them.
For project planning, the key question is: when does the production clock start, and where does the quoted schedule end?
What Published Lead-Time Examples Include
The following supplier-published estimates illustrate how product scope and approval milestones affect the schedule. They are not an industry average.
| Published example | Stated timing and start point | Scope shown by the source |
|---|---|---|
| SGL aluminum windows | 20–35 days after drawing approval and deposit confirmation | Product-page estimate for this flush-casement range; special finishes or bar layouts may take longer. |
| ORM Windows, standard container orders | 30–45 days after design sign-off and deposit | Supplier-published production estimate covering extrusion, surface treatment, assembly and pre-shipment quality checks. |
| Multitrades made-to-measure aluminum windows | 4–6 weeks from final survey | Supplier FAQ says timing varies with complexity and the current schedule; a firm estimate is provided with the quotation. |
SGL's page does not specify working versus calendar days; the quotation should define that basis and its endpoint. Sources: SGL flush-casement page,
ORM Windows and
What Happens During Aluminum Window Manufacturing?
A project schedule commonly moves through a sequence of specification and production milestones. The buyer and supplier first align on the window schedule, dimensions, opening types, profile system, glass, finish and hardware. Shop drawings are then reviewed and approved so production can follow a defined configuration.
SGL Production Confirmation Drawings
For an existing profile system, production may cover material preparation, cutting and machining, assembly, glazing, hardware fitting, agreed checks and packing. A new extrusion or tooling request is a separate scope. Suppliers differ in which steps they handle and what checks are included; ask for the milestones in the quoted schedule. Final checks may include dimensions, opening and closing operation, or surface appearance.
Preparing
Cutting
Assembly
Glassmaking
Install
Debug
Package
Transportation
Which Details Can Change the Schedule?
The specification and current factory schedule shape the timeline. Review:
Drawings and revisions: confirm when shop drawings are approved and how changes after sign-off affect the schedule.
Profiles and finishes: ask whether the selected profile and color are available for the order; non-standard finishes or a new tooling requirement may follow a different schedule.
Glass and hardware: confirm the glass build-up, coatings, hardware type and finish early, especially where specific items must be sourced.
Size, shape and quantity: clarify whether repeated openings can share a configuration, and identify oversized, shaped or one-off units separately.
Current production capacity: request an order-specific timeline tied to the confirmed quantity, material availability and approval status.
These details affect orders differently. Have the supplier show how they are reflected in the dated schedule.
Production Time and Delivery Time Are Different
A practical project schedule separates:
Approved specification → production and agreed checks → export packing → dispatch → international transit and customs → destination delivery → installation
Production may end when windows are ready for packing or dispatch; delivery may end at a port, warehouse, curbside or jobsite. Shipping mode, customs, unloading and installation sit beyond the factory period unless the quotation says otherwise. Confirm each endpoint and responsibility in writing.
Ask whether days are calendar or working days and whether holidays count. Shipping figures in published examples apply only to their stated route and terms.
How to Plan an Order-Specific Schedule with SGL
The For Professionals page directs buyers to confirm timing against the current schedule, quantity, approvals, material availability and delivery scope.
For a quotation, send drawings or a window schedule, quantity, opening types and dimensions, system preference, glass, finish, hardware, destination, shipping terms and target site date. Request the start milestone, production-ready date, dispatch point, delivery endpoint and installation scope in writing.
FAQ
Q: When should the production clock start?
A: Agree on a specific milestone in the order schedule, such as final drawing approval, survey completion, deposit confirmation or formal order acceptance. Use the milestone stated in the supplier's written quotation.
Q: Does aluminum window production time include shipping?
A: Not necessarily. Ask whether the estimate ends at factory completion, packing, dispatch or a named destination, then confirm freight, customs and site delivery separately.
Q: What should I send to request a realistic schedule?
A: Provide the window schedule or drawings, quantity, opening types, glass, finish, hardware, destination and target on-site date. Note any undecided specifications so the supplier can identify what remains before confirming dates.
Tie the schedule to an approved configuration and named endpoint before coordinating installation and other site work. For broader procurement checks, read SGL's aluminum window supplier-selection guide.
