Tooling Is Just a Deposit: What Really Costs on LED Optical Extrusion Is the Supplier Switch
Two seemingly identical LED diffuser quotes can differ by 20%, yet few buyers price the true cost of switching suppliers: two or three re-sampling rounds, re-validating photometry on the luminaire, re-signing customer approvals, and field rework. Optical extrusions are not catalog parts — “same drawing, same material” does not guarantee the same result. This article breaks down the five variables behind a quote and four hidden bills, gives a qualification drawing-package checklist, and the criteria for judging whether an optical extrusion factory is worth a long-term partnership.
