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Clear Injection Molding Quotation Guide
Essential Information for Accurate Chinese Supplier Quotes
1
Product Specifications
3D Drawings & CAD Files
Essential CAD file formats:
- STEP (.stp/.step) – Most preferred format
- IGES (.igs/.iges) – Universal compatibility
- Parasolid (.x_t) – High precision
- SolidWorks (.sldprt) – Native format
- Avoid: STL, OBJ (mesh formats)
2D Technical Drawings
Supplementary 2D documentation:
- PDF/DWG – Dimensioned drawings
- Critical dimensions clearly marked
- GD&T (Geometric Dimensioning)
- Section views for complex geometry
- Assembly drawings if multi-part
- Surface finish callouts (Ra values)
Clear Material Specs
Specify exact material grade:
- PC (Polycarbonate) – Lexan, Makrolon
- PMMA (Acrylic) – Plexiglas, Lucite
- PS (Polystyrene) – Crystal clear grade
- Transparency level (90%+ light transmission)
- UV resistance requirements
- Food grade certification if needed
Clear Part Quality Standards
Define optical & surface criteria:
- Optical clarity: 90%+ light transmission
- Surface finish: SPI A-1 to A-3 standards
- No visible flow lines or weld lines
- Stress crack resistance testing
- Gate vestige specifications
- Acceptable haze levels (typically <2%)
2
Production Details
Volume Requirements
Clearly state quantities:
- Annual volume forecast
- Order quantities per batch
- Minimum order quantities
- Peak season requirements
- Growth projections
Timeline Expectations
Define project schedule:
- First article delivery date
- Production start date
- Ongoing delivery schedule
- Lead time requirements
- Flexibility for rush orders
Tooling Considerations
Mold specifications:
- Single vs multi-cavity preference
- Tool steel requirements
- Expected tool life
- Cooling system needs
- Hot runner vs cold runner
Packaging & Shipping
Logistics requirements:
- Protection level needed
- Individual vs bulk packaging
- Labeling requirements
- Destination port/address
- Incoterms preference
3
Documentation Checklist
Required Documents for Accurate Quotes
3D CAD files (STEP/IGES preferred)
2D technical drawings (PDF/DWG)
Native CAD files if available
Material specification sheet
Quality standards document
Reference samples (if available)
Volume forecast spreadsheet
Packaging requirements
Delivery timeline
Budget range expectations
Pro Tips for Better Quotes
Provide STEP or IGES files – the gold standard for 3D CAD data exchange
Include native CAD files (SolidWorks, AutoCAD, Pro/E) when possible
Avoid mesh formats like STL or OBJ – they lack precision for molding
Ensure 3D models show wall thickness and draft angles clearly
Request quotes for multiple volume tiers to understand scaling
Ask for itemized breakdowns (tooling, material, labor, etc.)
Inquire about payment terms and currency options