| # | Requirement | Mold Building Only | Mold Building & Injection Molding |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cavity count | ||
| 2 | Plastic resin | Resin + weight (unless 3D model provided) | |
| 3 | Mold steel & hardness | ||
| 4 | Molding quantity | ||
| 5 | Surface & gate requirements | Mold finish + gate location | Color, finish, gate & more |
| 6 | Hot runner drops | ||
| 7 | Critical sizes & assembly | ||
| 8 | Packaging | ||
| 9 | Secondary operations | Paint, print, assembly, etc. |
Shorter cycle times, no runner waste, lower per-part cost at scale. Recommended for volumes over 50,000 parts.
Lower upfront mold cost, simpler tooling. Best for smaller volumes where runner waste is acceptable.
Design optimization for manufacturability and cost reduction before tooling begins.
Complete 3D CAD model creation from concepts, sketches, or physical samples.
SLA, SLS, and FDM prototyping for rapid design validation before committing to tooling.
Production-intent material prototypes for robust functional and fit testing.
Aluminum or P20 steel molds for low-volume production and bridge tooling.
Silicone mold casting for small pre-production runs with good surface quality.
24 to 72 hours when all required details are provided upfront, including 3D files, material, quantity, and tolerances.
3 to 10 business days for parts with undercuts, complex geometry, tight tolerances, or multi-cavity requirements.
Submit an RFQ that leaves no room for guessing. Include mold type, cavity count, steel preference, expected mold life, and warranty expectations.
Be clear about the reason for quoting. Don’t ask for a full engineering analysis for a project years down the road.
Be discreet when requesting quotes. Do not share ideas from competing mold makers.
Discuss costs and timelines before you’re locked into a design. Effective early collaboration avoids costly revisions.
Ask for regular updates. Many mold makers use Gantt charts or project portals to keep clients informed.
Plan for down payments and milestone-based payments, with final payment on approved samples and mold shipment.
Part design changes after tooling begins delay lead times and increase cost significantly.
A mold is complete when it produces parts meeting print specifications. All changes after approval require ECOs.
If an offer seems too good to be true, it usually is. Mold quality directly affects part quality for millions of cycles.
Ready to start your project? Kontakt with your requirements for a detailed quote.
