Injection Molding & Mold Making
Everything your molder needs to deliver an accurate quote. Prepare your details in advance and move faster.
Section 01
Información esencial requerida
Archivos CAD 3D
- Preferiblemente archivos STEP
- Formato del modelo sólido
- Geometría completa
Especificaciones materiales
- Tipo de resina (ABS, PP, PC, etc.)
- Grado específico si se conoce
- Aditivos y colorantes
Dimensions & Tolerances
- Dimensiones totales de la pieza
- Tolerancias críticas
- 2D drawings with GD&T
Volumen de producción
- Consumo anual estimado
- Cantidad de pedido inicial
- Volumen proyectado para toda la vida
Detalles de la solicitud
- Aplicación final
- Requisitos de rendimiento
- Condiciones medioambientales
Requisitos cosméticos
- Especificaciones del acabado superficial
- Preferencias de ubicación de las puertas
- Requisitos estéticos
Section 02
Mold-Only vs Full Service
| # | Requirement | Mold Building Only | Mold Building & Injection Molding |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cavity count | ✦ Required | |
| 2 | Plastic resin | ✦ Required | Resin + weight (unless 3D model provided) |
| 3 | Mold steel & hardness | ✦ Required | |
| 4 | Molding quantity | ✦ Required | ✦ Required |
| 5 | Surface & gate requirements | Mold finish + gate location | Color, finish, gate & more |
| 6 | Hot runner drops | ✦ Required | |
| 7 | Critical sizes & assembly | ✦ Required | ✦ Required |
| 8 | Packaging | ✦ Required | |
| 9 | Secondary operations | Paint, print, assembly, etc. |
Section 03
Accepted File Formats
Los más preferidos
Geometría sólida fiable
También aceptable
Native CAD & Parasolid
Sólo referencia
2D drawings for reference only
Runner System Options
Section 04
Especificaciones de la máquina necesarias
Fuerza de sujeción
- Requisitos de tonelaje
- Poder de retención del molde
Tamaño del disparo
- Capacidad de volumen de inyección
- Volumen de la pieza y del sistema de rodadura
Espacio para moldes
- Distancia entre tirantes
- Límites de altura del molde
- Apertura máxima de la luz diurna
Section 05
Servicios adicionales
Análisis DFM
Design optimization for manufacturability and cost reduction before tooling begins.
Diseño de piezas
Complete 3D CAD model creation from concepts, sketches, or physical samples.
Impresión 3D
SLA, SLS, and FDM prototyping for rapid design validation before committing to tooling.
Prototipos CNC
Production-intent material prototypes for robust functional and fit testing.
Herramientas blandas
Aluminum or P20 steel molds for low-volume production and bridge tooling.
Vacuum Casting
Silicone mold casting for small pre-production runs with good surface quality.
Section 06
Project Timeline
From initial design to mass production — typical project stages and durations.
- 01Diseño de componentes ~7 DaysOptimize design for cost savings and manufacturability.
- 02Parts Prototyping 2–3 DaysCNC machined prototypes or 3D printing for design validation.
- 03Diseño de herramientas 3–7 DaysTooling Information Worksheet used to design the mold tool accurately.
- 04Comprobación del diseño de la herramienta 2–3 DaysValidation of tool design accuracy before fabrication begins.
- 05Fabricación de herramientas 3–8 WeeksPrecise fabrication using CNC and EDM machining.
- 06Primeros disparos al cliente (T1) 2–5 DaysFirst test shots sent via courier after molds are completed.
- 07Tool Modifications & Texturing 3–7 DaysChanges for compliance and texturing — final step before mass production.
- 08Mass Production / Tool Export ListoReady for full-scale production runs or tool export.
Approximate total for typical projects
Including modifications and approval cycles
From design to mass production
Section 07
Calendario de citas
How long to expect a quote depending on part complexity and information provided.
- 01Simple Parts — Complete Information 24–72 hrsWhen all required details are provided upfront, including 3D files, material, quantity, and tolerances.
- 02Complex Parts — Analysis Required 3–10 DaysFor parts with undercuts, complex geometry, tight tolerances, or multi-cavity requirements.
Section 08
Consejos para simplificar el proceso de compra de moldes
Detailed RFQs Get Accurate Quotes
Submit an RFQ that leaves no room for guessing. Include mold type, cavity count, steel preference, expected mold life, and warranty expectations.
Be Transparent in Your Request
Be clear about the reason for quoting. Don’t ask for a full engineering analysis for a project years down the road.
Respect Intellectual Property
Be discreet when requesting quotes. Do not share ideas from competing mold makers.
Partner with Your Moldmaker Early
Discuss costs and timelines before you’re locked into a design. Effective early collaboration avoids costly revisions.
Keep Communication Ongoing
Ask for regular updates. Many mold makers use Gantt charts or project portals to keep clients informed.
Agree on Payment Terms
Plan for down payments and milestone-based payments, with final payment on approved samples and mold shipment.
Minimize Design Changes
Part design changes after tooling begins delay lead times and increase cost significantly.
Define Completion Criteria
A mold is complete when it produces parts meeting print specifications. All changes after approval require ECOs.
Beware of Unrealistic Deals
If an offer seems too good to be true, it usually is. Mold quality directly affects part quality for millions of cycles.
