Injection Molding & Mold Making
Everything your molder needs to deliver an accurate quote. Prepare your details in advance and move faster.
Section 01
Informations essentielles requises
Fichiers CAO 3D
- Fichiers STEP de préférence
- Format du modèle solide
- Géométrie complète
Spécifications des matériaux
- Type de résine (ABS, PP, PC, etc.)
- Grade spécifique s'il est connu
- Additifs et colorants
Dimensions & Tolerances
- Dimensions globales de la pièce
- Tolérances critiques
- 2D drawings with GD&T
Volume de production
- Estimation de l'utilisation annuelle
- Quantité initiale de la commande
- Volume projeté pour la durée de vie
Détails de l'application
- Application finale
- Exigences de performance
- Conditions environnementales
Exigences en matière d'esthétique
- Spécifications de l'état de surface
- Préférences en matière d'emplacement de la porte
- Exigences esthétiques
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
La plus préférée
Géométrie solide fiable
Également acceptable
Native CAD & Parasolid
Référence uniquement
2D drawings for reference only
Runner System Options
Section 04
Spécifications de la machine nécessaire
Force de serrage
- Exigences en matière de tonnage
- Tenue des moules
Taille du tir
- Capacité d'injection
- Volume du système de pièces et de coulisses
Espace moule
- Distance entre les barres d'accouplement
- Limites de hauteur des moules
- Ouverture maximale de la lumière du jour
Section 05
Services complémentaires
Analyse DFM
Design optimization for manufacturability and cost reduction before tooling begins.
Conception des pièces
Complete 3D CAD model creation from concepts, sketches, or physical samples.
Impression 3D
SLA, SLS, and FDM prototyping for rapid design validation before committing to tooling.
Prototypes CNC
Production-intent material prototypes for robust functional and fit testing.
Outillage souple
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.
- 01Conception des composants ~7 DaysOptimize design for cost savings and manufacturability.
- 02Parts Prototyping 2–3 DaysCNC machined prototypes or 3D printing for design validation.
- 03Conception d'outils 3–7 DaysTooling Information Worksheet used to design the mold tool accurately.
- 04Contrôle de la conception des outils 2–3 DaysValidation of tool design accuracy before fabrication begins.
- 05Fabrication d'outils 3–8 WeeksPrecise fabrication using CNC and EDM machining.
- 06Premiers tirs au client (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 PrêtReady 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
Calendrier des citations
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
Conseils pour simplifier le processus d'achat de moules
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.
