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The Significance of Initial Design in Your Purchase Decision
When it comes to the initial design of a product, its importance cannot be overstated. Many a time, I’ve been approached for a price estimation based solely on a sketch. However, it’s crucial to understand that a mere sketch is a far cry from a comprehensive quotation. The official design units are typically measured in “mm” or “inch,” and even a marginal difference of 3-5 mm can translate to a substantial variance in costs. This holds particularly true for larger molds constructed from expensive mold steel like S136, which costs around USD 18 per KG, and with additional expenses for heat treatment at USD 3.5 per KG.
Even seemingly minor features of a part, such as sidewall undercuts or holes, can trigger a significant deviation in both mold construction and injection molding expenses. For instance, the inclusion of a small hole or undercut necessitates the incorporation of a slide mechanism, adding a weight of 10+ kg and requiring extra machining.
Surprisingly, most initial sketches lack these crucial features, often leading to guesswork on the part of mold makers. Regrettably, this guesswork is frequently based on incorrect assumptions due to ambiguous information.
Consequently, many mold makers tend to overlook such inquiries. It’s not a lack of willingness to assist but rather an inability to provide effective solutions. Crafting a precise quotation demands time and effort, and mold makers prefer to invest their resources in projects that hold a higher potential of materializing.
Allow me to propose a constructive strategy: Engage with an injection molding or tooling engineer, someone who you can readily refer to (I’m delighted to offer my expertise as a consultant as well).
A face-to-face dialogue with this professional will enable you to articulate your requirements in terms of quantity and quality, a crucial and highly efficient approach. If you’re in the process of developing a novel product, investing in this preliminary phase will undoubtedly yield significant dividends in the long run.
Remember, a well-laid foundation at the design stage can pave the way for a smoother and more cost-effective journey ahead.
As a China plastic mold manufacturer far way from you for face to face communication, what we need to know for the mold building and injection molding requirement:
| For mold building only | Mold building & injection molding | |
| 1 | cavity | |
| 2 | plastics | plastics and its weight(unless you have 3D model) |
| 3 | Mold steel and hardness demand | |
| 4 | Quantity need to be molded | Quantity need to be molded |
| 5 | Surface Demand (mold finishing, gate demand) | Surface Demand (color, mold finishing, gate demand…) |
| 6 | Hot runner Drops | |
| 7 | Control size, assembly demand | Control size, assembly demand |
| 8 | Package | |
| 9 | Second operation (paint, print…) |
3D model could help to make a precise pricing for you ,and the software we use: solidworks,UG and Autocad .
The format we accept:
- .dwg
- .prt
- .sldprt
- .x_t
- .iges
time and job for each part
Design of components (7 days)
to supply 3D files
Parts Prototyping (if necessary)(2 -3 days)
Or Topworks side
Tool Design(3-7 days)
Topworks side
Tool Check and Mold Flow Analysis(1-2 days)
Tool Fabrication(3-8 weeks,it depends)
First Shots To Client(T1,3-4 days)
Tool Modifications and
Texturing (3-7 days,it depends)
In this stage, the texturing process is done, which is usually the last step before mass production.
Mass Production Run or Export
Tips for Streamlining the Mold Buying Process
Crafting an Effective RFQ
Purchasing a mold can be a complex endeavor, but adhering to certain guidelines can significantly ease the process. While these guidelines aren’t rigid, they hold immense value for most moldmakers.
1. Detailed RFQs Yield Accurate Quotes
To effectively communicate your requirements, furnish a Request for Quotation (RFQ) that leaves no room for guesswork. Spell out specifics like mold type, cavity count, steel preferences, expected mold lifespan, and necessary guarantees. If uncertain, collaborate with your moldmaker to pinpoint the ideal mold for your needs. The more comprehensive your RFQ, the more precise the resulting quote will be.
2. Transparent Intent in Requesting a Quote
Be transparent about your purpose for requesting a quote. If you seek a ballpark estimate for marketing purposes, articulate that intention. Avoid seeking an exhaustive engineering evaluation for a project that’s far in the future. Moldmakers invest time in quotes with promising potential, so align your requests with genuine prospects.
3. Respecting Intellectual Property
Acknowledge the intellectual property of moldmakers, which encompasses their knowledge and inventive insights. Maintain confidentiality when seeking quotes, refraining from sharing ideas suggested by other moldmakers. Each moldmaker’s approach is unique; avoid transferring suggestions from one to another without due consideration.
Establishing a Collaborative Partnership
4. Partnering with Moldmakers
Foster a robust partnership with your moldmaker(s) by involving them early in your project. Engage in cost discussions, consider project longevity, and address part quantity expectations. Effective collaboration nurtures successful outcomes, enabling both parties to thrive through transparent teamwork.
5. Ongoing Communication is Key
Regularly engage with your moldmaker, encouraging consistent communication. Many moldmakers offer progress updates through online platforms like Gantt charts. Staying informed about the mold build’s status and adherence to the schedule is pivotal; hence, proactively request scheduled updates.
Ensuring Fair Payment and Navigating Changes
6. Adhering to Payment Agreements
Timely payment is vital, given the substantial upfront expenses moldmakers incur. Payment schedules may differ, such as down payments, milestone payments, and final payments upon part approval and mold shipment. Moldmakers can tailor plans for mutual benefit and fairness.
7. Managing Design Changes
Recognize that altering part designs can impact mold specifications. Excessive changes during mold development can extend lead times and inflate costs. Understand that modifying part designs often necessitates corresponding mold design adjustments, which demand additional time and resources.
Finalizing the Mold Buying Process
8. Defining Completion Criteria
Precisely determine when a mold is deemed complete, which in turn influences the final payment. Typically, a mold attains completion when it can produce parts adhering to print specifications. Minor modifications may be made to align with these dimensions. Any post-approval changes are accommodated via engineering change orders, priced accordingly.
9. Vigilance against Unrealistic Deals
If an offer seems excessively attractive, exercise caution. While a low-priced quote may tempt, it might not deliver the anticipated value. Prioritize quality, as the mold’s effectiveness directly impacts the quality of the molded components.
In summary, adhering to these guidelines can significantly enhance the mold buying process. Transparent communication, collaborative partnerships, and adherence to quality standards ensure a smoother journey towards acquiring molds that meet your needs.