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Injection Molding RFQ Template (Tooling + Part Price)
Use this RFQ checklist to receive accurate, comparable quotes from mold makers and injection molding suppliers. Built for procurement managers and engineers to compare offers fairly (cycle time, scrap assumption, lead time, scope, and quality controls).
Supplier quote requirement: Please quote in two lines:
(A) Tooling (one-time) and (B) Part price (tiered volumes).
Include cycle time, scrap rate assumption, and lead time.
(A) Tooling (one-time) and (B) Part price (tiered volumes).
Include cycle time, scrap rate assumption, and lead time.
Why this RFQ template works
Many quotes look cheaper because key assumptions are missing. This template forces suppliers to quote the same scope and disclose the drivers that impact total cost of ownership (TCO).
Comparable quotes
Same fields, same assumptions. Easy to compare Supplier A vs B without guessing what’s excluded.
Stops “cheap mold, expensive parts”
Cycle time drift, scrap, and stability are exposed early—before you lock in tooling.
Procurement-ready
Includes supplier questions that identify risk: validation, controls, trial reports, and corrective action plans.
RFQ checklist (copy/paste)
Send this list with your drawings, 3D files, and cosmetic/tolerance requirements.
Required informationTip: the more complete your RFQ, the faster you’ll get accurate pricing.
1) Part & application
- Part name + intended application
- Material (grade if known), color, additives
- Annual volume + ramp plan (e.g., 50k → 300k/yr)
- Cosmetic requirements (A/B/C surface, weld lines)
- Critical dimensions + tolerance zones
- Required certifications (RoHS/REACH/UL/food-contact etc.)
2) Tooling scope
- Cavity count / family mold / interchangeability needs
- Mold steel preference + target mold life (shots)
- Gate type + runner (hot/cold) preference
- Actions: sliders, lifters, unscrewing, inserts
- Cooling requirements (cycle time target, warpage control)
- Tool ownership, spare parts list, warranty terms
3) Production & quality
- Machine tonnage constraints (if any)
- Cycle time target and how it will be validated
- Expected scrap rate in mass production
- PPAP/FAI needs, inspection method, CPK targets
- Packing standard, labeling, traceability
- Trial samples: T0/T1 plan and sample quantity
4) Quote format (must include)
- Tooling cost (one-time) + lead time
- Part price tiered by volume (e.g., 1k/10k/50k/100k)
- Assumptions: cycle time, scrap rate, resin price basis
- What is included/excluded (fixtures, gauges, texture, etc.)
- Shipping term (EXW/FOB/DDP) and packaging cost
- Payment terms + currency validity window
Procurement questions that reveal real cost
Ask these questions during supplier comparison. They often uncover why a “low quote” becomes a high-cost program.
| Cost driver | What to request | Procurement question |
|---|---|---|
| Cycle time | Trial report, cooling design notes, machine tonnage used | How was cycle time validated? What conditions (melt temp, mold temp, packing time) were used? |
| Scrap rate | Scrap assumption + main causes + controls | What scrap rate do you expect in mass production, and what process controls keep it stable? |
| Warpage / deformation | Measurement report, mold modification plan, parameter window | If warpage occurs, what is your corrective plan—tool adjustment vs process window optimization? |
| Mold life | Steel grade, heat treatment, maintenance schedule | What mold life (shots) are you quoting, and what maintenance is required to achieve it? |
| Scope gaps | Included/excluded list, gauges/fixtures, textures, inserts | What is excluded that may become a change order later (textures, spare parts, sampling, inspection)? |
How to use this RFQ
Attach your drawings (2D + 3D), material callouts, and quality requirements. Then require suppliers to answer in the same quote format.
Step 1 — Send package
CAD/2D + tolerance zones + cosmetic standard + volume tiers + this checklist.
Step 2 — Enforce quote format
Two lines: tooling + part price tiers. Assumptions must be stated (cycle time, scrap, resin basis).
Step 3 — Compare by TCO
Shorter cycle time + stable scrap often beats lower tooling price over the program lifetime.
FAQ
Should I request both tooling and molding quotes in one RFQ?
Yes. Even if you plan to source tooling and production separately, you need molding assumptions (cycle time, scrap, tonnage) to validate that tooling decisions won’t inflate part cost later.
What volume tiers should I ask for?
Use tiers that match your forecast and negotiation strategy (e.g., 1k / 10k / 50k / 100k / 300k). Always ask suppliers to state assumptions behind each tier.
How do I prevent change orders?
Ask for a clear “included/excluded” list (textures, gauges, inserts, spare parts, sample quantity, PPAP/FAI). Any unclear item becomes a cost risk.