Injection molding can be complex, and molders assume significant risk when quoting a project. To ensure a molder can meet the needs of a customer and to minimize the risk of making a mistake, there are often many questions asked before a quote is provided.The more information you provide – such as part or product design, type of material, functionality, production demands, production volume, timeframe, and total budget—the more accurate the quotes and designs. Molders don’t want to discuss unexpected charges with a customer or explain a delay to the schedule and if they don’t take the time upfront to fully understand a project these uncomfortable conversations may be necessary more often than anyone likes.
The most common questions are about:
- Cavitation – Deciding whether to use one-cavity or multi-cavity molds will play a large role in the overall cost and efficiency of your program. Determining factors like annual volume, part complexity, tooling complexity and part tolerances need to be considered to provide an accurate tooling quote.
- Part Application - The injection molder you are working with needs to understand the end-use application of the part. This explanation will help the manufacturer determine how sturdy the part needs to be and what the wear and tear will be over time. The information you provide will help your molder make recommendations on the resins and/or additives required for your project.
- Mold Material - With the ability to use different types of steel for the tool, knowing what goes into it will go a long way in preparing for your program. A good molding partner will be able to assist you in striking the right balance between longevity and cost, based on tolerances and part complexity, to optimize your production budget.
- Gate/Runner System - Part tolerance, warp/flatness, and cosmetic requirements can all factor into gate and runner choices for a tool. Understanding the gate location, whether it will require a hot or cold runner system, and knowing where and how components will be sourced will all affect your overall cost.
- Mechanical Components - Addressing potential maintenance issues that may surface during your program is essential to planning. Weighing the delicate nature of parts vs. the level of care required to handle them, plus accessibility to spare parts if needed, will determine your approach and cost.
- Quality/Source of Construction - Comparing the pros and cons of domestic vs. foreign mold-making will also affect your overall expectations. Although molds made in low-cost countries are less expensive, they’re also often of lesser quality, cost more to ship and are more difficult to replace quickly during the middle of a job.
