Checklist for Requesting an Injection Molding Quotation

Are you searching for U.S.-based sources to provide injection molding components for new or existing projects? For OEMS around the globe, sourcing a reliable manufacturer of plastic parts, especially critical parts for industrial , telecommunications, and aerospace applications, is extremely important. Seeking out injection molders and mold makers registered to ISO 9001 and AS9100 rev D from the beginning may reduce the time it takes getting new suppliers approved and process completed from start to finish. ITAR compliance is also an important consideration with recent government and reshoring initiatives.

Request a Quote from QT Manufacturing

Once you’ve determined your sources, you’re ready to submit your requests for proposals. Quality minded injection molders have a process for determining project-cost estimates, and knowing what to include in your initial request for quotation is helpful. Be prepared to provide the following information for a thorough and accurate injection molding quote.

1

Is a cost estimate for injection molding and production molding needed?

Transfer Tool - If there’s an existing project with a transfer tool, be prepared to answer additional questions regarding where and how the tool was built and if there are any molding problems that cannot be resolved. Machine shops understand when a tool transfer is needed, it’s usually due to quality issues or molding problems at the existing molder; onshoring molds bringing production back to the U.S. for various reasons; or simply, a cost-based decision. Please keep in mind, the state of the existing mold may affect the cost of ongoing production if there are design and engineering changes necessary to produce a more quality product.

New Mold Design - If a new injection mold is required, further information will be required for the machine shop to move forward, including a part design or sample part, estimated annual usage, plastic resin material used for molding, secondary operations required and any special-quality inspection procedures for critical dimensions.

2

Do you have CAD drawings, part prints or sample parts?

If you have all three, please provide them. A detailed part design is necessary for the mold designer in order to move forward with an accurate new tool design. Any critical dimensions or areas of interest, such as thin walls, should be clearly identified. Other important considerations for the injection molding technician include the type of press the tool will run in, the clamping and ejection systems required and the type of resin used for injection molding.

3

What polymer resin was chosen for injection molding?

A mold designer must know the type of resin used for many reasons, including shrink rate and wear and tear on the tool. For example, a glass-filled nylon will require special consideration when determining the type of steel used and for planning the preventive maintenance schedule.
The size of the part and the price of the resin make up most of the material cost. Some specialty materials can be expensive, especially projects that require imported materials. If the tool is a cold runner design with sprues, the weight of the runner must be included as added material cost. A hot runner tool will save on material over a high-volume production project.

Additionally, any allowance of regrind material should be considered, and the possibility of a substitution material can be explored if additional properties are desired.

The resin chosen for your project is of high consideration when preparing an injection molding and mold design quotation.

4

What is the estimated annual usage and part functionality?

In order to provide an accurate injection molding quote, the annual usage of the part of parts is necessary. There’s typically a price break with increased annual usage, especially for products that do not require a lot of secondary operations. There’s also usually a price break on raw materials based on the quantity purchased, so the material required to support the usage is necessary information.

Knowing how the part is expected to hold up in its functional roll also helps skilled injection molding specialists understand your project even more.

The Bottom Line for Requesting an Injection Molding Quotation

The more information you can provide, the better. By gathering all of this data upfront, you’ll help not only move the process along faster, but also get the most accurate quotation for injection mold builds and process injection molding.

Request a Quote

QT Manufacturing Provides Thorough Injection Molding Quotations

Our U.S.-based machine shop specializes in custom injection mold designs, mold building and injection molding processing. We are registered to ISO 9001:2015 and AS9100 rev D as well as ITAR compliant, providing only the highest level of quality and service to all of our customers. As a strategic partner, we will work with you and your team from beginning to end, providing quality product molded to your specifications, on time and at the lowest possible cost to you. To learn more about our services and to request an injection molding quotation today, please contact us at 972-221-0537. We offer a FREE design consultation to learn more about your project and how we can reduce your injection molded component expenses.

Request a Quote

Learn More About QT Manufacturing

QT Manufacturing