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.