It can be complicated to purchase an injection mold because it is likely to be a lot of exchanges between buyers and contract molder before it is decided on.
But, these tips can save you lots of time and make the whole process that little bit more simple.
Make an RFQ that goes into many specifics. While mold makers are skilled but they're not going to be able to read your mind regarding what you're looking for. Include as many specifics as you can at this stage such as how many cavities you have, steel and the intended duration of the mold and any guarantees that you may require. If you're not sure about any of these topics you should inform your mold maker, and they will be able to help you determine the best mold for your needs. The more precise you create your request for quotation as it is, the more accurate quote you'll get in return.
Be honest about the reason you'd like to get a quote. If you're looking for an all-inclusive quote to send to a different department, you should make sure to inform the moldmaker of your request- they will then be able to respond to you quickly. Making a precise quote could take a lot of time, and it's not right to waste moldmakers' time if you don't require this much information or you're not planning to buy from them.
Do not infringe upon a moldmaker's intellectual property. Ideas and suggestions provided by your moldmaker are their intellectual property. You cannot simply take those suggestions to someone else to do it for you. If you settle on an alternative moldmaker, consider their suggestions- not only is using someone else's ideas not okay and could cause confusion for the moldmaker you choose, who won't understand exactly what the reasons behind these suggestions in the first place.
Think about forming a partnership with your moldmaker. By cooperating with your mold maker in regards to budgets, timetables, and the expectations for part quantities, you'll be able to work as a team to get better results in the long run.
Be in constant communication with your moldmaker throughout the process. Plenty of moldmakers will be willing to send regular progress reports as well as update you on any new developments in your mold. You need to be sure that all is in order, so if you need any details, make sure to ask so that you can put your mind at ease.
Make sure you keep your payments in time. Mold makers generally work to a tight budget and require expenses to be paid up-front before they can proceed with the construction. If you put off paying your bill, then you won't get the mold you want on time, it's as simple as that. Different mold makers will have different payment plans, so talk with them to figure out an option that is suitable with both.
Changing your part design could mean that you have to change the injection mold itself. If you decide to make modifications to the design of your part during the time that the mold is being built and you are not likely to get the mold at an estimate price or within the original timeframe. Any changes will mean the mold needs to be modified accordingly adding to the cost and the mold construction time.
You should know ahead of time when the mold will be There are different definitions for a completion date- they may vary from when you receive the last payment made to when you receive an item sample, to the shipping of your final piece. In the majority of cases the mold will be considered complete when it is able to produce its intended part. The majority of moldmakers will be willing to make small modifications towards the end the process in order to produce parts that meet print dimensions. If the dimensions change later in the game, the mold can be considered complete- any further changes must be paid for via an engineering change order or ECO.
If something is priced at a bargain there's usually a rationale for it. While there may be molders offering an affordable price for quality products There are many others that offer discounts because they cut costs themselves. In the end it's best to pay an amount that is high for a quality product than to be stung by a mold that doesn't meet your standards.
If you are buying an injection mould, that age-old adage is absolutely true: you get what you pay for. Whatever molded parts you produce will only be as great as the mold you used to make them and therefore, you must ensure that your mold is suited to your needs- before you buy it.
Injection Mold Classification
For the plastics industry thermoplastic injection molds are classified into three broad categories: proto molds (50 parts and less) Production molds(1,200 parts and up) in addition to high-volume molds (20,000 parts or more)
Prototype Molds
It is a crucial step that can occur before molds for production can be constructed. Molds that have been prototyped are used to evaluate characteristics of resins, molding shrinkage and gate prep, dimensions of the part that is molded as well as the process conditions and molding cycle.
Sometimes, prototypes molded parts may be used to conduct initial market testing. These prototype molded components are used for quality control tests on the product and can be used as a part of an in-house QAP program.
The mold's prototype could serve as a low-cost method of learning by simulating the manufacturing part and giving the designer a snapshot of possible design problems or questions about material choices prior to investing in production molds.
A typical prototype mold is built with an already-built mold frame and inserts that are interchangeable.
Production Molds
This production mold uses a standard base for housing on, and for creating cavities made of hardened tool steel; this mold will allow an efficient production rate and provide easy repair and provide a vent system to allow ventilation during molding cycle.
Furthermore, the production mold must also have an automated Ejection System and mold temperature control. Both is required to ensure constant cooling, thereby ensuring minimal cycles, minimal costs and consistency in quality.
Large Production Molds for High-Volume Manufacturing
Production molds that are high volume should offer all the advantages of production tools, which include multiple cavities as well as interchangeable mold parts. They should be designed with ease of maintenance and be able to stand up to adverse external forces.
For instance what number of times have you dismantled a mold and found an array of inserts, some with no marks, others lacking numbers, and others lacking the holes for jack screws for cavity removal?
This issue can be solved by careful planning of mould design and development, establishing the preventative maintenance plan, and protecting your steel's surface against corrosion and erosion.
