There is a lot to consider when choosing an injection mold supplier. Knowing what each company specializes in and how they operate is essential before selecting them as a partner.
Experience
You’ll want to work with a manufacturer who understands your product design needs. This way, you won’t waste time going back and forth reworking designs.
An experienced injection mold supplier can avoid common pitfalls leading to costly delays. This includes issues with the tool, quality control problems, and missed deadlines. You’ll also want to find a partner who can provide strong recommendations without forcing you into compromises. This is important because it can save you time and money during the design, development, and production. They can also recommend specific changes that will improve your part. This may include minor design tweaks and alternative resin suggestions. They’ll be able to help you achieve a high-quality finished product at the best possible cost.
Engineering Capabilities
If your product design requires intricate details like living hinges, snap fits, and breakaways, you’ll want to select an injection molding supplier with the engineering capabilities to produce them. A company with the right engineering team can offer precise design concepts that can save you a lot of headaches and expenses down the road. Mold machining capability is another important factor to consider. Choosing a supplier with tooling and molding services can reduce your lead time by weeks or months. Communicating timelines upfront can help mitigate problems caused by supply chain challenges, such as shortages of raw materials due to weather-related disasters or global events.
Certifications
Quality and consistency are the most important factors regarding plastic injection molding. That’s why it is crucial to find a certified injection mold supplier that has IQ/OQ/PQ processes for equipment validation.
You should also ask potential manufacturers how they handle DFM (design for manufacturing) changes. If a manufacturer is unwilling to make DFM changes, it could lead to short shots, wall thickness variations, and other defects that will require costly repairs down the road. You want to find a company willing to work through the DFM process and make necessary concessions for a successful outcome.
Customer Service
A reputable and reliable supplier should have great customer service. They will be able to answer your questions and work with you throughout designing, molding, and manufacturing your project. They will also be able to meet your production requirements and turnaround times.
They will consider the intended use of your product and the material used for injection molding to ensure that the finished product is as functional as possible. This is important because it helps to reduce waste and lower your overall costs.
They can provide information about the molding process, such as molding machine press size, cycle times, and known quality issues. This will help you make an informed decision regarding your order.
Pricing
Pricing is a major concern for many companies when choosing an injection mold supplier. It’s important to choose a manufacturer who understands the value of your product and is willing to work with you to ensure the costs are fair. A reliable supplier will be able to provide you with detailed estimates that break down each component of the cost of the injection mold, including materials, labor, and other expenses. This will allow you to compare quotations from different suppliers and decide which offers the best value for your business. When requesting a price estimation, it’s helpful to be ready with a prototype or drawing of your desired injection mold. This will make the process much easier for both parties involved.
