Before providing a mould quotation, it is essential to confirm several key details to ensure accurate pricing, feasibility, and customer satisfaction.
Product Information
✔ 3D drawing & 2D drawing (if available)
Format: STEP, IGES, X_T, DWG, or STL
Confirm dimensions, thickness, and detailed features.
✔ Product size & weight
Check if dimensions are within moulding capacity.
Verify part weight for injection machine compatibility.
✔ Material selection
Plastic type: PP, PE, ABS, PC, PS, etc.
Any special requirements: food-grade, UV-resistant, flame-retardant, etc.
✔ Product structure details
Undercuts, threads, ribs, or inserts?
Stackability & nesting requirements (for storage boxes & baskets).
✔ Surface finish & texture
Polishing, matte, high-gloss, or special textures?
Need for engraving or logo marking
Mould Specifications
✔ Mould steel type
Options: P20, 718H, H13, S136, NAK80, etc.
Steel selection affects mould lifespan and cost.
✔ Mould life expectancy
Short-run: 100,000–300,000 shots (P20, 718H).
High-volume: 500,000–1,000,000+ shots (H13, S136).
✔ Number of cavities
Single cavity (low production, high precision).
Multi-cavity (mass production, lower cost per part).
✔ Hot runner or cold runner
Hot runner: less waste, better for high production.
Cold runner: more material waste but lower initial cost.
✔ Gate type & location
Common types: pin-point gate, edge gate, submarine gate.
Position affects part appearance and strength.
✔ Ejection system
Ejector pins, stripper plate, air ejection, or hydraulic ejection?
✔ Cooling system design
Optimized cooling channels reduce cycle time.
✔ Mould size & weight
Must match the customer’s injection machine specifications.
Injection Moulding Machine Compatibility
✔ Customer’s injection machine tonnage
Confirm the clamping force requirement.
Ensure mould fits within max platen size.
✔ Injection pressure & shot volume
Must match part weight and material shrinkage rate.
✔ Special requirements
If a robotic arm is needed for automatic production.
If the machine supports hot runner control systems.
Production & Delivery Requirements
✔ Mould lead time
Standard lead time: 30–60 days depending on complexity.
✔ Trial & sample testing
Confirm if the customer wants T1 samples before shipment.
Any modifications needed after trial?
✔ Packing & shipping
Wooden case packing with anti-rust treatment?
Shipping terms: FOB, CIF, DDU, or EXW?
Customer Budget & Payment Terms
✔ Customer’s budget expectation
Helps in choosing steel type and mould complexity.
✔ Payment terms
Standard: 40% deposit, 30% after T1, 30% before shipment.
Flexible options: Negotiable for long-term customers.