Injection molding questions, answered
The questions buyers ask about plastic injection molding, answered by the people who mold your parts.
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Molds and cost
How much does an injection mold cost?
We quote each mold from your part file instead of publishing a price list. The cost follows the tool your volume needs: we build single-cavity, family and multi-cavity molds, and we produce tooling for both low and high volume production runs. Use the quote form to get a real number.
Who maintains and repairs the mold?
Our own toolmakers, in our on-site tool room. We offer an effective maintenance service that includes regular maintenance.
Do you do machining for outside customers?
Yes. Our tool room builds and maintains our molds, and we are open to quoting outside machining work too. Describe the job on the quote form.
How long does it take to build a mold?
Typically about 90 days from the purchase order. Each project has its own challenges in design, technical requirements and materials, so accurate specifications up front keep it on schedule.
How many parts will one mold make?
We have run more than 300,000 parts off a single-cavity tool. A mold's life depends on the material, the mold and how it is maintained.
Parts and materials
How big a part can you mold?
We run 19 injection molding machines, from 90 to 950 tons of clamp force. Our overhead cranes lift molds of up to 10 tons. The equipment page lists each machine.
What materials can you mold?
We mold ABS, polycarbonate, nylon, glass-filled nylon, acetal, polypropylene, polystyrene, HDPE and LDPE, plus PC-ABS, PBT, PVC, TPE, ULTEM, PEEK and polysulfone. See the materials page.
What tolerances can you hold?
The tolerances are set by you, the customer. Mark the critical dimensions and their tolerances on your drawing, and we quote and inspect against them.
Do you do insert molding or overmolding?
We do insert molding. We do not offer overmolding.
Quality, finishing and delivery
How do you inspect parts?
Every part is inspected at least two times, once in production and once during packaging. We measure with a FARO arm and other measuring devices on site.
Do you provide first article inspection or PPAP?
Yes, when your program calls for it. First article inspection, PPAP and other documents follow your requirements; list them on the quote form.
What do you do after molding?
We offer insert molding, sonic welding, assembly, hot stamping and custom packaging. See secondary operations.
Do you deliver?
Yes. We deliver on our own truck within 50 miles, and we ship from two sunken docks, two ground-level docks and three drop trailer sites.
What file types do you accept, and will you sign an NDA?
A STEP file is ideal; we also work with SolidWorks, Pro-E and IGES files, and with sketches. Yes, we sign NDAs. Ask us for one before you share files.
Is there a minimum order quantity?
No. Tell us the quantity you need on the quote form, with a rough yearly volume.
How soon will you reply to a quote request?
Usually right away. Call 317-773-5699 if you would rather talk it through.
Ask your own question
Put it on the quote form, or call 317-773-5699.