What to send for an injection molding quote

What does a molder need to quote a plastic part?

A molder prices two things: the mold, and each part that comes off it. To price both it needs to see the part, know how many you will buy, and know what the part has to do. Our quote form asks for your name, phone, email and a description of the project. Put the part, a rough annual quantity and the timing in that description; we reply with a way to send files.

Other molders ask for the same things. The Rodon Group's FAQ asks for "annual quantity needed, material preference, part prints or CAD files" and the time frame for production parts. The more of that list you can answer, the closer the first quote is to the final price.

Which CAD file should I send?

Send a STEP file if you can. While a STEP file is ideal, we can accept many different file types, including SolidWorks, Pro-E and IGES files. We design in SolidWorks and use Mastercam to run our CNC machines, so a clean 3D model goes straight into the work.

If some dimensions matter more than others, add a 2D drawing that marks them and their tolerances. A 3D model shows the shape; a drawing shows what has to be exact. Both together save a round of questions.

Why does the annual quantity matter so much?

The quantity decides what kind of mold makes sense. We build appropriate tools for the volume required: a single cavity tool makes one part per cycle, a family tool makes several different parts at once, and a multi-cavity tool makes several copies of one part per cycle. A low-volume part can run on a single cavity tool; a high-volume part pays for a hardened multi-cavity tool.

A rough band is enough to start. Put it in the project description on the quote form, with a first order quantity if you know it: under 1,000 a year, tens of thousands, or hundreds of thousands.

What if I do not have a CAD file yet?

Send what you have. We accept sketches as well as 3D files, and we help create the design when a model does not exist yet.

Say so on the quote form and describe what the part does; we follow up to talk it through. The part and mold design page covers the steps before the first production mold.

What if I already have a mold?

Say so on the form, and say where it runs today. A mold that already exists changes the quote from building a tool to running one, and we take in molds built by other molders, including overseas. Tell us about the mold on the quote form. The mold transfer guide explains what a move involves.

How do I protect my design before I send it?

The quote form does not take uploads. We reply with a way to send your STEP, IGES or SolidWorks files, and files are not published. We sign NDAs, so if you need one first, ask us before you share files.

What should I expect back?

A quote for the mold and the parts, or our questions about anything that is missing. If the quote needs a material choice you have not made, the materials page lists the resins we mold.