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What should go in a request for quote (RFQ) for an injection mould?
A good mould RFQ lets every supplier quote the same job without guessing. At minimum, send a 3D model in a neutral format such as STEP, plus a 2D drawing at the same revision showing critical dimensions and tolerances. Add the exact resin grade and colour, annual volume and programme life, cosmetic requirements by surface, and what samples and reports you need for approval. Ask for mould and part prices separately, and state who will own and store the mould.
The checklist
| Group | Include | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Part files | STEP or IGES solid model; 2D drawing with tolerances, datums and critical dimensions at the same revision | TK Mold notes that a model without a print forces the toolmaker to guess which dimensions are critical |
| Volumes | annual volume, first-year ramp, programme life in years, first order quantity | sets cavity count and the mould class or guaranteed shot life |
| Resin | trade name and grade, colour and colouring method, fillers, required ratings such as UL 94 or food contact, approved alternates | shrinkage is cut into the steel, and grades in one family can shrink differently |
| Cosmetics | SPI polish or texture per surface; where gates, ejector marks and parting lines may go; limits for sink, flash and weld lines | Noramark cautions that if no cosmetic standard is written down, arguments tend to begin with the first delivery |
| Geometry notes | draft confirmed in the model; undercuts that must stay; family parts and quantities | each slide or lifter adds cost and maintenance |
| Press data | press model and clamp force, tie bar spacing, locating ring, shut height range, ejector pattern | needed if the mould must fit a specific press, for example one built elsewhere |
| Runner | hot or cold runner preference, or ask for a proposal | changes mould price, scrap and cycle time |
| Approval | trial samples, dimensional report, capability study or PPAP level, sample quantity per cavity | sampling work is quoted, so name the documents up front |
| Commercial | mould and part prices quoted separately; ownership, storage, maintenance and transfer terms; packaging for parts | keeps quotes comparable and avoids later disputes |
Mark the few dimensions that matter
TK Mold suggests flagging the handful of dimensions, typically five or six, on which the part's function depends. These become the critical dimensions measured at each trial, and they guide where the toolmaker leaves steel to fine-tune later. Tight tolerances everywhere make every quote more expensive.
Questions to put in the RFQ
- Is the mould built in-house or sourced, and where?
- What mould class and steel do you propose, and what shot life is guaranteed?
- Which press will run the part, and what cycle time do you expect?
- What does your design-for-moulding review include?
- How many trial rounds are included, and what reports come with each?
These questions follow Noramark's buyer checklist.
Protect the package
An RFQ contains your design, so many buyers send an NDA first and share full files only with shortlisted suppliers. See our page on protecting a product idea.
Checklist built from public buyer guides. It makes no claim about any supplier's prices, lead times or capabilities.
Questions buyers ask
Can I get a quote from a sketch?
You can get a rough budget figure, but firm mould quotes need a 3D model and drawing, because steel size, actions and cooling depend on the geometry.
Should I specify the number of cavities?
If you know your volumes, yes, or ask suppliers to propose it. Noramark notes that more cavities raise mould price but lower part price. See how many cavities.
Why do quotes for the same part vary so much?
Often because suppliers assumed different mould classes, cavity counts, steels or runner types. A complete RFQ narrows the spread.
What if my design is still changing?
Say so. Suppliers may suggest a prototype or bridge mould first, then a production tool once the design is frozen.
Sources
- TK Mold USA, Injection mold RFQ checklist
- Noramark, How to source injection molded parts: RFQ checklist