Injection Molding Quotes: 5 Tips to Help Get Tooling Right

Few things impact injection-molded part quality as much as tooling design, materials, and build. Each area impacts tooling performance, and any skews could put finished parts at risk of defect or failure.

Recently, the pressure to “get tooling right” has been amplified by the imposition of tariffs. Prices of imported tools will likely continue to increase, forcing higher upfront tooling costs. Similarly, tariffs on certain stainless steel grades and aluminum could drive up the cost of initial tool builds and ongoing maintenance (e.g., repairs/replacements of mold inserts, hot runners, etc.).

In the tariffs scenario, decision makers at many OEMs are left with one of two choices. Buying tooling at higher price points is one solution. The other is implementing reshoring or nearshoring strategies to potentially circumvent the impact of tariffs on tooling costs and materials availability.

Regardless of how it plays out, the tooling quote lays the groundwork for successful injection molding outcomes so accuracy is key. Here are 5 tips to help you be detailed and confident in the information you submit to secure an injection molding tooling quote.

1. Vet the appropriate cavitation

Engineers can design one- or multi-cavity tools, and there are trade-offs with each. Fewer cavities results in higher part costs, but the overall tooling cost is less and maintenance is easier. Multiple cavities equate to a higher tooling expense, but a multi-cavity tool can also speed production.

Don’t decide cavitation on cost alone. The injection molder preparing the quote should be well-versed and proactive in discussing the many factors that influence tooling decisions, and make recommendations based on the “big picture.”

2. Clearly identify the materials used to build the tool

There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to selecting materials for a tool build. Steel types vary. In some low-volume instances, aluminum may be an appropriate choice.

Start by considering what you want out of the tool. What plastics are being molded? What’s the length of the run? Will part tolerances be compromised using one tool steel over another? This deliberate thinking will clarify your decision making and also ensure that the toolmaker is on the same page so costs and expectations align.

3. Understand the molder’s gate/runner system choices

If the molder’s logic about the gate/runner system used for quoting is at all ambiguous, ask for an explanation. The system is complex and it impacts everything from product performance and quality to speed to market. It’s time- and cost-efficient to question decisions and seek satisfactory answers before the program proceeds.

4. Assume nothing

You and your team know the program and tooling expectations best. Convey all details even if something seems trivial to you or is “common knowledge.” For example, maybe there’s a reason your part can’t be simply ejected from the tool. Sharing that information upfront prevents miscommunication and potential misquoting, and ensures the injection molder’s tooling capabilities are applicable.

By the same token, injection molding can take a toll on tooling. Know what the injection molder and toolmaker do to help mitigate any issues, repair time, and related costs. That way, all of the bases are covered and mutually agreed upon when it comes to anticipated tooling quality and maintenance. 

5. Don’t get misled by the seemingly low-cost solution

It might be cheaper to source a tool from an overseas provider, but what about shipping costs, mold quality, repairs, maintenance, and updates? Tack the day-to-day expenses, and suddenly the “low-cost” option isn’t so economical. Your best bet is to ask your injection molding partner to help compare the options so you can reach a realistic decision between overseas and domestic tooling.

Requesting and comparing tooling quotes can be a challenge, but providing accurate, program-specific information upfront and working with an experienced injection molder can streamline the process. Download our white paper, Comparing Tooling Quotes: Five Key Considerations, to get more insights.