The biggest cost drivers are the mold’s size, the complexity of the part (e.g., undercuts requiring sliders/lifters), the type of steel used, and the number of cavities. A simple, single-cavity P20 mold is far less expensive than a complex, multi-cavity H13 hot runner mold.

You, the customer, own the mold 100%. Once it is paid for, it is your asset. We will store and maintain it for you, but you can request it back at any time.

For our Class 101 production molds, we guarantee them for a specified number of shots (e.g., 1 million). If the mold breaks or wears out before reaching this number, we will repair or replace it at our own expense.

T1 is the “Trial 1” run of a new mold. We produce the very first parts (T1 samples) and send them to you for a full inspection and approval of dimensions and cosmetics before we proceed to mass production.

Yes, we often can. We would need to perform a thorough inspection of the mold to ensure it’s compatible with our presses and is in good working condition. We can quote any necessary modifications.

Regular maintenance includes cleaning the mold surfaces, lubricating moving components like ejector pins and sliders, and inspecting for wear. We perform this maintenance as part of our service.

The 3D file (e.g., STEP) defines the part’s geometry. The 2D drawing (e.g., PDF) is crucial for communicating critical dimensions, tolerances, surface finishes, and material specifications that are not contained in the 3D model.

Mold flow analysis is a simulation we run before building the mold. It predicts how plastic will flow into the cavity, helping us optimize gate locations, prevent defects like air traps or weld lines, and ensure the part fills correctly.

It depends on the change. If you need to add material, it’s often possible by removing steel from the mold (which is relatively easy). If you need to remove material from the part, it requires adding steel to the mold (via welding), which is more complex and costly.

Polishing involves making the mold surface smoother, resulting in a glossy or matte part finish (e.g., SPI standards). Texturing involves creating a specific grain or pattern on the mold surface (e.g., VDI or Mold-Tech), which is then replicated on the part.

We use rust inhibitors and climate-controlled storage to protect your mold when it’s not in use. For molds running corrosive materials like PVC, we recommend using stainless tool steel.

A typical payment structure is 50% upfront to kick off the project, 30% upon approval of T1 samples, and the final 20% upon delivery of the first production run.

For the most accurate quote, we need a 3D CAD file, a 2D drawing with tolerances, the plastic material to be used, the required surface finish, and the estimated annual production volume.

We secure all moving components, apply rust preventative, and then crate the mold securely in a custom-built wooden box with all necessary documentation to ensure it arrives safely.