When developing an injection mould tooling project, a common question is “how can I get an accurate picture of the cost?” especially with the fear of being upsold irrelevant or substandard tooling for your needs posing a real threat.
Obtaining an accurate price is a crucial step, but there’s more to an injection mould tooling quote than cost alone.
In this article we’ll walk you through Liondell’s process, which is a methodical and analytical review of your project. Our experienced engineers evaluate your part design from a manufacturing perspective to recommend the most effective tooling solution for your project.
What happens after you submit an RFQ?
Some companies can return an injection mould tooling quote within a few hours. However the depth in which they’ve evaluated your design for feasibility would remain unknown.
Our typical response window of 48 hours provides our team of experienced engineers the time to thoroughly evaluate your part.
Our objective is to ensure the proposed tool is robust and effective, being able to efficiently produce the required volume of parts within it’s lifecycle. Your quotation therefore includes valuable feedback that can reduce both manufacture costs and manufacturing risk.
You can think of our RFQ process being a miniature version of our full DFM process– which happens after projects are confirmed.
Our complimentary engineering review
After receiving your CAD files and RFQ information, we review your part in detail to determine the most appropriate tooling approach.
During this process we assess factors including:
- Part geometry and mouldability
- Required production volumes
- Steel selection
- Tolerances and cosmetic requirements
- Potential manufacturing challenges
Rather than simply pricing what has been submitted, we consider whether there is a better way to manufacture the component.
Designing the right tooling solution
Because every plastic part is different, bespoke mould tooling solutions need to be considered accordingly.
Our engineers evaluate the tooling specification to determine the most appropriate solution, including:
- Whether slides, lifters or other side actions are required
- The optimum gate location and gate type
- Hot runner or cold runner systems
- Tool layout and cavity configuration
- Suitable tool steel based on expected production volume
- Cooling considerations for efficient cycle times
These decisions have a significant impact on tooling cost, part quality and long-term reliability.
Improving your design before steel is cut
One of the most valuable parts of our quotation process is identifying potential issues before tooling begins.
Where appropriate, we may recommend design improvements such as:
- Increasing or reducing wall thickness
- Adding suitable draft angles
- Improving shut-offs
- Reducing the likelihood of sink marks or warpage
- Simplifying features that may unnecessarily increase tooling complexity
Small changes made at this stage can save significant time and cost later in the project.
If required, we can also carry out a Mould Flow Analysis (MFA) to provide an even more detailed assessment before the tool is commissioned.
What makes our injection mould tooling quotes different?
When preparing an estimate for your injection mould tooling project, we prioritise the best solutions that suits the part, the project requirements and your budget.
That can range from suggesting a higher grade of steel to suit a large production volume, or recommending a simpler and more economical solution when appropriate.
We don’t believe in upselling unnecessary tooling features just to increase the project value.
Accuracy behind every tooling project
Unlike generic quoting systems, our bespoke database has been built around the injection mould tooling process.
Through it we accurately manage tooling, moulding, spare parts and consultancy requirements within a single system.
Every quotation is technically accurate and fully traceable to the individual injection mould tooling project.
Example of Liondell database.
Request your free injection mould tooling quote
If you’re planning a new plastic product or transferring an existing mould, we’d be happy to review your design.
Our engineering team will provide a free injection mould tooling quote within 48 hours.
You’ll receive feedback that could help improve manufacturability, reduce tooling costs and risk, and ensure your project begins on the right footing.
Submit your RFQ today and let our engineers help you find the right tooling solution for your project.
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