I would like to share this article about buying injection molds from China guide book for you. This is from CHINAIMPORTAL, I m sure those buyers need OEM ODM products will find it very useful.
If you plan to import a custom designed or even private label product, chances are that you need get an injection mold manufactured in China.
In this article, you will learn when and how to order an injection mold, various methods of ensuring the ownership of the mold, payment terms and much more.
Note: While this article is primarily focused on injection molds, most principles can be applied to extrusion molds, blow molds, die casting and other tooling.
When is a custom mold needed?
If you intend to create a custom designed product, or make changes to an existing product design, you need an injection mold.
Injection molds are used for various materials, including plastics, glassware, ceramics, stainless steel and alloys.
As such, injection molds are used when making everything from phone cases and plastic buttons – to wristwatches and jewelry parts.
What what stage should I buy a mold?
Your supplier needs the mold before they can even make a sample for you. As such, you need to buy the injection mold before the manufacturer starts the sampling process.
That said, you can use the same mold, as is used to make the prototype or sample, for mass production.
Most molds can be used to make hundreds of thousands, sometimes millions, of units. Thus, the mold can be used for many orders – and may even outlast the product design itself.
Can I expect my supplier to pay for the mold?
No, importing from Asia is like flying with a low cost airline. No extras are included, be it lab testing or injection molds.
As an importer, you must therefore finance the cost of the injection mold (and other types of molds and tooling for that matter) before you can start the sampling and mass production process.
How much should I pay for the mold?
That depends entirely on the size, complexity and material. For a simple component, say a watch case, the mold cost can be as low as $200.
However, for more complex products with narrow dimensional tolerance requirements (i.e., plastic pallets), the mold cost can be as high as $40,000.
That said, for most consumer goods, the mold fee is somewhere between $150 to $800.
As mentioned, the mold can be used for hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of units. Therefore, the cost per unit is often extremely low.
What are the standard payment terms for molds?
That depends mostly on the mold and prototype cost. If the total is below $1000, the buyer normally pays the entire sample and tooling cost up front.
If above $1000, you may pay 30% before they start producing the mold, and 70% upon completion and successful testing.
Keep in mind that most suppliers don’t make any profit of the mold itself, and therefore need to secure, at a minimum, a deposit before they order the mold and other tooling from their subcontractor.
Where can I find mold manufacturers in China?
Specialized injection mold manufacturers are present all over China, and its industrial cluster. However, there is a higher concentration of mold suppliers in Zhejiang, Jiangsu and Guangdong province.
Many mold suppliers are also based in Taiwan, even though a large percentage have moved production to the mainland.
That said, buyers rarely need to source mold suppliers on their own. Instead, the majority of importers use the injection mold suppliers, already used by their assembly manufacturer.
In the Watch industry, for example, none of the so called ‘Watch suppliers’ (they put the pieces together basically), manufacture injection molds for the various components needed.
Instead, they subcontract this to specialized mold and tooling suppliers.
For most products, it’s better to just use the suppliers existing network of mold suppliers.
That said, if they cannot match your technical specifications, you may want to consider contacting a mold supplier directly.
How can I protect mold ownership?
As you pay for the molds, you may assume that they are by default owned by you. That said, the ownership is practically impossible to claim, unless it is written on paper.
For example, you must state in the sales contract, that the mold is owned by your company, and can be collected at the supplier’s facility with short notice.
Does mold ownership equal IP ownership?
No, there is no relation between the two. Owning the mold doesn’t mean that your design is protected in any way. To ensure that your designs are protected, you need to file for a design patent (or design protection, if you are based in Europe).
That said, you can only protect a design that is ‘new and unique’. Hence, it’s not an option for most importers.
Where should the mold be kept?
The injection mold, and other tools, is normally kept in the supplier’s production facility, even when not used. This can pose a serious risk, as the supplier may use your mold to manufacture products for themselves – or other buyers – without letting you know.
To reduce the risk of this ever happening, you can store the injection mold at the premises of a trusted third party in China – and return it to the supplier before production, only to collect it once again after production completion.
How can I prevent my supplier from making a copy of my mold?
The short answer is that you can’t prevent them from making a 2nd version of your injection mold. As explained above, there are ways to make it harder for the supplier to steal your design, but you cannot stop your supplier if they really, really, want to copy your product.
The only way to truly protect your designs is by filing for design and utility patents, and get your brand and logo trademark.
This costs money, but there are no shortcuts.
That said, I think many importers overestimate the supplier’s interest in replicating their products.
It’s good to be aware of it, and implement measures that will at the very least make it harder for the supplier to copy your products – but the risk of IP theft should not hold you back from launching a product.
Do I need a mold when buying private label products?
By definition, a private label product is an existing factory designed product, and therefore you should not need to invest in new injection molds and other tooling.
Reality, however, is often quite different.
In China, most suppliers are primarily OEMs. Hence, they manufacture products according to specification – rather than developing their own products.
They are, for the most part, not true private label suppliers. At best, you may find that they have some generic designs available off shelf, with ready made injection molds.
Many of the products they upload on Alibaba.com and Globalsources.com are ‘for reference only’. In fact, what you see on their supplier page is in many cases products they have never even manufactured.
There’s nothing wrong with that. They use these directories to showcase what they have made in the past, and what they can make.
But don’t assume that there is a complete set of tooling for every product they list.
Can I use existing injection molds to make my product?
Yes, but as explained above, don’t assume that they have an organized catalog of ODM products for your choosing.
At best, they have a limited number of designs you can choose from.
But even then, you may for any of the following reasons not be able to use their existing injection molds:
a. Design changes: If you intend t make even the slightest design change, you need a new injection mold.
b. Ownership issues: Buyer ownership goes both ways. There are loyal and trustworthy suppliers out there, and they will not rent out molds from their customers to other (especially new) buyers.
c. Material changes: Injection molds can often only be used for specific materials. Even if you find a design you like, you can only use it for the material (i.e., PP plastic or Zinc Alloy) that it was made for. If you want to change materia (i.e., to TPU plastic or 316L Stainless Steel, you need to pay for a new mold.
Can I take the mold with me if I change suppliers?
Yes, at least in theory, and assuming that you are the actual owner of the mold. That being said, don’t assume that your supplier will let you take the mold without putting up a fight.
They can make up all sorts of reasons, and some suppliers will not care about previous agreements.
If you plan to ‘break up’ with your supplier, collect your molds weeks or even months before you let them know.
You may even want to create a 2nd set of molds, to use as a backup, if you ever get into a dispute with your supplier (in which case, they are very likely to use your molds as a collateral).
If you would ever lose access to your molds, you will face a severe supply chain disruption, as you will be forced to source a new supplier and buy an another mold – a process that can easily take 4 to 5 months.
How long time does it take to make the mold?
That depends on the complexity and size of the mold, but smaller molds normally take around 30 to 40 days to produce and adjust.
Adjusting the mold can be both time consuming and unpredictable, which is why it takes such a long time.
In many cases, additional adjust are needed, even after the initial 40 days spent.
What should I look for when selecting an injection mold supplier?
As mentioned, you may not even need to source an injection mold manufacturer by yourself. For most products, it’s easier and even safer to use the supplier’s existing mold supplier.
That said, if you for any reason decide to try finding one on your own, use the following checklist:
1. Do they make molds related to your product?
2. Do they make molds for the same type of plastic or metal you plan to use?
3. Does their business scope include the term ‘mold’ or ‘tooling’?
4. Do they have a registered capital of at least RMB 1,000,000?
5. Do they have a quality management system in place? (i.e., ISO 9001:2015)
6. Do they have any references from customers in your target markets?
7. Do they allow you to store the mold with a trusted third party? (rather than keeping the mold in their own factory).
Can I find mold suppliers on Alibaba.com and Globalsources.com?
Yes, there are thousands of injection mold suppliers listed on Alibaba, and at least a few hundred of Globalsources.com.
Use can use their supplier filtering functions, and use the data, to ensure that the suppliers match the requirements outlined in the checklist above.
Can I find mold suppliers at Trade shows?
Yes, there are often molds and tooling suppliers present at the Canton Fair, and the various trade shows in Hong Kong hosted by HKTDC and Globalsources.com.
That said, most are specialized to make molds for a specific industry, so you will find them as part of the broader supplier spectrum.
Do I need to pay import duties, VAT or other taxes on the mold?
The cost of the injection mold must be included in the customs value. As such, you will need to pay import duties and other taxes.
This is the case even if the injection molds remain with the manufacturer in China, and never even crosses the border.
You can either choose to include the full cost of the injection mold in the customs value of your first shipment, or split it up over several shipments.
Notice that this is applicable also to samples costs and service fees paid to the supplier, and not only the injection mold.
Are there any regulations or safety standards applicable for molds?
Product safety standards are normally not applicable to the mold itself, but to the finished product.
Product regulations do affect the injection mold, in the sense that you need to ensure that the design is safe for the end consumer.
In addition, the material must also comply with relevant chemical and heavy metals regulations.
Do you want to launch your own private label or custom designed product?
It can be hard to go from a design drawing to finished product. To help you manage the entire process – from creating a specification, to sampling and quality control – we created a Starter Package:
a. Private Label & OEM Product Manufacturer Lists
b. Product Specification Templates
c. Product Label Samples
d. Tutorials, Video Walkthroughs and Task Lists that guide you step-by-step through the entire process
In addition, you can also book quality inspections, lab testing and shipping directly from the platform. Click here to learn more.
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Injection moulding is one of the leading industries all over the world. China is a prominent exporter of injection moulding globally. China’s moulding industry has grown into a large industry. It has become a progressive and reliable industry leader in moulding worldwide. China mould manufacturing companies take pride in offering superior quality products. They perform their work with dedication, commitment, and a high level of expertise.
Injection moulding manufacturing in China has gained its stable position. It is because of its high standardization, professionalism, and cost-effective rate. Now China is providing injection moulding services around the year. China is making no compromise of its quality. The advantages you can get by working with China plastic injection mold makers are:
● The price of china injection moulds is less than European and other global companies. The price is 30-60% less than other injection moulding companies in the world.
● China injection molding companies are at their best in the injection moulding industry. The extensive knowledge and quality products make them more prominent than other suppliers.
● China moulding provides you flexibility at every step. Except for the manufacturing, China moulds manufacturing companies also offering other services. Some services are producing high volume mass moulds, custom plastic injection moulding. They provide you wide range of plastic injection moulding parts on a friendly budget.
● You can get injection moulds at a short delivery time, depending on the size and complexity of the mould.
For a successful business project, you must know all the basic features of moulding. So, we are providing you with basic information about china injection moulding. It will be helpful for future business strategies of your business.
A manufacturing process that allows parts production in large volume refers to Injection moulding. It uses for the mass production of unlimited identical items. It works by injection molten material into a mould.
More than 85,000 plastic materials use for mold production. It includes glass, metal, confection, elastomers, thermosetting polymer, and thermoplastic. These materials use mostly for injection moulding.
Injection moulding material combines to get different effects and properties of mould parts.
Polymers can classify into two groups:
1. Thermosets polymers
2. Thermoplastics polymers
HDPE (high-density polyethene) and LDPE (low-density polyethene) are the most common types. We use it for plastic production. These have the characteristics of recyclability, strong impact resistance, and good flexibility.
You can find various types, and each type has its pros and cons. Mould engineers and companies need to well aware of these differences. The various methods provide to you Plastic can use for the different items. For each application, you need specific methods that can fulfil the specifications. The type of methods you are choosing should be best for your application. Let have a look at some moulding types and theory benefits they offer.
It is suitable for hollow, one-piece large parts such as tanks. The rotational moulding process can use for rotational movement. It has a high temperature for the mould coating and formation of parts. It is a very cost-effective method. It uses for the manufacturing of various applications. It proves a cheaper and slow-moving process as compared to other moulding processes. Less material wastage and reuse of waste material make this process eco-friendly. It is the best for sizeable hollow container and one-piece parts manufacturing.
The compression method is very suitable for the manufacturing of large parts. It is also best for high-strength compounds, such as like fibreglass, thermosetting resin, and reinforced glass. You place a heated plastic material in the mould and compress it into shape. You may get in bulk and sheets. We use the best quality material for this process. It makes it one of the suitable methods for the automotive industry.
It has similar manufacturing steps as you can find in glass blowing. It is suitable for hollow parts and the manufacturing process of high volume objects. To produce thin-walled parts and bottles, you may find this method the best methods.
It is a versatile moulding method and suitable for high volume and high-quality parts. You can use a wide range of materials for this method. It produces small and large parts with high precision and quality. Moreover, you can get your required structure and finish. It proves cost-effective for the production of bulk components.
Plastics that are most useful in injection moulding are the following:
Have good dimensional stability and good heat resistance. Besides, it has low shrinkage and gives a high cosmetic finish. PC is available in various optical transparent grades.
It has high stiffness, strength, and toughness. It is excellent resistant to organic solvents and hydrocarbons. POM is also naming acetal. It also provides beneficial applications and has good elasticity and lubricity.
ABS is impact-resistant Plastic with good resistance to bases and acids. It also has high dimensional stability and offers low shrinkage rates. As a result, it uses for various applications.
PEEK is high performance and high-temperature resin. It has good chemical resistance and strength. It also provides heat resistance, dimensional stability, and flame retardancy.
It provides high gloss and scratch resistance. PMMA also names acrylic and has optical properties. It also has low shrinkage and less sink for the geometries.
Its strength range varies and can be moderate to high depending on the materials. We use it to make unfilled grade and flexibility. It can’t absorb flavour and shows fats, solvents, and fuels oils. It has sound electrical that makes PBT an ideal component. It is one of the best for power components and automotive applications.
Many qualified injection moulding companies are competing with each other to win projects. The selection process can be complex for you, so it will be helpful to know the best method. You have to select a method to choose efficient and reliable China injection mould makers. Some main points you should keep in mind are:
● You can verify your specifications of mould life. You can get the lead time, the price, the gate, the surface finish, and the shipment charges.
● If you want to get information about mould shrinkage, feed system, and properties. Ask DFM to report to your injection moulding service provider.
You can check if it fits your specifications. Make clear all information before placing your order.
● You should review the mould quality system. You can get a reference from past certified customers.
● After confirming PO and DFM, you can ask the moulding company to send a Moldflow analysis. It will be according to mould designing to check warpages and flowability.
● Every week mould maker can send you a tooling plan. You can also get hardness and steel quality to check mould quality if you need it.
● You can get moulding trial reports, videos, and samples. You can get it from your selected China injection moulding company.
● Before delivery and shipment, the moulding company can send you spare parts reports. It will also send you technical documents and electrodes.
You should contact a moulding supplier in your region. You can check the online mould supplier China Company. If you want to get high-quality parts for injection moulding services. Some dominated regions for injection mould production are:
1. Zhejiang
2. Guangdong
3. Jiangsu
4. Shanghai
Various factors involve China’s injection mold cost. You have to consider all these factors before starting your project. Like material, design complexity, the resin, size, cavity & volume, cycle time, and temperature. You can use the following formula to calculate the china mould cost.
China mould costDesign+ material cost+ VAT+ process & profit+ try out cost+ shipment charges+ packingYou may be costly large and complex moulds $80,000, or it will cost you more than this rate. For single and small mould, you have to pay at least $ 1,000-$5,000. But it is not the fixed rate for the china injection mould. Moldmakers suppliers have different rates. Their rates are according to the requirements of their customers’ needs and specifications. At least 15-30% of the total cost will be material and past costs. An average mould cost will be in the range of $12,000.
Injection moulding can prove expensive if you don’t know the injection moulding process. You must know different ways to reduce injection moulding costs. Some proven ways use for the cost reduction are:
● Reduce cosmetic finish & drop undercut
● Design self-mate part & Remove unnecessary features
● Modification of mould & reuse existing mould
● Use a multi-cavity & Use a core cavity.
● Consider part sizes & check DFM analysis.
You can find different variations in the china injection moulding process. Some of these are the following:
You must be well aware that plastic injection moulding is not a cheap and unimportant task for you. You have to invest a significant amount in injection mould manufacturing. It is necessary to know how long your mould lasts and how you can extend its longevity.
Like other things of nature, it is also unpredictable to give an exact life span of china injection mould. Its life and longevity depend on many factors. You must know all these factors for its maintenance and long service life.
The life span of china mould can measure with the help of the expected number of cycles. Cycles can use for the assessment of mould production.
According to the SPI, mould life can classify by its life expectancy.
Mould classThe life expectancy of mouldClass 101More than 1,000,000 cyclesClass 102Less than 1,000,000 cyclesClass 103Under 500,000 cyclesClass 104Less than 100,000 cyclesClass 105Less than 500 cyclesThere are a lot of factors involved in the life expectancy of China mould. Some main factors are the time between the production runs, cycle time. The material used to manufacture mould and operational conditions are also affect life expectancy. All these factors play a vital role in the life span of china injection mould.
Less time between the runs means the short life expectancy of your mould. A longer cycle time means a long life expectancy. Mould cycle times also depend on its design, thickness of the wall, and design complexity.
Operating conditions in which you use mould also affect the life of the mould. The material used for the production of china mould also affects its service life. Some material is prone to last for a long time. On the other side, some material does not prove good for the longevity of mould.
Proper cleaning and maintenance also prove effective for enhancing mould life. China mould manufacturing companies also provide you with complete help. You can get a maintenance guide. You can contact your mould maker supplier to get any information. It will help you with how to maintain and clean mould.
Injection moulding manufacturing in China provides you with excellent quality products. It has better quality as compared to other companies. But you can also get a lot of benefits by outsourcing with china mould makers. China is the powerhouse for injection moulding production. It provides you with production support and helps your design selection. It also assists you in the manufacturing process and engineering samples. It means from the step of order placing to product delivery. China mould makers surpass their competitors in the field. Get in touch with one of the best China mold makers to get unlimited advantages. Such as cost reduction and more output production and profit.