Molds made in China 3

[BPres]

I received a quote for molds made in China for $12,000. Compared to US quotes of $60,000. Is there a sourse which identifies good, bad, ugly in China? Am I asking for problems having them make in China? Is there a cheaper way to have them made in US? By the way, I'm just getting started putting a product on a small market ($30M/yr) and want only 1000 of the products to start with. Most US plastic injection shops want RFQs for minimum 100,000. That may lock me into China.

 

[TheTick]

That may lock you out of China. They like large quantities.

 

[patprimmer]

Your question has no simple answer.

Individual toolmakers in any country will offer different prices and different qualities.

The problems with China are distance and communication. It is not as easy to get exactly what you want. A few trips to sort it out can quickly eat up the savings.

If small run moulding is an issue, Australia is well placed in that regard, being a developed country that is geographically isolated and having a small home market.

Cost savings can be achieved with the use of cheaper, easy to machine materials like aluminium or mild steel. The final breakdown depends on a lot of variables.

Also, sometimes keeping the mould simple and cheap at the expense of cycle time is OK for short runs.

Regards

eng-tips, by professional engineers for professional engineers
Please see FAQ731-376 for tips on how to make the best use of Eng-Tips Fora.

 

[BPres]

Thanks for your insight. I'll use it for the final decision.

 

[MikeHalloran]

I can recommend a molder in upstate New York who has made astonishing parts in aluminum molds for relatively little money. Contact me at the office next week if you are interested.



Mike Halloran
NOT speaking for
DeAngelo Marine Exhaust Inc.
Ft. Lauderdale, FL, USA

 

[BPres]

By all means! Add his point of contact or I can give you my email.

 

[BPres]

Next question is this; if I get the molds made in US I still only want 1000 (14 plastic parts, 5 stamped stainless steel)to start with. Are there shops in US willing to run such a small number?

 

[TheTick]

<

http://www.protomold.com>

for short-run plastic parts. Great flexible on-line quote system.

<

http://www.quasar.com>

for short-run stampings. Highest quality, great service. Contact Ryan Assemany, tell him 'howdy' from Roland (formerly of) E.R. Wagner.

 

[BPres]

Great! Please provide me with an email address so I can send you the 3D model or 2D drawings.

 

[davidinindy]

Many local shops I know are staying in business repairing and refurbing Chinese molds. I have heard nothing but bad about them. (of course, they're a little biased) From construction techniques, to steel quality... They go cheap everywhere.
In my opinion, you get what you pay for.
There are many molders who specialize in short runs.

David

 

[TheTick]

There are good Chinese toolmakers. The U.S. repair shops will never see those tools, though.

 

[davidinindy]

Tick... I guess that's true.

David

 

[MTPortugal]

have you tried Portugal? They have a great mold industry and i'm sure that there are a lot of companies, with good uality, both in the rapid tooling business as well as the common steel molds.
In the matter of molding the plastic parts you can find some moulders, but i think the best way is to ask directly to manufacturer of the mold. If you are interested in in contacting somer of this companies visit the following site:

http://www.cefamol.pt/website/index.php?id=20&step=pesquisa&arg_a=1&lang=pt

The site is in protuguese but it has an opton fopr english.

Regards