A clear project brief helps a mold manufacturer evaluate part design, tooling requirements, production costs and potential manufacturing risks.
You do not need to have every detail finalized before contacting PlasticNavi. Send the information currently available, and our team will identify what still needs to be confirmed before mold manufacturing begins.
1. Product Drawings or CAD Files
A 3D CAD file provides the most useful information for reviewing part geometry and preparing an accurate mold quotation.
Preferred file formats include:
- STEP or STP
- X_T
- IGS or IGES
- SolidWorks files
- 2D drawings in PDF or DWG format
If CAD files are not yet available, you may begin with sketches, photographs, reference products, samples or a written product description. Product engineering may be required before the mold can be quoted accurately.
2. Plastic Material
Specify the preferred plastic resin if it has already been selected. Common considerations include:
- Mechanical strength
- Temperature resistance
- Chemical resistance
- Impact performance
- Transparency
- Food-contact or medical requirements
- UV resistance
- Surface appearance
- Target product cost
If the material has not been selected, explain the product’s application and operating conditions. PlasticNavi can review suitable material options according to the project requirements.
3. Estimated Production Quantity
Provide the expected quantity per order and estimated annual demand.
Production volume affects decisions such as:
- Mold steel
- Number of cavities
- Mold construction
- Runner system
- Level of automation
- Target molding cycle
- Expected mold service life
An approximate quantity range is sufficient for an initial review.
4. Part Size and Weight
Provide the principal dimensions and estimated part weight when available. These details help determine the required mold size, injection molding machine tonnage and material consumption.
PlasticNavi operates injection molding machines ranging from 50 to 500 tons.
5. Surface and Appearance Requirements
Describe any visible or cosmetic requirements, including:
- Polished or textured surfaces
- Gloss or matte finish
- Color requirements
- Transparent areas
- Parting-line limitations
- Gate-location restrictions
- Ejector-pin mark restrictions
- Logos, lettering or molded-in details
Reference photographs or physical samples are helpful when appearance is important.
6. Dimensional Tolerances and Critical Features
Identify dimensions and features that affect product function, fit or assembly.
Examples include:
- Holes and mating surfaces
- Snap fits
- Sealing areas
- Threads
- Gear features
- Insert locations
- Flatness or concentricity requirements
- Critical wall thicknesses
Not every dimension needs the same tolerance. Marking the critical dimensions helps the engineering and quality teams focus on the features that matter most.
7. Assembly and Secondary Processes
Explain whether the molded parts require additional work, such as:
- Insert molding or overmolding
- Pad printing or screen printing
- Spray painting
- Laser marking
- Plating
- Ultrasonic welding
- Product assembly
- Functional testing
- Custom packaging
Including these requirements at the quotation stage helps evaluate the complete manufacturing process.
8. Mold Ownership and Tooling Standards
Please state whether the mold will remain at PlasticNavi for production or whether it must follow a particular customer tooling standard.
If applicable, provide requirements relating to:
- Mold base and steel specifications
- Standard components
- Hot-runner systems
- Electrical connections
- Mold identification
- Spare components
- Export preparation and documentation
What Happens After You Submit the Information?
PlasticNavi reviews the available files and project requirements before preparing the quotation.
The initial review may cover:
- Product structure and manufacturability
- Material and production requirements
- Parting lines, gates and ejection
- Mold construction and cavity strategy
- Expected mold trials and validation
- Injection molding and secondary operations
- Information that still needs to be confirmed
If the product design is not ready for tooling, we will explain which engineering or prototype steps should be completed first.
Request an Injection Mold and Production Quote
Send your available CAD files, drawings, photographs or samples together with the expected material and production quantity.
PlasticNavi can support the project from product engineering and prototyping through custom mold manufacturing, injection molding, assembly and packaging.