An injection mold RFQ checklist can save a lot of trouble before a tooling project starts. A mold quotation may look straightforward on the surface, but the actual scope can vary significantly from one supplier to another.
One supplier may include a specific mold steel, hot runner system, T1 trial, inspection report, and spare parts. Another may quote a lower price while leaving some of these items open or unspecified.
That difference may not be obvious until the mold is already in production.
For purchasing teams and engineers working with overseas mold suppliers, it is worth confirming the technical and commercial details before placing a purchase order. This guide covers 15 points that should be discussed during the RFQ stage, plus several items that are commonly missed when comparing quotations.
What Is an Injection Mold RFQ?
RFQ means Request for Quotation. In injection molding, an RFQ is the information package sent to a mold manufacturer so the supplier can review the part and prepare a tooling quotation.
A typical RFQ may contain:
- 3D CAD file
- 2D product drawing
- Plastic material and grade
- Expected annual production
- Required mold life
- Cavity quantity
- Surface finish
- Critical dimensions and tolerances
- Injection molding machine information
- Special tooling requirements
The supplier uses this information to evaluate the mold structure, manufacturing difficulty, expected tooling cost, and lead time.
If important information is missing, the supplier may have to make assumptions. Those assumptions can later become differences between the quotation and the customer’s actual expectations.
For companies looking for a complete tooling solution, Fentormold provides custom injection mold manufacturing for prototype and production tooling.
Why Use an Injection Mold RFQ Checklist?
The main reason is simple: two mold quotations are not necessarily comparing the same thing.
Imagine receiving three quotations:
- Supplier A: $18,000
- Supplier B: $21,000
- Supplier C: $24,000
At first glance, Supplier A looks like the obvious choice.
But what if Supplier A uses different mold steel, includes only one trial, excludes spare parts, or does not include certain inspection requirements?
The price comparison changes quickly.
A good RFQ should make the scope clear enough that suppliers are quoting against the same requirements.
It also gives purchasing and engineering teams something concrete to check before the PO is released.
15 Things to Confirm Before Ordering an Injection Mold
1. Is the Part Design Final?
Start with the product itself.
If the 3D model is still changing, tell the mold supplier before the quotation is finalized. A change to a rib, boss, hole, wall thickness, or assembly feature can affect the mold structure.
Depending on the change, the supplier may need to modify:
- Core and cavity
- Parting line
- Slides
- Lifters
- Ejector system
- Cooling channels
- Gates
- Inserts
A late design change is usually much easier to manage before steel has been cut.
If the product design is not final, make that clear in the RFQ rather than allowing the supplier to assume that the submitted model is frozen.
2. What Plastic Material and Grade Will Be Used?
Do not simply specify “ABS” or “PA66” if the exact grade is already known.
Different grades of the same polymer can have different:
- Shrinkage
- Flow characteristics
- Processing temperatures
- Wear characteristics
- Reinforcement levels
- Surface requirements
Glass-filled materials are a good example. They can be more abrasive to the mold than unfilled materials, which may influence the choice of steel and wear components.
Give the supplier the material manufacturer and grade whenever possible.
If the material has not been finalized, say so and ask the mold supplier whether the tooling design needs to account for multiple possible materials.
3. How Many Cavities Are Required?
Cavity count has a direct effect on both tooling cost and production capacity.
For a low-volume project, a single-cavity mold may make more sense. A high-volume product may justify a multi-cavity design.
The decision depends on:
- Annual volume
- Target cycle time
- Part size
- Machine capacity
- Production schedule
- Tooling budget
Do not choose cavity quantity based on tooling price alone.
Ask the supplier what production output can realistically be achieved with the proposed cavity configuration.
If you are still deciding between options, request pricing for two or more cavity configurations. That gives you a much better basis for the decision.
4. What Mold Steel Is Included?
Mold steel should be clearly identified in the quotation.
The appropriate steel depends on the application rather than simply choosing the most expensive option.
Consider:
- Expected mold life
- Plastic material
- Production volume
- Corrosion risk
- Wear
- Surface finish
- Maintenance requirements
For example, a mold intended for a limited prototype run may have very different steel requirements from a production mold expected to run for years.
Ask the supplier to specify the steel used for the mold base, core, cavity, and important inserts where relevant.
If your company has an approved steel list, include it in the RFQ.
5. Which Mold Standard Will Be Used?
Mold standards should not be left as an assumption.
Depending on the customer and market, the tooling may need to follow a particular standard such as DME or HASCO.
The standard can affect:
- Mold component dimensions
- Replacement components
- Maintenance
- Interchangeability
- Mold design
If your maintenance team already works with a specific standard, mention it in the RFQ.
This is particularly useful when a mold may need replacement components or maintenance at a later stage.
6. What Runner and Gate System Is Proposed?
Ask the supplier to identify the proposed runner and gate design.
The quotation should make clear whether the tooling uses:
- Cold runner
- Hot runner
- Valve gate
- Pin gate
- Edge gate
- Submarine gate
- Another gate configuration
There is no universal “best” gate system.
The choice depends on the part geometry, plastic material, cosmetic requirements, production volume, and expected cycle time.
For a hot runner mold, also confirm whether a specific hot runner brand is required and whether the hot runner controller is included.
7. What Is Included in the Mold Base?
A quotation should give enough information to understand what mold base is being supplied.
Depending on the project, you may want to confirm:
- Mold base size
- Mold base standard
- Plate thickness
- Steel specification
- Guide system
- Locating ring
- Sprue bushing
- Ejector system
- Support structure
Machine compatibility should also be checked.
A mold that technically works but does not fit the customer’s intended machine can create unnecessary problems later.
8. Which Dimensions Are Critical?
A 2D drawing may contain hundreds of dimensions, but they are not all equally important.
Identify the dimensions that affect:
- Assembly
- Sealing
- Movement
- Function
- Safety
- Appearance
If a particular hole position or mating dimension has a tight tolerance, make sure the supplier knows it is critical.
This allows the tooling team to pay closer attention to the corresponding mold features and inspection requirements.
A general tolerance note is useful, but it does not replace clearly identifying critical dimensions.
9. What Surface Finish Is Required?
Surface finish should be defined before mold manufacturing begins.
Depending on the part, requirements may include:
- Polishing
- SPI finish
- VDI texture
- Matte finish
- EDM finish
- Mold texture
- Mirror finish
For cosmetic products, this can be one of the most important acceptance criteria.
“Good polish” is not a very useful technical specification.
If appearance matters, provide a finish standard, texture reference, sample, or other clear requirement.
10. How Many T1 Trials Are Included?
T1 is the first real test of the completed mold.
Before placing the order, confirm how the supplier handles mold trials.
Ask:
- Is T1 included?
- How many trial rounds are included?
- How many samples will be supplied?
- Who pays for additional trials?
- Is a trial report provided?
- What happens if mold modifications are required?
The first trial may reveal issues with filling, cooling, ejection, dimensions, or appearance.
Some problems can be solved through molding-process adjustments. Others require a tooling change.
Agreeing on the trial process in advance avoids unnecessary arguments later.
11. What Inspection Reports Will You Receive?
Ask what quality documentation is included with the tooling.
Depending on the project, this may include:
- Mold dimensional inspection
- Plastic part dimensional report
- T1 trial report
- Steel certificate
- Heat-treatment documentation
- Material certificate
- Mold photographs
The inspection method should match the tolerance requirements.
For tight-tolerance parts, you may need more detailed dimensional inspection than for a simple consumer product.
This is also where your injection mold quality control requirements should be agreed before manufacturing begins.
12. Are Spare Parts Included?
Spare parts are often forgotten during the RFQ stage.
Depending on the mold design, you may want to include spare:
- Ejector pins
- Springs
- O-rings
- Wear plates
- Inserts
- Other replaceable components
This is particularly useful for overseas customers.
If a small mold component fails after the tooling has been shipped, getting a replacement can take more time than simply having a spare available.
Ask the supplier which components they recommend keeping as spares based on the actual mold design.
13. What Happens If the Mold Needs Modification?
This point should be discussed before the purchase order is issued.
Suppose the T1 sample does not meet a critical dimension.
The next question is: why?
The cause could be:
- Mold manufacturing error
- Product design change
- Incorrect molding conditions
- Material change
- Required tooling adjustment
These situations should not automatically be treated in the same way.
Your quotation or tooling agreement should explain how modifications are handled and which changes are included in the original price.
Clear terms make it easier to resolve problems objectively.
14. What Is the Actual Mold Lead Time?
Ask the supplier how the lead time is calculated.
A typical tooling project may move through:
DFM → Mold Design → Design Approval → Steel Preparation → CNC/EDM → Assembly → T1 → Modification → Final Inspection → Delivery
When a supplier says “45 days,” you should know what that 45 days means.
Ask:
- When does the lead time start?
- Is design approval included?
- Is steel procurement included?
- Is T1 included?
- Are modifications included?
- When is the mold considered complete?
This prevents two suppliers from quoting different schedules while using the same number of calendar days.
15. What Happens After the Mold Is Completed?
The project does not necessarily end when the mold produces an acceptable sample.
Before ordering, confirm:
- Final inspection
- Part approval
- Mold acceptance
- Spare parts
- Documentation
- Packaging
- Shipping preparation
- Maintenance information
- Future technical support
For an overseas project, these details can make a noticeable difference.
If you also need production after the tooling stage, it can be useful to work with a supplier that can support both tooling and manufacturing. Fentormold provides injection molding production for customers that need production support after mold completion.
What Is Often Missing From an Injection Mold Quotation?
This is where buyers should slow down before comparing prices.
A mold quotation may show the tooling price and lead time but leave several details unclear.
Check whether the quotation specifically covers:
- Mold steel
- Mold base
- Cavity number
- Hot runner system
- Hot runner brand
- T1 trial
- Number of samples
- Inspection
- Spare parts
- Mold modifications
- Packaging
- Shipping preparation
- Documentation
For example, if one supplier includes a hot runner system and another does not, comparing only the total mold price does not give you a fair comparison.
The same applies to T1 trials and spare parts.
A quotation should be compared based on scope, not just price.
Injection Mold RFQ Checklist for Buyers
Before sending the purchase order, go through the following list.
| Item | Confirmed? |
|---|---|
| Final 3D part model | ☐ |
| 2D drawing | ☐ |
| Plastic material and grade | ☐ |
| Production volume | ☐ |
| Required mold life | ☐ |
| Cavity quantity | ☐ |
| Mold steel | ☐ |
| Mold standard | ☐ |
| Runner and gate system | ☐ |
| Hot runner brand, if applicable | ☐ |
| Mold base specification | ☐ |
| Critical dimensions | ☐ |
| Surface finish | ☐ |
| T1 trial requirements | ☐ |
| Inspection reports | ☐ |
| Spare parts | ☐ |
| Mold modification terms | ☐ |
| Lead time | ☐ |
| Final acceptance requirements | ☐ |
| Packaging and delivery | ☐ |
You do not need a complicated RFQ document.
You simply need enough information for every supplier to quote against the same requirements.
How to Compare Injection Mold Quotations
Once the RFQs come back, build a side-by-side comparison.
| Requirement | Supplier A | Supplier B | Supplier C |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mold price | |||
| Cavity quantity | |||
| Mold steel | |||
| Mold standard | |||
| Runner system | |||
| Hot runner | |||
| T1 trials | |||
| Inspection | |||
| Spare parts | |||
| Lead time | |||
| Warranty | |||
| Packaging |
This makes differences much easier to see.
For example, Supplier B may be more expensive but include a better steel grade, more trial support, and a complete inspection package.
Supplier A may look cheaper until those missing items are added.
If you want to understand the cost side in more detail, see our Injection Mold Quote Guide.
What Should You Send With an Injection Mold RFQ?
A supplier can prepare a much more accurate quotation when the RFQ contains the information that actually affects tooling.
At minimum, try to provide:
- 3D product model
- 2D drawing
- Plastic material and grade
- Expected production volume
- Required mold life
- Cavity requirement
- Surface finish
- Critical tolerances
- Mold standard
- Special tooling requirements
- Target delivery date
- Injection molding machine information, if available
If some information is not available, say so.
It is better to write “material not finalized” or “cavity number to be recommended” than to leave the supplier guessing.
A good tooling supplier should be able to identify the missing information during the engineering review.
Common Mistakes When Sending an Injection Mold RFQ
Sending Only a 3D File
A 3D model does not always communicate critical tolerances, surface finish, material requirements, or inspection criteria.
Include the 2D drawing when one is available.
Asking Only for the Lowest Price
The cheapest quotation is not necessarily the lowest-cost tooling solution.
Look at what is included before making a decision.
Leaving the Mold Standard Open
If your maintenance team requires DME, HASCO, or another standard, specify it before design approval.
Not Identifying Critical Dimensions
If a dimension affects assembly or function, tell the supplier.
Do not assume that every supplier will interpret the drawing in exactly the same way.
Not Discussing T1 and Modifications
A mold trial can reveal problems that were not visible during design.
Agree on the trial and modification process before ordering.
Comparing Lead Times Without Checking the Scope
“40 days” from one supplier and “40 days” from another supplier may not mean the same thing.
Always ask what is included in the lead time.
Why a Detailed RFQ Makes the Project Easier
A detailed RFQ creates a common reference for engineering, purchasing, and the mold supplier.
It reduces the number of assumptions made during the project.
That matters because tooling changes become more expensive as the project progresses.
A design issue is relatively easy to address during DFM.
The same issue becomes more complicated after steel has been ordered.
It becomes even more expensive if the mold has already been machined and assembled.
For that reason, spending more time defining the RFQ can save time later.
Injection Mold RFQ Checklist: Final Review Before Ordering
Before releasing the purchase order, ask yourself five simple questions:
Is the product design clear?
Is the mold specification clear?
Is the quotation scope clear?
Are the quality and acceptance requirements clear?
Are lead time and modification terms clear?
If the answer to all five is yes, you have removed many of the common uncertainties from the tooling project.
The goal of an RFQ is not to create a long document for the sake of paperwork.
It is to make sure the customer and mold supplier are talking about the same mold.
Final Thoughts
An injection mold RFQ checklist is useful because the details behind a tooling quotation can have a major effect on the final project.
Before ordering, confirm the product design, material, cavity quantity, mold steel, mold standard, runner system, critical tolerances, surface finish, T1 trials, inspection requirements, spare parts, modification terms, lead time, and final acceptance.
Most importantly, compare the complete scope of each quotation instead of comparing the mold price alone.
A clear RFQ gives the mold manufacturer better information, gives purchasing a fairer way to compare suppliers, and reduces the chance of unexpected tooling costs later.
If you are preparing an RFQ for a new injection mold, send Fentormold your 3D part file, 2D drawing, material specification, expected production volume, and tooling requirements. Fentormold can review the project requirements and prepare a quotation based on the actual production needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What information should an injection mold RFQ include?
A typical RFQ should include the 3D model, 2D drawing, plastic material and grade, production volume, cavity requirements, mold life, surface finish, critical tolerances, and any special tooling requirements.
Should mold steel be specified in an RFQ?
If you have a specific steel requirement, include it. Otherwise, ask the supplier to recommend an appropriate grade based on the material, production volume, expected mold life, and surface requirements.
How many cavities should an injection mold have?
There is no universal answer. The right cavity count depends on production volume, part size, cycle time, machine capacity, and tooling budget. Ask the supplier to compare different options when necessary.
Should T1 trials be included in the quotation?
The quotation should clearly state whether T1 is included, how many trials are covered, how many samples are supplied, and how additional modifications are handled.
What should I compare when reviewing mold quotations?
Compare more than the tooling price. Check mold steel, cavity quantity, mold standard, runner system, hot runner, T1 trials, inspection, spare parts, lead time, warranty, and final acceptance requirements.
What is the difference between an RFQ and a mold quotation?
The RFQ is the customer’s request and technical information package. The quotation is the supplier’s proposed price, scope, lead time, and commercial terms based on that RFQ.
How can I avoid misunderstandings with an overseas mold supplier?
Provide complete drawings and specifications, identify critical requirements clearly, confirm what is included in the quotation, and agree on T1, inspection, modification, acceptance, and delivery requirements before placing the order.
Final Thoughts
An injection mold RFQ checklist is useful because the details behind a tooling quotation can have a major effect on the final project.
Before ordering, confirm the product design, material, cavity quantity, mold steel, mold standard, runner system, critical tolerances, surface finish, T1 trials, inspection requirements, spare parts, modification terms, lead time, and final acceptance.
Most importantly, compare the complete scope of each quotation instead of comparing the mold price alone.
A clear RFQ gives the mold manufacturer better information, gives purchasing a fairer way to compare suppliers, and reduces the chance of unexpected tooling costs later.
Need an Injection Mold Quote?
If you are preparing a new injection mold project, send Fentormold your 3D part file, 2D drawing, plastic material, expected production volume, and tooling requirements.
Our engineering team can review your requirements, evaluate the tooling approach, and prepare a free injection mold quotation based on your actual project needs.