If your company has particular components that it uses within its own finished products, it is likely that it has relied on the services of a contract custom injection mold manufacturer to provide specific plastic parts or modules. As a result, the manufacturer may be able to earn a good deal, while providing your business with precision engineered components that meet your high standards at the same time.

You may need to terminate the contract, however, if the fabrication company proves unreliable. In the event that the manufacturer can't or won't fulfill its promises, your company can end up with late deliveries, missed deadlines, poor quality, or even unfortunate problems at the plant. There are five characteristics to look for in a new manufacturer of custom injection molds:

1. In-house engineers

While you probably have your own engineers, it's always best to work with a contract manufacturing company that has their own in-house engineers who can work with you to develop or improve a prototype for each component you require. In addition to offering design assistance, these experts can suggest alternative methods of fabrication so that you can end up with a high quality product. Additionally, they can offer troubleshooting assistance if there is a problem during production, minimizing downtime and maximizing production speed.

2. Custom injection molds and a variety of manufacturing techniques

It might be that your company needs injection molded components for your current project, but can the same manufacturer also produce thermoset plastics or structural foam parts for your future projects? Instead of working with five different suppliers under five different contracts, it is more efficient and cost effective to have as many plastic components as possible made by one company.

3. Capability to manufacture round-the-clock

There is no such thing as a perfect world where you don't need to rush jobs or have additional shifts to meet product demand, but this isn't the case. Whenever you need a rush job or have an unanticipated number of orders to fill, your injection mold contractor should be able to run three full shifts on a routine basis. What will they be able to do for you if they only run one shift at your current manufacturer?

4. Excellent customer service

Even though the thermoplastic fabrication industry isn't known for its excellent customer service, it doesn't mean you have to deal with unanswered phone calls, lost messages, or any other inconveniences that can impede production or result in misunderstandings. Contact the customer service department of your new injection mold supplier before signing a contract. Was the phone answered promptly? Did they answer your questions or direct you to the right person? Were they personable and pleasant?

5. Multiple facilities

Injection mold suppliers may not want to think about what might happen if they were to experience an industrial accident, fire, or other problem that requires them to shut down their facility, but it does happen. Depending on your own production, it can have a profound and costly impact. In the case that the fabricating company has another facility, they can continue to supply the components you need by setting up a secondary facility and adding more shifts. More info: https://prototool.com/rapid-prototyping/mold-making

By finding a custom injection mold fabricating company that meets all of the above criteria, your company will be assured that their plastic component needs will always be met with best practices and excellent support.

With Prototool, you can turn your million-dollar ideas into marketable, approachable, and valuable products quickly and efficiently. Our rapid prototyping, injection molding and on-demand manufacturing services are the most dependable, fast, cost-efficient, unique, and adaptive in China. Prototool offers everything from the most advanced manufacturing solutions to the highest-rated materials.