Better Injection Mold Sourcing…Is It Worth The Trouble?

Better Injection Mold Sourcing

Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) have to be good at what they do to survive in the global economy. To achieve this goal many demand that their suppliers have state-of-the-art molding equipment and procedures. OEMs can purchase some of the world’s best plastic materials from American manufacturers. When it comes to buying molds, OEMs have shown a preference for low-cost over high quality. This is counterproductive, as world-class molding requires a state-of-the-art injection molds.

Low Cost Injection Mold from China

injection mold made of high quality steelManufacturers have been seeking low cost Injection Mold from China, India and many other low cost centers for some years now. China has put in the necessary infrastructure to support the injection mold building industry in the Shenzhen area.  In spite of that fact, lower cost shops have opened in other areas like Shanghai, Dongguan in Guangdong, and Huangyan.  Labor costs are lower and so is the skill of the workers.  It is my professional opinion that no-one should ever gamble and go to areas beyond Shenzhen if they are seeking high level craftsmanship and an injection mold that will last as per SPI Standards.

OEMs and Molders receive spam email each day soliciting their injection mold business.  Many of these emails come from minor shops of which reside in areas that are not well supported.  As long as everything goes well, it may be ok… but when there are issues, these shops do not have the technical ability nor the financial where withal to support it.  We often hear customers talking about how badly they were hurt by a China shop.  When this is explored further, you find that many times they went to small, unsupported, financially unstable shops which presented to them a very attractive cost.  The cost did not end up low…but very late and very expensive for the repairs.  Total cost of acquisition can be deceiving.

Injection Mold Supplier – Total Solution Plastic

This is why it is extremely important to deal with Hybrid shops like Total Solution Plastic that has been to China, met the people and qualified the shop.  Agreements are in place to support each other and ultimately our customer. This may cost a little more than going to the lower cost centers, but Quality Assurance, Financial Stability and Project Management is paramount when making such an important decision for your company.

Typically we see about 40% cost savings to our customers as compared to “domestic” prices as long as the mold has a substantial amount of labor involved.  Simply, the larger the mold, the more action, the more the cost; you realize more savings.  It really comes down to the cost of qualified labor and engineering support that can cost effectively produce your mold.

To learn more about Injection Mold from Total Solution Plastic visit our website, or use our Contact Form to email us.

Franklin Spears
Total Solution Plastic
7613 Pats Branch Drive
Raleigh, NC 27612
919-900-8801

About Frank Spears

The next time your business calls for an injection mold, explore the opportunity that Total Solution Plastic offers to reduce cost, minimize procurement hassles and get your injection mold to specification and on time. You have my word on it.