Sourcing injection moulds from China is no longer only about price. The best Chinese toolmakers combine modern machining, experienced toolmakers and short lead times. Problems usually come from what was not agreed at the start. These points help you choose the right partner and protect your project.
Visit, or ask for a live video tour
Check that the supplier actually owns the equipment it quotes for: CNC machining centres, EDM, wire cutting, grinding, presses large enough to trial your mould, and an inspection room with a CMM. A short video call on the shop floor tells you more than a brochure.
Specify the steel – and ask for certificates
Write the steel grade and hardness for cavities, cores and inserts into the purchase order, together with the mould base standard and hot-runner brand. Ask for mill certificates and hardness test results. This is the single most effective protection against early wear and cracking.
Agree a project plan with milestones
A good supplier sends a schedule covering DFM approval, design freeze, steel arrival, machining, T1 trial and sample approval, then reports progress weekly with photos. Agree how many trials and corrections are included in the price.
Define sample approval
State what “approved” means: which dimensions are critical, which cosmetic standard applies, how many samples you need and which reports come with them (dimensional report, CMM data, material certificates, capability studies if required).
Protect your design
Sign a non-disclosure agreement before sending files. For larger programmes an NNN agreement (non-disclosure, non-use, non-circumvention) under Chinese law gives more practical protection than an agreement written only for your home country. Register designs and trademarks in China if the product is important to you.
Ownership, maintenance and transfer
Confirm in writing that you own the mould and its design data, who maintains it while it runs at the supplier, and that it can be transferred or exported on request. Ask how maintenance records are kept.
One supplier for tooling and production
When the same company builds the mould and runs production, there is no argument about whether a defect comes from the tool or the process. China United Mould designs, builds and runs moulds in its own plants in Huizhou and Dongguan, with presses from 50 to 1300 tons, so tooling, moulding, finishing and assembly stay under one project team.
Checklist
- Equipment and inspection room seen in person or on video
- Steel grade, hardness and certificates in the order
- Milestone schedule and weekly photo reports
- Written sample approval criteria
- NDA / NNN agreement signed
- Mould ownership, maintenance and export terms agreed
Have a part to discuss? Send your drawing or 3D file to info@chinaunitedmould.com or use our inquiry form – our engineers reply with a quotation and DFM suggestions.