RFQ checklist before mold quotation
Injection Molding RFQ Checklist for Plastic Parts
Use this checklist before requesting a quote for custom plastic injection molded parts, tooling, T1 samples, production molding, finishing, assembly, inspection, packing, and shipment. A complete RFQ helps Plastic Make Co review moldability, quote the right tooling plan, and ask fewer follow-up questions.
Why it matters
A complete RFQ makes the mold quote easier to compare
Injection molding quotes are affected by part geometry, material, tolerance, surface finish, expected quantity, mold life, sample approval, inspection method, packing, and shipping requirements. When those inputs are missing, suppliers may make different assumptions, which makes price, lead time, and scope difficult to compare.
Core checklist
What to include in an injection molding RFQ
Send the information you already have. If an item is unknown, state that it is open so Plastic Make Co can review options instead of assuming the wrong requirement.
| RFQ item | What to send | Why it affects the quote |
|---|---|---|
| Part files | 3D CAD, 2D drawing, PDF, photos, current sample, or assembly view. | Geometry, tolerance, undercuts, ribs, bosses, draft, and split line drive the tooling plan. |
| Material | Known resin grade, target performance, use environment, temperature, load, color, and appearance needs. | Material affects shrinkage, flow, surface result, strength, cost, and molding conditions. |
| Quantity | Prototype quantity, first order quantity, repeat order estimate, and expected launch timing. | Quantity influences mold design, cavity discussion, production price, and sampling plan. |
| Tolerance | Critical dimensions, fit points, datum notes, and any inspection report requirements. | Plastic tolerance affects tool adjustment, inspection method, fixture needs, and approval risk. |
| Surface and color | Texture, gloss, polish, color reference, visible surfaces, gate limits, and mark acceptance. | Appearance requirements affect gate location, polish, texture, packing protection, and sample review. |
| Secondary process | Insert molding, overmolding, painting, printing, plating, assembly, ultrasonic welding, or packing needs. | Extra processes change routing, fixtures, inspection points, cost, and lead time. |
| Commercial and logistics | Destination, Incoterms preference if known, packing requirement, payment process, and required documents. | Shipment and order process details help avoid an incomplete landed-cost discussion. |
Files
CAD files, drawings, and revision control
File quality is one of the fastest ways to improve quote accuracy. A 3D model helps review manufacturability, while a 2D drawing helps confirm dimensions, tolerances, material, surface, and inspection points.
Recommended 3D formats
- STEP or STP
- IGS or IGES
- X_T or Parasolid
- SLDPRT or native file if available
Useful 2D drawing notes
- Critical dimensions
- General tolerance
- Material and color
- Surface finish and visible side
- Inspection or test notes
Revision control
- Part number and revision
- Which file is current
- What changed from the old version
- Open issues that still need review
Material and use
Material, application, and performance requirements
If the material is not fixed, describe how the part will be used. Plastic Make Co can then discuss practical resin options, DFM concerns, and quotation assumptions without pretending a material choice is already final.
- Working temperature, outdoor exposure, humidity, chemical contact, or load condition.
- Strength, flexibility, impact, wear, transparency, flame behavior, or appearance priority.
- Color target, color matching method, texture, gloss, and acceptable visual marks.
- Assembly method, inserts, screws, clips, snap fits, mating parts, and functional surfaces.
- Buyer-defined regulatory, documentation, or testing requirements if the project requires them.
Mold and samples
Tooling, T1 samples, and approval details to clarify early
A quote should define more than a mold price. It should make clear what is included in mold making, first trial samples, correction loops, part approval, and the transition from sample to production.
| Question | What to clarify | Why buyers should care |
|---|---|---|
| Prototype or production mold? | Project stage, expected order quantity, repeat demand, and launch timing. | The tooling approach should match the business stage and quality expectation. |
| Cavity and cycle assumptions? | Target quantity, part size, material, and price sensitivity. | Cavity count and molding assumptions affect mold cost and unit price. |
| Sample approval criteria? | Dimensions, appearance, fit, function, color, packing, and buyer test method. | Clear T1 review criteria reduce vague sample feedback and repeated corrections. |
| Inspection scope? | Critical dimensions, inspection report, photos, assembly checks, and sample size. | Inspection scope should match real risk instead of being guessed after production. |
| Change control? | How drawing changes, mold corrections, and revised samples should be approved. | Revision control prevents confusion between old files, new files, and sample feedback. |
Quote delays
Common missing RFQ details that slow down injection molding quotes
These gaps often create extra email loops. If you can answer them in the first RFQ, the review can move faster.
No 3D file
A photo or sketch may start a discussion, but 3D CAD is usually needed for moldability review and accurate tooling comments.
Material not defined
If the exact grade is unknown, describe the function, use environment, strength need, appearance target, and any buyer-defined requirements.
Quantity unclear
Prototype, first batch, and repeat production quantities can point to different tooling and pricing assumptions.
Tolerance treated as general
Mark critical dimensions separately so the quote can reflect the real inspection and sample approval effort.
Appearance not mapped
Visible surfaces, texture, gate limits, ejector mark limits, and color approval should be clear before mold design.
Packing or shipment left late
Packing protection, carton labels, destination, and documents can affect the final project scope.
Process
How the RFQ checklist turns into a practical quote
After receiving files and requirements, Plastic Make Co reviews the part for moldability, quote assumptions, open questions, and the next communication step.
File and requirement review
Check CAD, drawings, material, quantity, finish, tolerance, assembly, and project timing.
DFM and quote questions
Identify draft, wall thickness, undercut, gate, parting line, tolerance, and missing RFQ information.
Mold and sample plan
Discuss mold approach, T1 samples, correction feedback, inspection points, and production readiness.
Quotation and next step
Provide quotation basis, assumptions, lead time discussion, and the actions needed before tooling starts.
Different part types
RFQ focus changes by plastic part application
Use the same checklist, but emphasize the points that matter most for your part type.
Electronics enclosures
Boss strength, snap fit, screw posts, gasket contact, texture, color, heat exposure, and assembly gap.
Automotive plastic parts
Clip fit, bracket strength, temperature exposure, surface requirements, tolerance stack-up, and inspection method.
Medical-related plastic parts
Buyer-defined material, contact condition, visible defects, cleanliness expectation, packing, and documentation needs.
Insert molded parts
Insert drawing, insert tolerance, loading method, pull or torque requirement, gate location, and inspection points.
Transparent or cosmetic parts
Gate vestige, weld line, flow mark, scratch limit, polish, color, packing protection, and sample approval standard.
Functional small components
Critical dimensions, mating part fit, snap behavior, wear surface, material behavior, and repeatability.
Buyer resources
Useful pages before sending an injection molding RFQ
FAQ
Injection molding RFQ checklist questions
Can I request a quote without a final drawing?
Yes, but mark the file as early-stage. A quote based on incomplete files may need revision after the final drawing and material are confirmed.
Which file should I send first?
Send a STEP or STP file if available, plus a 2D PDF drawing for tolerance, material, finish, and inspection notes.
What if I do not know the material?
Describe the application, temperature, load, environment, color, appearance, and any buyer-defined test or documentation requirement.
Do you need annual quantity?
It helps. If annual quantity is unknown, provide prototype quantity, first order quantity, and expected repeat order range.
Can the RFQ include assembly or packing?
Yes. Include inserts, fasteners, labels, bags, cartons, assembly steps, and any packing protection needed for shipment.
What happens after I send files?
Plastic Make Co reviews the files, checks moldability and quote assumptions, then follows up with questions or a quotation basis.
Ready to quote?
Send CAD files, drawings, and RFQ requirements
Include 3D files, 2D drawings, material, quantity, finish, tolerance, sample expectations, inspection requirements, packing notes, destination, and timing.