A clear injection molding RFQ helps buyers receive a more practical tooling and part cost estimate. Missing information can lead to broad assumptions, slow replies, or quotes that are hard to compare.
This template shows what to include when sending drawings for custom plastic injection molded parts. You can copy the structure into an email or use it to prepare files before submitting the quote form.
Injection Molding RFQ Template
| RFQ field | What to include | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Part name and use | Product name, function, industry, assembly role, and whether it is cosmetic or functional. | Helps judge material, tolerance, surface, and inspection priority. |
| Files | 3D CAD, 2D drawings, photos, sample reference, revision number. | CAD supports tooling review; drawings define dimensions and tolerances. |
| Material | Exact grade, material family, or functional requirements if grade is not final. | Material affects shrinkage, mold design, processing, and part performance. |
| Quantity | First order quantity, annual forecast, expected project life. | Determines tooling route, cavity count, and unit cost direction. |
| Surface and color | Color code, texture, gloss, visible surface, painting, printing, logo, or sample photo. | Surface requirements affect mold finish, sampling, and quality checks. |
| Tolerance | Critical dimensions, mating parts, fit requirements, and drawing tolerance notes. | Tight tolerances can change mold design, inspection, and sample correction. |
| Special process | Insert molding, overmolding, assembly, welding, threaded inserts, packing, or secondary finishing. | Additional processes affect quote scope and production planning. |
| Delivery and destination | Destination country, target sample timing, target production timing, shipping preference. | Helps plan export packing, timeline, and communication priority. |
Copy-and-Paste RFQ Email Structure
Project name: Part name: Application / use: Attached files: 3D CAD / 2D drawing / photos / sample reference Material requirement: Color and finish: Critical dimensions or tolerance: First order quantity: Annual forecast: Mold life or production expectation: Special process: insert molding / overmolding / assembly / printing / packing Destination country: Target sample date: Target production date: Questions or concerns:
If Some Information Is Not Final
You can write “need advice” for material, finish, mold life, tolerance, or packing if the project is still early. A practical supplier should separate firm requirements from open decisions and explain which items affect tooling cost or sample risk.
- If material is open, describe strength, heat, flexibility, chemical, appearance, or regulatory needs.
- If quantity is uncertain, provide a first order range and possible annual forecast.
- If finish is not final, send reference photos or state whether the surface is visible.
- If tolerance is not known, identify the dimensions that control assembly or fit.
Common RFQ Mistakes
| Mistake | Risk | Better approach |
|---|---|---|
| Only sending a picture | Quote may be too rough for tooling and production decisions. | Add dimensions, material, quantity, and function, or send a sample for review. |
| No quantity forecast | Supplier cannot judge cavity count, mold life, or unit cost target. | Give first order quantity and possible annual volume. |
| No critical dimensions | Important fit features may be underquoted or under-inspected. | Mark assembly and tolerance-critical areas on the drawing. |
| No surface standard | Cosmetic expectations may be discovered too late during sampling. | Specify visible surfaces, texture, color, polish, or reference sample. |
| Comparing quotes with different assumptions | Low quote may exclude inspection, packing, inserts, correction work, or production mold quality. | Ask suppliers to list assumptions and exclusions clearly. |
Files That Help Quoting
- STEP, STP, X_T, SLDPRT, IGS, or IGES 3D files.
- PDF 2D drawings with dimensions and tolerance notes.
- Photos of existing samples, assembly, visible surfaces, and defects to avoid.
- Material datasheet or buyer specification if required.
- Packaging standard, label requirements, or carton limits if important.
RFQ Template FAQ
Can I send files by email instead of the form?
Yes. You can use the RFQ form, email, or WhatsApp. For files, email is often easiest when multiple drawings are involved.
Can you quote if I only have a sample?
An early review is possible, but final mold quotation usually needs dimensions, CAD, or reverse-engineered drawings.
Should I hide sensitive details?
You can remove customer names or confidential branding, but keep the technical details needed for material, tolerance, and tooling review.
How fast can a quote be reviewed?
Response speed depends on part complexity and file completeness. Clear drawings, material, quantity, and surface requirements make review faster.
Ready to send your part for review?
Send drawings, CAD files, material, quantity, finish, and destination country. We will review the practical injection molding route and RFQ details.
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For faster review, include CAD files or photos, material, quantity, color, finish, destination country, and any critical fit or appearance requirements.