T1 samples are the first molded parts from a new injection mold. They help the buyer and factory confirm whether the mold, material, appearance, dimensions, and assembly fit are ready for correction, another trial, or production approval.
A clear T1 review prevents vague feedback and repeated sampling. Buyers should separate functional issues, dimensional issues, cosmetic issues, and packaging concerns so each item can be checked and corrected properly.
What Buyers Should Check in T1 Samples
| Review area | What to check | Useful evidence |
|---|---|---|
| Appearance | Sink marks, flash, scratches, color, texture, weld lines, gate marks, gloss, burn marks. | Marked photos, visible surface notes, approved sample reference. |
| Dimensions | Critical dimensions, holes, bosses, ribs, snap features, flatness, warpage. | Inspection report, drawing callouts, measurement method. |
| Assembly | Mating parts, screws, inserts, clips, seals, electronics, fit and clearance. | Assembly photos, mating sample, functional test result. |
| Material and color | Material grade, flexibility, hardness, transparency, color match, texture feel. | Material requirement, color code, sample comparison. |
| Function | Strength, movement, sealing, snap fit, load, repeated use, heat or chemical exposure. | Test condition, pass/fail criteria, use environment. |
| Packing | Scratch risk, deformation risk, tray or bag requirement, carton protection. | Packing photos, transport concern, buyer packing standard. |
How to Give Useful T1 Feedback
Good feedback is specific, visual, and tied to function or drawings. Vague comments such as “not good” are hard to convert into mold corrections.
- Mark each issue on a photo or drawing.
- Separate must-fix issues from acceptable observations.
- Reference drawing dimensions when the issue is dimensional.
- Explain how the part is used if the issue affects assembly or function.
- Confirm whether color, texture, and visible surface standards are acceptable.
- Approve the items that are acceptable so the correction list stays focused.
T1 Feedback Template
Project: Part name: Sample batch / date: Material and color: Approved items: Must-fix functional issues: Must-fix dimensional issues: Cosmetic issues: Assembly or fit feedback: Packing feedback: Photos or drawing markups attached: Decision: approve / revise mold / adjust process / request T2 samples
T1 Decision Paths
| Decision | When it fits | Next step |
|---|---|---|
| Approve sample | Dimensions, appearance, material, and assembly meet requirements. | Confirm production standard and inspection plan. |
| Process adjustment | Issue may be improved by molding parameters, drying, cooling, or handling. | Run adjusted samples and compare results. |
| Mold correction | Dimension, flash, fit, gate, ejection, or tooling issue requires steel correction. | Confirm correction plan and request next sample round. |
| Design change | Part geometry needs revision to solve function, strength, warpage, or assembly problem. | Update CAD and drawing before further tooling change. |
| Material change | Part behavior does not meet strength, flexibility, heat, color, or performance expectations. | Review material impact on shrinkage, dimension, and mold correction. |
Common T1 Problems
- Sink marks around thick ribs, bosses, or uneven wall sections.
- Flash near parting lines, shutoffs, inserts, or thin edges.
- Warpage or flatness issues after cooling.
- Clip or snap features too tight, too loose, or easy to break.
- Color or texture mismatch against buyer expectations.
- Critical dimensions outside drawing tolerance.
- Gate mark or ejector mark visible on cosmetic surfaces.
How T1 Review Connects to Production
After T1 correction and approval, the approved sample becomes the reference for production checks. For custom molded parts, production approval should define appearance standard, critical dimensions, packing method, and any assembly or functional checks.
Before tooling starts, a good DFM review can reduce many T1 risks. For quote preparation, use the injection molding RFQ template.
T1 Sample FAQ
Does T1 mean the mold is ready for production?
No. T1 means first trial samples. The mold may still need process adjustment, steel correction, or design feedback before production approval.
How many sample rounds are normal?
It depends on part complexity, requirements, and correction scope. The goal is to make feedback clear so each round has a specific purpose.
Should I approve samples by photos only?
Photos are useful for early review, but functional and dimensional approval often needs physical samples and measurement data.
What if only cosmetic issues remain?
Decide whether the issue affects visible surfaces, customer acceptance, or product function. Some cosmetic points can be accepted, while others require correction.
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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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