Plastic Mold Components: What is the most important thing to consider when purchasing standard mold components?
Delivery- a good supplier will deliver EXACTLY what you want, on time. You don’t want to order standard off the shelf items before you need them, as then you will need to pay for them sooner. You want to know that they have enough stock on hand, that your last minute item can be in your hands the next morning. Delivery is paramount, as lack of just one part can stop your job from going out the door.
Quality and Consistency- The catalog shows close tolerances, but what do you really get. You need to know that part you get at the last minute will fit in the recess you have already finished. If not, NEVER buy from that vendor again. Remember lost time at the end irritates customers.
Cost- Important, but not the most critical item. Costs must be in line, but the cheapest supplier may not be the best choice when other items are considered. Making your own mold base only makes sense if it is truly a “special” and even then there are places that can make a base cheaper and just as good as your own shop.
Innovation- companies are constantly finding new and better products or ways to improve existing products. Lifters and pre-manufactured slides are just one example. Slide locks have also come a long way since the 1950’s spring and bolt affair. You need to keep your own mold designs and mold manufacture up to date with the newest products or you will be seen as “out of date” which correlates to lower sales.
In conclusion, evaluate all items and decide on both a primary and two secondary suppliers for your components. Use all your mold suppliers enough to keep them interested in your company’s account. Keep lines of communication open with several suppliers in case one of them ceases to exist, which can happen quickly in today’s current economic situation. looking for some plastic mold components? please go to https://www.plasticmold.net/