During plastic mold manufacturing, even the most professional mold companies will have requests for mold modification. It is exceptionally common for clients to make changes. Now, let’s take a step back and view the process of mold modification

Mold Modification

Mold Modification

6 Mold Modification Processes

Step 1: A request for modification will come in. The factory starts analyzing the changes at the latest by the end of the day. Followed by created illustrations to guide proper internal communication between the factory team and the client. 

Step 2: Secondly, the modification illustration will be sent to the mold factory engineer.

Step 3: Thirdly, the mold factory engineer and mold master will discuss and decide the time required to make the specific mold modifications. Usually, factories will provide both the shortest possible lead time and maximum time required. Highly dependent on the factory. 

Mold Modification

Mold Modification

Step 4: The fourth step will be the modification offered by the engineer. Offer will include the offered price, minimum, and maximum lead time. The offer will be sent to both the project manager and the end client. 

Step 5: Approval of the prices and lead times by the client will be requested. Once approved, the project manager updates the modification design department with the new information almost immediately. 

Step 6: Once the new mold modification is finished, a new mold trial will commence. This trial is to check the quality of the new mold modification according to the changes and samples will be sent to clients. 

After the mold test, it is still inevitable that the mold can be modified. The question is, “How much are manufacturers charging for mold modification?” 

Charging Fees for Mold Modification

In fact, small changes such as adding a hook or changing the product size will require big changes to the mold. Thus, there will be a series of mold modification fees. Generally, there are three minor mold modifications fees and mold trial fees. As the modification requests increase, profit margins are smaller. In some cases, mold modification can lead to out of cost products. 

Change of Material Surface 

Small changes to the product surface from smooth to rough will incur quite a sum for mold modification. It can range from a few hundred to thousands of dollars. Every processing part is essential thus, the fees charged by factories are valid. 

Smooth Surface

Smooth Surface

Other than additional fees, more time will be needed for manufacturers to make the modifications and provide the final samples to clients. Generally, it takes a couple of days. Changes in the material surface will require a 10 working day lead time. 

Rough Surface

Rough Surface

Takeaways 

Your chosen plastic mold processing factory may not be the largest injection mold factory. However, they have a team of responsible workers to handle the different modifications to fully satisfy clients’ requirements. Mold modification fees will never be free of charge, especially after mold trials. Always communicate your ideas with the factory manufacturers, they are experienced in product development to help produce high-quality products at a lower cost.

Mold Modification

Mold Modification

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Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the difference between Mold modification and Mold Repairs?

Mold Modification: Client/Customer factors that require changes in product design. Mold Repairs: Caused by the factory, the mold needs to be repaired.

When is building a new mold required?

It may be more expensive but some product changes are highly recommended to build a new mold. For example, shrinking a part down, changing the resin, changing of the parting line, etc.

What is the time taken for mold making?

What is the time taken for mold making? Generally, for normal mold making, it will take about 20-35 Days. This means you are able to get your T0 mold parts in about 30days. Afterward, an additional few days for mold improvements to kick start the T1 mold trial. Moreover, if you require further changes to the molds, more time will be taken.