This illustrates how a typical tool build will proceed in eight steps from RFQ to tool delivery and beyond:

Step one: Getting to a quote

You may send us the drawing or samps. One of our engineers will be in touch with you to discuss your requirements. OR Give us a call and an China Mold Sourcing representative will discuss your requirements with you directly.

Step two: The quote process

Once we understand your tooling needs thoroughly, we will decide which toolmakers are right for the job. We will prepare an RFQ form for them that is bilingual, and in a format with which they are familiar, to minimize the chance of miscommunication. Typically, we can turn around quotes for one to five tool packages in three business days or less. More complex and larger multi-tool packages may require longer, but we will provide an estimate of the turnaround time to you up-front.

Step three: Your sourcing decision

We will present a quote to you in a straight-forward, complete and easy-to-read format. All terms and conditions are clearly stated. At this point, you will have the opportunity to discuss the quote with an China Mold Sourcing engineer, who can answer any technical or general questions you may have.

Step four: The design phase

Once we have received a purchase order from you, our engineer will consult with tool design engineers at our tool maker in China . They will decide on the conceptual design approach for the tool. Then the tool designers will take over. The design phase will take anywhere from several days to two weeks, depending on the complexity and number of tools involved. For several tools of average complexity, seven – to ten calendar days is a reasonable expectation. Also during this period, you will receive a Gantt chart from China Mold Sourcing illustrating important steps and milestones in the construction of your tools. Once the design has been completed, it will be reviewed and approved by our engineer. You will have the opportunity to review the design as well, in as much detail as you desire. Once we have your written approval to proceed, the tool build will commence. If you wish to expedite the tool build, steel may already have been ordered by this time.

Step five: The tool build

The tool build, for several tools of average complexity, will last approximately five to six weeks. More complex tools and larger packages will take longer; the exact timing will be clear to you from the Gantt charts and updates you will receive from China Mold Sourcing on a weekly basis. During the tool build phase, an China Mold Sourcing engineer will visit the toolmaker to check on progress and resolve any issues.

Step six: First shots and qualification

When the tool build is complete, first shots will be run. An China Mold Sourcing engineer will be on site during first shots. Please note that during the qualification runs for the tool, we will attempt to reproduce as closely as possible the conditions under which the tool will be run in production. Once parts are produced that meet your specifications, they will be air freighted to you anywhere in the world. Also at this time, if you require a more robust process to be used to qualify your tools, we will follow your requirements. All of our toolmakers are veterans with the application of statistical process control ( SPC ) techniques in tool qualification. When we have your written approval for the parts, we will prepare the tool for shipment.

Step seven: Tool delivery

Your tool will be prepared for shipment by either air or sea, according to your wishes. All of our toolmakers are experienced in the preparation of tools for shipment to ensure no damage in transit and no rust (a potential problem for tools improperly prepared for sea shipment). With your tool, you will also receive Final 2D and / or 3D files, final drawings, trial results, including first shots, process parameters used during trial runs, and a neatly organized notebook containing all of the above.

Step eight: Follow-up service

An China Mold Sourcing representative will follow up with you after tool arrival to be sure that there are no issues. If issues do occur, we will address them. If there are problems with our tool, we will pay to have it shipped to our repair facility for rework. However, we are confident that China Mold Sourcing's business model will result in well built tools for you.