How To Pick A Plastic Injection Molding Company

We are blessed to be living in the age of information. Whether it’s historical publications, how-to videos, scientific data, conspiracy theories, or suppliers for a product you’re looking for, most people in America have it all at their fingertips.

Unfortunately, this can also be a curse and create “decision constipation” for some. So, the question becomes, “How do you wade through it all?” The same question arises when you go to find a suitable supplier for your plastic part.

When narrowing down how to pick a plastic injection molding company, here are a few tips that can help you decide.

 

Introduction: Navigating the Selection Process

Knowing how to pick an injection molding company is key to your project’s success. Look for a partner with a proven track record, strong quality standards, and the capacity to meet your production needs. Cost, technical expertise, and adaptability should also factor into your decision. A careful evaluation of each company’s capabilities will help ensure a smooth process and successful results.

 

Pick a Plastic Injection Molding Company That Is Knowledgeable

Injection molding is a complex process, and the company you choose should have extensive knowledge and resources to help you create the best plastic part possible.

Questions to Ask Yourself:

• Do they have information that applies to your project?
• Are they forthcoming with that information?
• How do they present their credentials, expertise, and capabilities to you as a potential client?
• What kind of impression do they leave in terms of their ability to produce what you need?

 

Find a Company With Good Customer Service

If you have a bad first impression, don’t expect the second to be much better!

Clear and ongoing communication is essential for good customer service, helping to set expectations and build trust from the start.

Questions to Ask Yourself:

• Do they answer the phone?
• Do they reply to emails timely?
• Do they maintain clear communication throughout the project?
• Are they willing to take the time to understand your needs, such as your product’s application, market, potential sales volume, and the image you want your product to convey?
• What is their customer retention rate?

 

Pick a Supplier With Experience in the Manufacturing Process

A good injection mold company will have been around for at least a decade. Working with experienced professionals ensures quality and expertise throughout the project.

Questions to Ask Yourself:

• How long have they been in business?
• Are their engineers versed in injection molding?
• Have they demonstrated overcoming difficult challenges?
• Does the molder have experience with projects similar to yours?
• Can they advise on design modifications or handle different production volumes?

 

Pick a Company Who Is Honest

If their price seems too low to be true, there is probably a reason. Perhaps they use inferior materials. Or worse, they might intend to raise prices once they have you as a customer, which is common practice.

It’s important to work with a company that provides honest solutions to address specific project challenges and streamline manufacturing.

Something to Ask Yourself:

• Do they give an honest appraisal of your product, or do they seem to promise a lot without having fully grasped your goals?

 

What kind of guarantees does the company offer?

When considering how to pick a plastic injection molding company, keep in mind that molds represent a significant investment. The cost of a mold can range between $1,000 and $100,000. Make sure you can count on the company to deliver!

A strong guarantee is a sign that the manufacturer is confident in their product quality and stands behind the molds and parts they produce.

Questions to Ask Yourself:

• Do they provide a guarantee on the molds they build?
• What about the parts?
• Will they stand behind the products they produce if they don’t match specifications, or is there a problem with the workmanship?
• Do the manufacturers have a proven track record of delivering quality products on time and meeting specific volume and quality standards?

 

Pick a Company That Has the Technical Ability to Complete the Project

Not all molders can mold all products. 

As a rule of thumb, it requires 3 or more tons of clamping pressure per square inch of footprint that your product has. This is exclusive of any holes in that footprint.

For example, if you wanted to mold an 8″x10″ picture frame, you would not need a 240-ton machine (80×3); you would subtract the center hole from the equation. Also, if your product has any inserts, a threaded brass insert for instance, make sure the injection molding company has the ability to mold it in cycle or insert it later as a secondary operation. Lastly, do they maintain their dryers and properly dry the raw materials they use? That is a common oversight that can lead to brittle material and failing parts.

Product development can be a long and expensive process, and the importance of having the right partner can mean the difference in a product succeeding or failing. At Rex Plastics, we encourage all of our potential customers to ask lots of questions and strongly suggest that they perform due diligence to ensure their projects are successful.

 

Ask the Company for Referrals

Are they willing to give you the contact information of previous or current customers? If so, the questions listed above are good ones to ask their referrals.

Check for Industry Standards and Compliance

Choose a plastic injection molding company that meets industry standards and holds certifications like ISO 9001, indicating strong quality assurance. If your product requires FDA or CE approval, ensure they have relevant experience. Reliable companies have strict quality control systems, helping ensure your parts are safe, consistent, and market-ready.

Questions to Ask Yourself:

• Do they list relevant certifications on their website or marketing materials?
  
• Have they worked on projects with specific regulatory requirements like FDA or CE?

 

Evaluate Production Capacity and Efficiency

When thinking about how to pick a plastic injection molding company, keep in mind that a capable company should have the equipment, materials, and expertise necessary to handle both small and high-volume production runs efficiently. Look for companies that can produce large quantities of plastic parts without sacrificing quality and that offer value-added services such as packaging, assembly, or secondary operations to streamline your production process. 

Efficient production processes and well-maintained equipment are key indicators of a company’s ability to deliver high-quality parts on time and within budget.

Questions to Ask Yourself:

• Can they scale production if your volume increases unexpectedly?
• Do they offer services that reduce your need for outside vendors?

 

Consider Cost-Effectiveness and Pricing

While price is always a consideration, it’s important to look beyond the lowest price when selecting a plastic injection molding company. Cost-effectiveness means finding a partner who offers competitive pricing without compromising on quality or cutting corners with equipment and materials. 

A reputable company will provide a transparent pricing structure, clearly outlining the costs involved in the production process. They should be able to explain how their approach can help you achieve cost savings through efficient manufacturing, material selection, and process optimization. By focusing on value rather than just price, you can ensure you’re working with a company that delivers high-quality products and long-term savings for your business.

Questions to Ask Yourself:

• Are they upfront about all production costs, including molds and revisions?
• Do they explain how they keep costs down without cutting quality?

 

Assess Sustainability and Environmental Responsibility

Today’s market increasingly values sustainability and environmental responsibility, making it important to choose a plastic injection molding company that shares these priorities. Look for companies that actively work to minimize their environmental impact by using eco-friendly materials, reducing waste, and implementing recycling programs. 

A commitment to sustainability not only benefits the environment but can also enhance your brand’s reputation and appeal to environmentally conscious customers. By selecting a molding company that prioritizes responsible manufacturing practices, you can be confident that your plastic parts are produced with both quality and environmental stewardship in mind.

Questions to Ask Yourself:

• Do they use recycled or eco-friendly materials when possible?
• Can they share examples of how they reduce waste or emissions?

 

Still wondering how to pick a plastic injection molding company? Call Rex Plastics

Ever since Rex Plastics, a Pacific Northwest injection molding company, opened its doors in 1971, we’ve operated by some simple principles laid down by the founder Rex Clark: Put the customer first. Improve constantly. Always offer your best. Innovate and stay restless. Those values make a difference, and we invite you to see how we put them into action on a daily basis. Call us, or simply email and request a quote.

Choosing injection molding companies can be as important as choosing marketers, operations managers, and distributors. Hopefully, these tips will help streamline the process and prevent any unnecessary “decision constipation.”

We look forward to helping you navigate your manufacturing challenges!

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Question	Answer
Is there an injection molding supplier checklist I can use?	Yes! A good injection molding supplier checklist should include: company experience, material capabilities, tooling and equipment quality, quality control systems, compliance with industry standards, turnaround times, pricing transparency, and customer service responsiveness.
Do all companies offer custom injection molding services?	Not all do. Custom injection molding services involve tailored support such as design consulting, mold development, material selection, and post-processing options like assembly or packaging. Make sure your chosen company can meet your specific needs.
How do I know if an injection molding company is qualified?	A qualified injection molding company will have a proven track record, industry certifications (e.g., ISO 9001), and relevant project experience. Ask for referrals, review past work, and ensure they follow rigorous quality control and meet any necessary compliance standards.