Used Injection Mold RFQ Checklist for Buyers

An inquiry such as “I need a used mold for this product” is not enough for technical screening. A complete RFQ reduces false matches and helps suppliers quote the same scope.

TL;DR

Send product files, material, weight, tolerances, annual demand, cavity requirement, machine specifications, acceptance criteria and modification limits. Ask the supplier to return mold identity, condition, machine data, trial evidence and a complete scope.

Five RFQ red flags

1. The buyer provides only a product photograph.
2. The supplier quotes before asking for machine information.
3. The quotation does not identify the actual mold.
4. Repair, modification and trial are described as “included” without scope.
5. No sample or acceptance standard is defined.

Section A: Buyer product information

• product name and application;
• clear photographs and physical sample;
• 2D drawing and critical tolerances;
• 3D STEP, IGES or X_T file;
• material and exact grade;
• part weight and wall thickness;
• color, texture and cosmetic standard;
• assembly, sealing or performance tests;
• branding and insert requirements.

Section B: Production requirements

• annual and monthly volume;
• required cavities;
• target cycle time;
• expected operating hours;
• automation or robot requirements;
• mold-life expectation;
• acceptable repair or modification;
• target delivery date.

Section C: Injection molding machine

• brand and model;
• clamping force;
• screw diameter and shot capacity;
• tie-bar spacing;
• platen drawing;
• minimum/maximum mold thickness;
• opening stroke and daylight;
• ejector layout and stroke;
• locating ring and nozzle dimensions;
• hot-runner controller and utilities.

Section D: Supplier return information

Require:

• mold number and location;
• seller/owner identity;
• product sample and previous material;
• mold dimensions and weight;
• cavity count and runner type;
• steel and standard components, if known;
• hot-runner brand and configuration;
• machine previously used;
• repair and welding history;
• photographs and videos;
• cooling and electrical test results;
• trial availability.

Section E: Quotation breakdown

Separate:

• used mold purchase;
• inspection and disassembly;
• confirmed repairs;
• provisional repair allowance;
• modification design and machining;
• hot-runner work;
• trial and material;
• dimensional inspection;
• samples;
• packaging;
• inland and international freight;
• delivery term;
• warranty or after-sales support.

Section F: Acceptance and payment

Define T1 conditions, sample quantity, cavity identification, FAI format, critical dimensions and approval process. Consider retaining 10–20% until the agreed China trial and T1/FAI approval are complete.

Copy-and-send RFQ template

We are looking for a used injection mold for the attached product. Please review the product drawings, material, part weight, annual quantity and injection molding machine specifications. Your quotation should identify the actual mold, cavity count, dimensions, weight, runner system, previous material, known repairs, modification scope, trial availability, delivery time and EXW/FOB price. Please include open-mold photographs, nameplate, core/cavity details, cooling test, hot-runner information and trial samples by cavity.

FAQ

Can suppliers quote without a 3D file?

They can screen approximate matches from samples and dimensions, but modification and tolerance assessment will be less reliable.

Why provide machine data before finding the mold?

It prevents wasted inspection and negotiation for molds that cannot be installed or operated.

Should the RFQ include a budget?

A realistic range can help compare used, modified and new options, but scope and acceptance should remain explicit.

Submit an RFQ

Attach the completed product and machine information. A useful quotation should identify assumptions and unknowns rather than hiding them inside one price.