What is a Mold Transfer?
A mold transfer is the process of moving an injection mold from one location to another. Usually, this process occurs when a business chooses to switch from one injection molding company to another. Mold transfers are delicate processes that require careful planning and coordination to ensure that the mold is transported safely and securely. The last thing you want is for your mold to be damaged during the transportation process and take even more production time off your schedule! Here, we’ll discuss some of the key considerations involved in mold transfers and provide tips for a successful process.
Tips for a Successful Mold Transfer
Get it in Writing
Ideally, before your injection mold is even created, you should have a contract explaining who owns the mold. In most cases, the manufacturer retains ownership of the mold, and the customer pays for the use of the mold to produce their products. If this is the case, you may have to purchase the mold from your current manufacturer before you can move it to a different company. Either way, make sure you get the updated ownership arrangement in writing to avoid any legal disputes.
Build an Inventory
When you move your mold, you’ll lose valuable production time. To avoid any supply chain issues, you’ll need to build up an inventory before you move the mold. That way, you can still service your customers even when the mold is in transit.
Agree on a Schedule
It’s a good idea to set up a schedule for the moving process with your existing and new injection molding company. That way, everyone is in the loop on when the mold will be moved and when it will likely arrive at the new facility.
Choose a Reputable Transportation Provider
Whoever you choose to ship the mold to your new facility, ensure they are experienced in mold transfers. As you already know, injection molds can be expensive, and any damage could significantly hurt your operation. The provider should have the appropriate equipment and personnel to handle the move, along with insurance coverage to protect against damage during the move.
Complete a First Article Inspection
Once the mold arrives at the new facility, you should inspect it to ensure it wasn’t damaged during transport. Any issues should be reported immediately to the transportation provider and the manufacturer.
We’ll Help with Your Injection Mold Transfer Needs
Looking to make the switch to a new injection mold provider? As an experienced injection molding company, we can provide the best services and help you move your injection mold to our facility.
Founded in 1987, we are a premier provider of injection molding, injection molding tooling, and related services. With round-the-clock operations, a dedicated engineering team, and a global network of suppliers, we’re ready to take on your injection molding project, no matter the industry.
Our 36,000-square-foot facility features 16 injection molding machines ranging from 33 to 600 tons, ensuring we have the right tonnage to complete your project. We also have an in-house tool and die shop, Journeyman mold makers, and apprentices to help meet your exact specifications.
At SEA-LECT Plastics, we value high-quality products and an enjoyable customer experience. That’s why we maintain an ISO 9001:2015 certification and regularly invite auditors to validate quality in real-time production.
Additionally, we give back to our community, cultivating entrepreneurship, supporting the makers movement, and educating civic leaders in the needs of business. All these characteristics make us the injection molder of choice for a wide range of businesses, and we hope you’ll partner with us, too.
Let’s Get Started
Want to learn more about how we can help with a mold transfer? Reach out to our team here.