In the field of automotive parts injection molding processing, obtaining a reasonable quotation is a core issue. It involves complex cost calculations and market considerations, which are crucial for a company’s profit and the success of a project. So, how can one obtain a reasonable quotation? This article will provide a comprehensive guide on the quotation issue of automotive parts injection molding processing, covering aspects such as part characteristics, cost components, quotation acquisition, and evaluation.
I. Part Characteristics and Cost Drivers
- Classification of Automotive Parts
- By Function
Automotive parts can be classified into structural parts, such as frame components that require high – strength materials to support the entire vehicle body. Transmission parts, like gears, have high requirements for precision and wear resistance. Sealing parts need good sealing performance, and exterior parts require an attractive appearance and a high – quality feel. - By Material
There are metal and plastic parts. Plastic parts can be further divided into general – purpose plastics (such as PP, PE) and engineering plastics (such as PA, POM). Engineering plastic parts have higher costs but better performance. - By Complexity
Simple parts are like small clips, while complex parts are like those near the engine cylinder block or in the interior with intricate designs, which are difficult to design and manufacture.
- By Function
- Cost Drivers of Various Parts
- High – Precision Engine Parts
The cost of such parts mainly depends on mold precision and materials. The molds need to be manufactured with high precision because engine parts have strict tolerance requirements. Special materials with high – temperature resistance and high strength are also needed. - Exterior Parts
The cost of exterior parts is influenced by surface treatment and materials. To achieve a good appearance, processes such as fine grinding, polishing, painting, or electroplating are required, which are complex and costly. High – quality materials also need to be selected. - Other Types of Parts
The cost of transmission parts is related to precision and wear resistance. Sealing parts need to have good sealing and chemical corrosion resistance, and the special materials required increase the cost.
- High – Precision Engine Parts
II. Cost Component Analysis
- Raw Material Cost
- Common Materials
Common materials for automotive parts injection molding include general – purpose plastics (such as PP, PE) and engineering plastics (such as PA, POM), which have different properties and are used for different parts. - Price Fluctuations
The prices of raw materials are affected by factors such as crude oil prices, supply and demand, production capacity, and the emergence of new materials. - Procurement Strategies
Companies can adopt long – term or spot procurement strategies. Long – term procurement can stabilize prices but requires a large amount of capital and warehousing space. Spot procurement is more flexible but has greater price fluctuations.
- Common Materials
- Mold Cost
- Design
A well – designed mold can affect the cost. Good parting surfaces and runner designs are important. - Manufacturing Process
Processes like CNC and electrical discharge machining have high precision but also high costs. Companies need to choose appropriate processes based on part requirements and their own financial strength. - Mold Material
Mold materials such as H13 and P20 steel have different properties and prices. Companies should choose materials based on the mold’s usage requirements and service life. - Mold Life
Mold wear and maintenance costs affect the cost of individual parts. Companies need to pay attention to mold maintenance.
- Design
- Processing Cost
- Injection Molding Machine Selection
The clamping force and injection volume of the injection molding machine need to match the parts. Injection molding machines of different tonnages have different costs. - Equipment Depreciation
Equipment depreciation is an important part of processing costs. Companies can use straight – line or accelerated depreciation methods based on production conditions. - Energy Consumption
Process parameters affect electricity and oil consumption. Companies need to balance energy consumption and efficiency. - Labor Cost
Labor cost is calculated based on the hourly rate, including employee salaries, benefits, and training costs, and is related to the complexity of the operation. - Production Efficiency
Production efficiency and the yield rate directly affect costs. Companies need to improve production efficiency and reduce the defect rate to lower costs.
- Injection Molding Machine Selection
- Post – Processing Cost
- Processes
Post – processing processes include grinding, polishing, painting, electroplating, and assembly. - Cost Calculation
The cost calculation methods for different post – processing processes vary and are related to factors such as precision, working hours, and materials.
- Processes
III. Quotation Acquisition and Evaluation
- Supplier Selection
- Certification
Check whether the supplier has certifications such as ISO 9001 and IATF 16949, which are important bases for quality assurance. - Production Capacity
Evaluate the supplier’s injection molding machine tonnage range and the scale of the mold manufacturing workshop to ensure that it can meet production needs. - Industry Experience
Review the supplier’s past automotive parts project cases and cooperation experiences with well – known brands. - Innovation Ability
Examine the supplier’s ability to improve new injection molding processes and mold designs.
- Certification
- Methods to Obtain Quotations
- Prepare Documents
Provide suppliers with detailed 3D/2D drawings, material specifications, surface treatment requirements, quantity forecasts, quality acceptance standards, and packaging and transportation requirements. - Multi – Round Quotations
First, conduct a preliminary inquiry, and then communicate with the supplier to adjust the quotation to ensure its reasonableness and accuracy.
- Prepare Documents
- Quotation Evaluation
- Analysis Points
Focus on key points such as cost details, quality assurance clauses, and delivery dates in the quotation. - Identify Problems
A low quotation may have problems such as poor quality or unreasonable cost allocation. For a high quotation, it is necessary to understand the reasons. - Compare Quotations
Compare the differences and reasons for different suppliers’ quotations and choose the one with the best cost – performance ratio.
- Analysis Points
IV. Conclusion
The quotation for automotive parts injection molding processing and injection mold processing requires comprehensive consideration. When choosing a supplier, attention should be paid to its qualifications, production capacity, industry experience, and innovation ability. When obtaining a quotation, detailed documents should be prepared and multi – round inquiries should be conducted. When evaluating a quotation, key points should be analyzed, problems should be identified, and different quotations should be compared to choose the best option.
Dongguan Yize Mould Co., Ltd. was founded in 2007 and is headquartered in Dongguan, the manufacturing capital of China, with convenient transportation and logistics. For many years, the company has been engaged in precision mold design and manufacturing and precision injection molding processing. It focuses on a complete set of solutions including product design, precision mold manufacturing, injection molding and assembly, and after – sales service for automotive connectors, medical product injection molding, cleanroom injection molding, and PFA custom injection molding. Welcome to inquire by phone at +86 13302615729 (also available on WeChat and Whatsapp).
