Ordering a mold from China saves 30-60% versus domestic suppliers. But not asking the right questions up front can turn those savings into expensive rework. Here are the 10 questions that separate reliable suppliers from risky ones.
1. "Who does your DFM review — an engineer or a salesperson?"
A real DFM (Design for Manufacturability) review is done by an experienced mold engineer who can spot draft angle problems, wall thickness issues, and gate location conflicts. A salesperson clicking "approve" on a CAD viewer is not a DFM review. Ask for the DFM report before steel is cut. If the supplier cannot produce one, walk away.
Good answer: "Our senior engineer with 15 years of mold design experience will review your file and provide a written DFM report within 24 hours. We typically find 3-7 issues per project."
2. "Can you provide a spectrometer report for the steel before machining?"
Some low-cost suppliers substitute lower-grade steel — P20 instead of 718H, or non-branded steel instead of Assab/Bohler. A spectrometer report at incoming inspection verifies the actual chemical composition matches the specified grade. This is a non-negotiable quality gate. If they cannot do it, they either do not care about quality or they know their steel source is questionable.
3. "What mold base standard do you use? Can you confirm it in the PO?"
Your mold base should match your molder's standard: HASCO for Europe, DME for North America, LKM or MISUMI for Asia. Get it written into the purchase order. If the supplier answers "standard mold base" without specifying which standard, they may default to whatever is cheapest.
4. "How many QC inspection gates do you have during manufacturing?"
Minimum four: incoming steel, in-process (at each machining milestone), mold trial (T0 samples with CMM report), and final pre-shipment. Less than four means gaps where defects go undetected.
5. "Will I receive weekly progress updates with photos?"
You should receive photos or a short video of your mold at each manufacturing stage: roughing complete, finishing complete, EDM complete, polishing complete, assembly, and trial. If the supplier is vague about updates, they are either disorganized or hiding something.
6. "What is your payment structure?"
Standard terms: 50% deposit to start, 50% before shipping — after you have reviewed and approved photos, video, sample parts, and the CMM report. Never pay 100% upfront. If a supplier demands full payment before manufacturing, they have no incentive to deliver quality.
7. "Can I visit the manufacturing facility?"
Even if you do not plan to visit, the willingness to host you is a litmus test. A legitimate supplier will say yes and help arrange the visit. A supplier that refuses or makes excuses may not actually have the factory they claim, or may be hiding poor conditions.
8. "What happens if the mold does not meet agreed specifications?"
A professional supplier has a clear warranty: corrections at their cost if the mold fails to meet the specifications in the PO. A vague or defensive answer is a red flag. Get the warranty terms in writing — duration, shot count limit, and what is covered.
9. "Can you provide references from customers in my industry?"
A supplier that has successfully delivered molds for automotive, medical, or industrial customers in your target market will have references. They may be anonymized for confidentiality, but the supplier should be able to describe similar projects and outcomes.
10. "How do you handle shipping and customs?"
The supplier should handle rust preventive treatment, vacuum sealing, reinforced export crating, export documentation, and freight. Door-to-door delivery should be available. You should receive tracking the day the mold ships. If they say "shipping is your responsibility," you will be dealing with freight forwarders and customs brokers yourself.
Red Flag Checklist
- No DFM review, or DFM done by sales
- Cannot provide spectrometer report
- Won't specify mold base standard in PO
- Demands 100% payment upfront
- No warranty or vague warranty terms
- Refuses factory visit
- Cannot name their steel supplier
Try Asking Us
Send us your project details. We answer all 10 questions transparently — with a free DFM review included. Our customers receive spectrometer reports, weekly updates, and a CMM dimensional report before making final payment.
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