STAGE 2

PRELIMINARY BUDGET PRICES - PROJECT VIABILITY

Moulders are usually selected from companies known to the customer or their product designer. It may be that, even if bulk production is to be moulded in-house, tool trials, prototyping and trial quantities are placed with a custom moulder or the mouldmaker in the first instance.

Even to give budget prices the moulder must study the proposed part in depth and therefore needs reassurance that his investment in time is justified. Preferably, don't invite prices from more than three moulders. Choose not only on price but on technical competence and the ability to work within a team.

The greater the level of involvement of the supplier the more accurate the quotation. Where companies seek quotes on limited information they must recognise the risk and add appropriate contingencies; this is not recommended. The use of PENTAMODE means the open involvement of the team not only to produce good information but also to design, cost out, select materials and contribute to product viability.

In addition to performance requirements it should be noted that the choice of polymer may be affected by environmental constraints and the possible need eventually to recycle or dispose of the product at the end of its useful life in an acceptable way.

Having helped advance the product specification, the chosen moulder is well positioned to advise on suitable tool designers and mouldmakers if these have not already been identified.

"If there's a better way to do it - find it"