Plastic battery cases and paint buckets are often manufactured through injection molding. Sourcing these molds from China can provide significant cost savings versus domestic tooling. However, careful vetting of suppliers is required to achieve results. This guide covers considerations for buying battery case and paint bucket molds from China. Custom molds can produce plastic enclosures like battery case moldings to protect sensitive electronics. Other useful products made via injection molding include pail and bucket tooling for painting applications.
Benefits of China for Molds
Injection molds require high precision machining and extensive polishing to create flawless mold cavity surfaces. The skilled expertise and lower costs available in China make it an attractive option for molds like battery cases and paint buckets.
Cost Savings
- China molds can cost 50-75% less than North American sources
- High competition keeps pricing competitive
Production Capacity
- Thousands of capable mold manufacturers to select from
- Ability to handle high volumes or rush orders
Experience
- Decades of experience manufacturing all types of molds
- Continual advancement of technical capabilities
Challenges of Procuring Molds from China
Despite the advantages, purchasing molds remotely from China also comes with difficulties to manage:
Communication
- Language barriers may cause misinterpretations
- Can be challenging to resolve issues
Quality Inconsistencies
- Mold quality can vary drastically between shops
- Difficult to inspect in process or before shipment
Logistics
- Long lead time due to overseas shipping
- Difficult to make changes once in production
Payment Terms
- 30-50% down payment required before work starts
- Remaining balance due before shipment
Thoroughly qualifying suppliers upfront is key to avoiding these pitfalls.
Mold Making Process Overview
Whether locally sourced or overseas, battery case and paint bucket molds follow a typical fabrication process:
- The mold maker receives 3D CAD models and design specifications from the customer.
- Material blocks are selected to machine each half of the mold tool. Pre-hardened tool steel like P20 or H13 is commonly used.
- CNC machining carves complex geometries into the blocks to achieve required mold features.
- Extensive hand polishing provides glossy surface finishes to mold cavities and cores.
- Components are assembled and the mold is test run to verify performance.
- The completed mold is packaged and shipped to the injection molder or end customer.
Understanding the key steps allows customers to better evaluate shop capabilities when sourcing molds remotely.
Critical Mold Specifications
To get accurate pricing and manufacturability feedback, these are key specifications to provide to China mold makers:
- 3D CAD Data – Parasolid or STEP files preferred over simpler IGES or DXF which lose precision.
- Material – Thermoplastic material to be molded like PP, PE, ABS, etc.
- Part Dimensions – Overall part sizes and critical feature dimensions.
- Volumes – Annual or piece projections to right-size mold output.
- Textures and Finishes – Gloss, matte, or textured finishes required.
- Mold Base Size – Standard sizes range from 14”x14” to 50”x50”.
- Surface Treatments – Any special coatings like nitriding or chrome plating.
- Delivery Schedule – Requested lead time which typically ranges 8-12 weeks.
Providing comprehensive specifications upfront allows mold makers to provide informed pricing and production plans.
Top Tips for Procuring Molds from China
Follow these best practices when engaging with Chinese mold suppliers to reduce risk:
- Perform Due Diligence – Check company history, capabilities, client references and reviews.
- Get Referrals from Trusted Sources – Leverage referrals from existing partners or industry connections.
- Qualify Technical Expertise – Audit mold design skills and precision machining capabilities.
- Review Previous Molds – Ask to see production molds similar to your project.
- Inspect Shop Facilities – Tour the facilities virtually or in person to view operations.
- Compare Multiple Quotes – Get bids from at least 3 suppliers to leverage competitive pricing.
- Agree on Engineering Support – Define expectations for design reviews and ongoing collaboration.
- Confirm Certifications – Review certifications like ISO 9001 which indicate quality systems.
Taking the time to thoroughly qualify suppliers provides the highest probability of success when sourcing complex molds remotely.
Key Manufacturers for Battery Case and Paint Bucket Molds
Several major manufacturing regions in China specialize in high quality molds for cases, buckets and pails:
- Guangdong – Major export province with thousands of capable mold makers. Experience with high volume production tools.
- Shenzhen – Leading manufacturing city with advanced capabilities especially for complex and precise molds.
- Shanghai – Home to large state-owned mold making enterprises with extensive expertise.
- Ningbo – Major mold manufacturing hub southeast of Shanghai with capabilities across many industries.
Cast a wide net when sourcing to find the right supplier for a specific program based on expertise, responsiveness and ongoing support capabilities.
Manufacturing Considerations for Each Mold Type
Battery Case Molds
- High precision required to hold dimensional tolerances for electronics fit
- Smooth high gloss finishes to prevent surface defects
- Draft angles to ease ejection while retaining dimensional accuracy
- Multi-cavity designs to increase productivity of each mold
Paint Bucket Molds
- Generous radiused edges and fillets on buckets for durability and handling
- Textured surfaces possible through EDM engraving of mold cores
- Locking snap fits, threads or other closures molded into lids
- Quick color change features to produce variety of bucket colors
Discussing design-for-manufacturing considerations with your supplier ensures optimal mold performance.
Cost and Lead Time Estimates
Here are rough benchmarks for battery case and paint bucket molds sourced from China:
| Mold Complexity | Cost Range | Lead Time |
|---|---|---|
| Simpler geometries, 2-4 cavities | $5000 – $15,000 | 8-12 weeks |
| Complex shapes, 6+ cavities | $15,000 – $35,000 | 12-16 weeks |
| Extreme precision, multi-action | $35,000+ | 16-20+ weeks |
Quotes will vary between suppliers based on expertise, facility size, order backlog and other factors. Be sure to factor in additional time for shipping.
Managing Payment Terms
Most China shops require 30-50% down payment to start mold work:
- Make payments by bank wire transfer to reduce fraud risk
- Avoid paying 100% upfront if possible
- Get photographic progress reports during production
- Only pay remaining balance after mold inspection
- Use escrow services for very large payments
Staggering payments provides leverage in case of quality issues or delays. Only issue final payment against satisfactory mold performance.
Conclusion
Sourcing injection molds for battery cases, paint buckets and other high volume plastic goods from China can dramatically reduce costs compared to western suppliers. However, careful due diligence of potential vendors, alignment on specifications, and staged payment terms are key to success. With the right procurement process, China can deliver high quality, affordable molds to support production needs.
