Evaluating the returned quotes.
The Basic Comparison.
With human nature being what it is, the primary first comparison will always be two factors:
Price and Delivery
If the shops quoting your new tooling were provided with 3D CAD part data with a part print and you’re tooling specifications (if you need a generic tooling specifications document you can download one here) and standards this may be the majority of the review needed. Just a review of any exceptions or enhancements noted with the quote and you can be off and running.
A quick chart of the quotes may look something like this:
- Shop A Cost $30,800.00 Delivery 8 Weeks
- Shop B Cost $31,700.00 Delivery 7 weeks
- Shop C Cost $36,500.00 Delivery 9 Weeks
If the quotes included the following comments
- · Shop A: No Notes
- · Shop B: Inadequate draft to release specified texture, modify slide by shut-off angle (2° minimum)
- · Shop C: Inadequate draft to release specified texture, modify slide by shut-off angle (2° minimum) Sub Inserts for slide by shut-off, release plating on 0.1° ID.
Compare the history you have with these shops.
- Do any of the shops have a history of coming back with Up-Charge?
- What is their delivery history? Anybody late as often as not?
- Does tooling from these shops often require adjustments for venting or flash?
- Are any of the shops lacking in communication or responsiveness to your questions or concerns?
At this time the decision on which shop will receive the tooling placement should be a straight forward decision for a tool built to your tooling standards and mold specification.
Watch for Part 3 “The Difficult Comparison” Next Week.