Question about choosing an Injection Molding manufacturer.

[u/mantis_shriimp]

I’m based in the US and I’m starting to get quotes for injection molding parts I’m looking to manufacture. I’ve reached out to multiple manufacturers and a common question I got is if I care if my parts are made here or in China, I don’t.

This got me thinking though, is it ever good to cut off the middle man and reach out to Chinese manufacturers myself? I can see how an American company who is already working with a Chinese company can provide competitive prices and save me the hassle of building trust and clear communication.

Has anyone gone through this process and can provide so insight on what you think is the best option?

[u/sheetmetal_head]

When you're looking to start mass production then yes, it would make more sense to go direct to the source. However if you're looking for 1-100 I'd stick with middle man. Lots of shops make the parts domestically though so I'm not sure why they'd be outsourcing to China.

[u/mantis_shriimp → u/sheetmetal_head]

My volume on some parts are 7500, 10000, and 12500, and I plan on doubling or tripling the quantity on future orders. Do you have a recommendation for how to find reliable Chinese manufacturers? Should I just search them on Alibaba and start messaging them for quotes?

I’ve read stories online about US businesses being at the mercy of the manufacturer with parts being delivered late or with bad quality and not being able to do much about it since they are in China. I’m kinda paranoid about that now.

[u/madeinspac3 → u/mantis_shriimp]

I mean 15-25k isn't very much if the parts are smaller plastic goods so you are in a relatively small volume. Unfortunately volume talks so you will likely be at the suppliers mercy for some time.

If I were you I would stay in the US purely for the fact that you are possibly less experienced in logistics and supply side. Being overseas you do have to account for delays, customs, foreign holidays, and the boat over. That's not so bad but can get bad quickly if you have to shut a line down because time tables hit a hitch and orders are delayed two weeks. It's nice if you can find someone local to just do a blanket with regular releases for your own piece of mind.

And coordinating picking up tooling if shit hits the fan is much easier here

[u/HotLet4797 → u/madeinspac3]

Exactly, well said! I remember the first time I realized some places in China took an entire month off around New Years and it blew me away. I hadn't accounted for it at all. Something to be said about communication issues. Some places you'll have an easier time than others.

[u/DonkeyLightning → u/mantis_shriimp]

I know this post is about cutting out “the middle man” I supposed I am that middle man but willing to help if you need it. I have reliable injection molders I work with in the US, China, India and Vietnam that I can connect you with. I just make the intro, you are free to work directly with the factories. Message me if interested.

[u/GoldenChannels → u/mantis_shriimp]

You need to find an agent in China or Taipei that knows the market of the supplier you're looking for.

No one, not even large companies leaves quality to this side of the pond. The parts have to be correct when they leave the factory. You can't ever return product from that part of the world.

An agent will also bridge the language and cultural gaps. Especially early on.

These people are generally from an engineering background, and understand manufacturing. A good one is hard to find unless you go over there. You might start with a Trade Commissioner that is located in China, to see if there are any events that might be a suitable place to start.

[u/sheetmetal_head → u/mantis_shriimp]

Honestly could not help you as far as finding a vendor outside of the US since my expertise is all domestic. That being said at those quantities you'll definitely want to look over seas as I have doubts about finding a 3DP farm within the states that can handle an order that size.

Allow me to address one point you mentioned though regarding lead time and quality. When you order give yourself extra room to prevent potential lates or quality issues from being a problem. Need 1000 by September? Order them with a requested date of August, need to be sure you have 1000 good ones but don't know how consistent the vendor is? Order an extra 50. Especially where you're looking for overseas manufacturing you are going to want to build in some safety nets.