For years the general impression has been that Chinese engineering is low tech and if you want quality engineering, especially in plastic injection molds then the US or Europe are the only places where you can get them. This is partially true. Yes, it is a fact you can get quality molds from US and European mold makers. They have the engineering skills, wealth of knowledge, people and infrastructure to make molds and have traditionally been plastic mold suppliers to the world.
There is a good reason. Plastic mold making is not a simple task. It requires in-depth knowledge and understanding not only of polymers but also of injection molding machines, the molded articles and structural and knowledge of bumper mould materials to be used as also processes to be used to make molds. Given the complexity, costs increase and there are just as many chances to compromise on quality as there are chances of errors given detailed rigorous specifications. Mold making must consider the core metal, which can be aluminium or die steel, the choice of which influences durability. The number of cavities is another one affecting cost and requiring greater expertise to assure uniformity in characteristics of articles from all cavities. The mold base, its material and dimensioning influence costs and are related to the machine on which the mold will mount. Manufacturing intricate cavities calls for use of the most sophisticated CNC multi-axis machines and EDM wire spark erosion equipments to machine hard die steels. Size of the product to be molded is another factor that calls for integration of various parameters. The choice of hut runner or cold runner also adds to complexity and cost of the mold. Plastic mold suppliers need to have R&D, design department and well equipped manufacturing section to be able to satisfy rigorous standards. Western mold makers excelled in all these areas since they have manpower and resources. However, in these days of inflation, their main drawback is cost. They pay high wages and productivity is lower which translates to unbearably high cost of molds, especially molds for large parts such as automobile fenders, bumpers, dash boards, door panels, consumer product housing, chairs, tables, crates and medical as well as industrial products.