The following tips are based on over thirty years experience in the field of molds and die manufacturing. Although the criteria and the technology used to produce molds have changed dramatically in thirty years, the basic rules for developing a mold or die that meets the original design criteria, and functions effectively, have not changed at all.

1. Design with specified cost and time criteria.
2. Make sure your design specifications can be produced using existing technology.
3. Share your companies design philosophy with your mold maker and allow the mold makers design team the opportunity to contribute.
4. Set clear guidelines on required minimum tool life and capacity before manufacturing starts.
5. Allow the mold maker to check your final design and confirm that the mold or die will meet your specifications.
6. Have the mold maker establish a production timetable that allows reasonable time for bench testing prior to delivery.
7. Set up a monthly progress report call with your sales rep. during the manufacturing process.
8. Ask the mold maker for clear guidelines on how to maintain the mold once it is installed.
9. Have a field sales representative from the mold maker present during initial start-up and try-out.
10. Remember that the design and manufacture of a mold or die is a collaborative effort.