Procurement Glossary
Mold procurement: Strategic tool procurement for series production
November 19, 2025
Moldmaking procurement comprises the strategic procurement of tools, molds and equipment for industrial series production. This complex procurement process requires special expertise in supplier selection, quality assurance and project management. Find out below what mould making procurement means, which process steps are required and how you can successfully minimize risks.
Key Facts
- Strategic procurement of tools and molds for series production
- High investment volumes with long-term capital commitment
- Complex supplier qualification and quality assurance required
- Close integration with product development and series start-up
- Critical success factor for production costs and quality
Contents
What is mold making procurement? Definition and process
Mold procurement refers to the systematic procurement of tools, molds, devices and equipment for industrial production. It includes all activities from the determination of requirements to the acceptance and release of the tools.
Core elements of mold procurement
Mold making procurement includes various types of tools and manufacturing processes. The most important elements include
- Injection molds for plastic parts
- Punching and forming tools for metalworking
- Casting molds for cast and die-cast parts
- Devices and gauges for quality control
Differentiation from other types of procurement
In contrast to standard material procurement, mold making procurement requires intensive technical support and project management. Prototype procurement is used to support development, while mold making procurement is geared towards series production.
Importance in strategic Procurement
Moldmaking procurement has a significant influence on the production costs and quality of series production. A professional make-or-buy decision and the selection of qualified toolmakers are critical to the success of the entire product life cycle.
Process steps and responsibilities
The mold making procurement process follows structured phases from requirements analysis to tool release. A systematic approach ensures on-time delivery and quality standards.
Needs analysis and specification
The requirements analysis is carried out in close coordination with product development and production planning. Central activities include
- Technical requirements definition based on product specifications
- Quantity forecast and service life calculation
- Quality requirements and tolerance specifications
- Scheduling for series start-up and start of production
Supplier selection and qualification
The selection of suitable toolmakers requires a comprehensive supplier evaluation. A structured feasibility review examines technical feasibility and capacities. Qualification includes reference projects, machine equipment and quality management systems.
Project management and acceptance
Project management monitors milestones, quality checks and deadlines. Tools are released after successful sampling and quality validation using defined acceptance criteria.
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Important KPIs and targets for mold procurement
Measuring success in mold making procurement requires specific key figures to evaluate costs, quality, adherence to delivery dates and efficiency. Systematic controlling optimizes procurement processes.
Cost and investment ratios
Key cost indicators include tool costs per unit, amortization period and total cost of ownership. The evaluation is carried out over the entire tool life cycle, including tool maintenance and repair costs. Key performance indicators are:
- Tool costs per part produced
- Deviation from the planned investment budget
- Amortization period in months
Quality and performance indicators
Quality indicators measure tool performance and process stability. Scrap rates, tool life and reworking costs are key indicators. The initial sample quality and release times evaluate the supplier's performance in tool development.
Schedule and project management KPIs
On-time delivery indicators monitor compliance with milestones and delivery dates. Project lead times and throughput times from order to tool approval are critical success factors. Delays jeopardize the planned start of production and cause follow-up costs.
Process risks and countermeasures for mold making procurement
Moldmaking procurement involves specific risks due to high investment volumes, long development times and complex technical requirements. Systematic risk management is critical to success.
Technical and quality risks
Inadequate specifications or incorrect tool design can lead to costly rework. Quality defects jeopardize the timely start of series production. Preventive measures include:
- Detailed technical specifications and acceptance criteria
- Regular quality checks during tool production
- Sampling and validation before series release
Supplier and capacity risks
Supplier failures or capacity bottlenecks can jeopardize production start-ups. A diversified supplier base and continuous capacity monitoring minimize these risks. Outsourcing potential analyses identify alternative procurement sources.
Financial and contractual risks
High investment volumes and long amortization periods require careful financial planning. Tool deposits and ownership regulations must be contractually secured. Currency risks with international suppliers must be minimized through suitable hedging strategies.
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Practical example
An automotive supplier procures injection molds for a new dashboard project. The requirements analysis defines an annual quantity of 100,000 parts with a tool service life of 500,000 shots. Following an international supplier tender, three toolmakers are qualified and technically evaluated. The selected supplier develops the mold in 16 weeks with accompanying quality tests. Sampling takes place in series production with validation of all quality features.
- Cost savings of 15% through optimized tool design
- On-time delivery enables punctual start of series production
- Quality standards are already achieved during initial sampling
Current developments and effects
Moldmaking procurement is subject to continuous technological and process-related changes. Digitalization and new manufacturing processes are shaping future developments.
Digitalization and Industry 4.0
Digital technologies are revolutionizing tool development and procurement. CAD/CAM integration, simulation software and digital twins are shortening development times and improving prediction accuracy. AI-based systems support supplier selection and risk analysis through automated evaluation algorithms.
Additive manufacturing and hybrid technologies
3D printing processes enable new tool concepts with complex geometries and integrated cooling channels. Hybrid manufacturing approaches combine conventional and additive processes for optimized tool properties. These developments require new procurement strategies and supplier expertise.
Sustainability and circular economy
Environmental aspects are becoming increasingly important in mold making procurement. Mold circulation concepts and recycling strategies reduce resource consumption. Sustainable materials and energy-efficient production processes are becoming important selection criteria when evaluating suppliers.
Conclusion
Mold making procurement is a strategic success factor for industrial series production. Professional supplier selection, systematic project management and consistent quality assurance guarantee on-time tool provision at optimal costs. Digitalization and new manufacturing processes open up additional optimisation potential for future-oriented procurement strategies.
FAQ
What distinguishes mold making procurement from standard procurement?
Mold making procurement requires intensive technical support, project management and quality assurance. In contrast to standard procurement, it is characterized by high investment volumes, long development times and complex acceptance criteria. The close integration with product development and production planning makes it a strategic procurement field.
What factors determine the choice of supplier in mold making?
Decisive selection criteria are technical expertise, machine equipment, reference projects and quality management system. Capacities, adherence to delivery dates and cost structure are further important factors. Geographical proximity can be advantageous for complex projects with intensive coordination.
How is the quality of tools ensured?
Quality assurance is achieved through detailed specifications, regular production checks and structured acceptance processes. Sampling, dimensional checks and functional tests validate tool performance. Qualified suppliers with certified quality management systems are a basic prerequisite for consistent quality.
What are the risks involved in mold procurement?
The main risks are technical defects, delays and cost overruns. Supplier failures can jeopardize the start of production. Inadequate specifications lead to costly rework. Systematic risk management with alternative suppliers and detailed project management minimizes these risks.
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