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Technical Support & Engine Insights
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about our MoldQuote3D engine, tolerances, material selection, and cost estimation.
The MoldQuote3D algorithm sets a profitability threshold at 1,000 units per year. Below 1,000 pieces, additive manufacturing is recommended to avoid CAPEX investments in tooling. From 1,000 pieces, injection unit costs drop drastically, rapidly amortizing the mold.
It crosses CAD geometry with machinery limits: extracts Bounding Box (X, Y, Z) and net volume in cm³. For 3D printing, it assesses tray nesting. For molds, it analyzes draft angles and undercuts to calculate required sliders or lifters.
Aluminum (cold chamber) requires higher clamping force, wider mold bases (+160 mm), and vacuum/jet cooling systems. Zamak (hot chamber) melts at lower temperatures (~410 °C), allows compact mold bases (+50 mm), and features ultra-fast injection cycles (0.8s vs 2.5s).
It uses ABC costing methodology: commercial mold base sizing (Hasco/Meusburger), steel selection by hardness (1.2311/1.2312 vs 1.2344/Ampcoloy), kinematics (cavities, sliders, lifters), runner/ejection systems, EDM copper electrodes, and CAD/CAM engineering hours.
A 5-year theoretical amortization period is assumed based on annual production volume. For aluminum molds, an alert triggers if production exceeds 150,000 shots due to thermal fatigue limits, suggesting spare inserts or twin molds.
In 3D printing: FDM (0.12–0.28 mm), SLA (0.03–0.10 mm), SLS (60–120 microns). In injection molds: SPI mirror polish, VDI chemical/laser textures, and raw EDM finishes with geometry complexity multipliers.
FDM has the lowest raw material cost. SLA delivers maximum precision and surface finish. SLS offers the best unit cost for small industrial series due to 3D nesting capabilities without support structures.
Maximum Z-height determines total layer count and machine runtime. Overhangs add sacrifice supports that increase billable weight and time. Increasing infill from 15% to 100% directly multiplies material and energy consumption.
The express optimizer generates a tentative estimate, while the advanced workflow provides a technical quotation. All proposals are subject to final CAD verification by our engineering team to confirm lead times and feasibility.
3D files are never stored in external databases or hard drives. Geometry is processed volatilely in server RAM memory and permanently erased as soon as the session or browser tab is closed.
.STEP, .STP, and .STL files are accepted. Solid CAD formats (.STEP/.STP) provide the highest mathematical precision during volume and surface evaluation.
Technically, you can calculate from 1 unit. Practical minimums are defined by base freight and logistics costs for each shipping route.
It applies real density and price/kg. For abrasive materials (e.g., glass-filled plastics), the system automatically selects hardened treated steels (e.g., 1.2344 HRC with nitriding) to guarantee tooling lifespan.
Yes. It breaks down EDM, post-heat treatment grinding, mold bench fitting, polishing, chemical engraving, UV curing, chemical washing, and bead blasting.
For 3D printing, runtime is calculated based on tray capacity. For tooling, it builds a Gantt schedule across 30 subprocesses (design, CNC, EDM, assembly, T1-T3 tryouts), yielding 4–10 week lead times.
Yes, via the quality section you can add FAI dimensional reports, coordinate measuring machine (CMM) mold inspection, Moldflow rheological simulation, and checking fixtures.