When it comes to producing high-quality plastic parts, one of your most important investments is plastic injection molding tooling. High-quality tooling is crucial and provides several advantages, including precision, consistency, reduced defects and scrap, and enhanced durability and longevity of your plastic components.
There are several different options for getting the high-quality plastic injection molding tooling you need for your project. You can either go with domestic or overseas tooling production. While some claim one is superior to the other, there are actually advantages and challenges associated with each. Let’s look closer at overseas and domestic tooling and which might be right for you.
Overseas vs Domestic Partners for Plastic Injection Molding Tooling
As you might imagine, the biggest distinction between overseas and domestic plastic injection molding tooling partners is their location. Domestic partners are based in the same country as you are (i.e. likely the United States), while overseas partners might be as close as Canada or as far as Taiwan.
Many manufacturers prefer one over the other for many reasons. Factors to consider include cost, lead times, communication, and quality control. Below, we’ll break these down in greater detail.
Overseas vs Domestic Tooling Partners: Advantages and Disadvantages
Cost
In general, overseas partners are preferred by those on a tighter budget. Overseas plastic injection tooling partners typically offer lower labor and manufacturing costs than domestic. This makes overseas partners attractive for anyone looking to lower production expenses. Keep in mind, however, that some of this can be offset or negated completely by shipping costs, tariffs, communication issues, and quality control factors.
Lead Time for Plastic Injection Molding Tooling
Domestic tooling partners usually win out when lead times are a primary concern. Because working with overseas partners involves shipping times and potential delivery delays, lead times can be much longer. On the other hand, domestic partners are geographically closer, and communication is often faster and more efficient.
However, keep in mind that the actual production time may take longer domestically. An 8 week build overseas can take up to 26 weeks domestically.
Communication and Collaboration
Speaking of communication, this is another area where domestic plastic injection molding tooling partners often have an advantage. Working with overseas partners may involve language barriers, time zone differences, and other factors that can cause misunderstandings or delays (though this is not always the case as many overseas partners are fluent in English). With domestic partners, you can usually count on easier communication channels and more convenient collaboration opportunities. This also means domestic partners are usually more flexible and responsive to changes in your needs.
Quality Control
Again, due to language and regulatory standard differences, working with overseas partners can result in a reduction in quality control. When you work with a domestic partner, you can be sure that they are already familiar with the regulations and standards your parts will need to meet, as they themselves are subject to the same.
IP Protections
Finally, outsourcing your plastic injection molding tooling to overseas partners can be a cause for concern when it comes to IP protections. Some countries have less stringent laws or enforcement mechanisms. This is important to keep in mind when you’re drafting up contracts. Domestic tooling partners often offer greater security and legal recourse in case of IP infringement.
Can You Have Both? Hybrid Solutions for Plastic Injection Molding Tooling
But what if you’re looking for cost savings and shorter lead times (or any other combination of the advantages listed above)? That’s where hybrid tooling solutions come in. A hybrid solution combines the advantages of both by sourcing out different responsibilities.
For instance, you might have a domestic tooling partner take care of the initial design prototyping before passing it on to an overseas partner for production.
In order to do this, you can either hybridize your own vendor base and handle the logistics in-house. Or, you can choose an injection molding partner that already utilizes partnerships with both domestic and overseas plastic injection molding tooling suppliers.
Westec Delivers the Advantages of Domestic and Overseas Plastic Injection Molding Tooling
At Westec, we offer in-house tooling capabilities including 3D-printed steel cavity and core inserts. Westec can also handle modifications, maintenance, and repair in-house. . But we’re also partnered with some of the best overseas & domestic tooling manufacturers. Between our extensive capabilities and the expertise of our partners, we can formulate a hybrid tooling solution that works for you and your needs.
Beyond that, we’re also a single-source manufacturer of injection-molded plastic parts for critical applications. Whether you need medical components manufactured in a clean room, durable parts for consumer products, or anything in between, we have the capabilities to deliver turn-key solutions from design to assembly.
Are you looking for a California-based injection molding partner? Get in touch with us today and let us know what you need.
