How to Prepare a Custom Silicone Mold RFQ

You do not need a perfect engineering package to request a quotation.

You do need enough information for the supplier to understand what you need to receive, how it will be used, and which decisions still need to be made.

The most expensive RFQ mistake is often not a missing dimension. It is asking suppliers to quote different objects or processes and then comparing the prices as if they were equivalent.

1. Define the Delivered Object First

Write one sentence that says what you want the supplier to deliver.

Examples:

• “We need a flexible silicone mold that we will fill with plaster.”
• “We need a custom food-contact gummy tray.”
• “We need a finished silicone component.”
• “We need an LSR part with a plastic insert.”
• “We need a mold that fits this existing physical base.”

This lets the supplier decide whether the project is likely to be RTV mold making, HCR/HTV molding, LSR injection molding, overmolding or another route.

Do not guess the process if you are unsure.

2. Send the Best Design Information You Have

If You Have CAD

Send:

• STEP/STP where dimensional edits may be needed;
• STL/mesh for sculptural geometry;
• 2D drawing/PDF for critical dimensions and tolerances;
• artwork/vector files for logos.

If You Do Not Have CAD

You can still start with:

• a physical sample;
• a sketch with dimensions;
• multiple photos with a scale/reference;
• 2D artwork;
• a reference product plus a written list of changes.

Tell the supplier which dimensions are estimates and which are critical.

For fit-sensitive projects, a real mating sample can be more useful than concept dimensions alone.

3. Explain What the Mold or Part Will Contact

For a casting mold, name the material you will put into it:

• gummy or candy;
• chocolate;
• resin;
• wax;
• soap;
• plaster;
• concrete;
• batter;
• water/ice;
• another casting material.

For a finished silicone part, explain:

• operating environment;
• mating parts;
• heat/chemical exposure where relevant;
• whether food contact or another compliance requirement applies.

This information can change material and mold-structure decisions.

4. Give the Finished Size and the Critical Requirement

Overall size is useful, but also identify what matters most.

Examples:

• target gummy weight;
• lid fit to an existing container;
• hole/location that must align with another part;
• logo detail;
• flatness of a filled tray;
• insert retention;
• parting-line location;
• finished cosmetic surface.

If everything is marked “critical,” the supplier cannot tell what truly controls acceptance.

5. Separate Prototype Quantity From Production Quantity

State:

• prototype requirement;
• first production quantity;
• expected repeat or future volume if known.

Do not assume a sample-stage MOQ or price automatically becomes the policy for a different production process.

Volume can affect:

• cavity count;
• tooling route;
• automation;
• unit economics;
• production planning.

6. Define What the Prototype Must Prove

A prototype is not only a visual sample.

Write the acceptance question before the sample is made.

For example:

• “The plaster figure must release without breaking the face.”
• “The gummy must meet our target weight with the real formula.”
• “The silicone lid must stay positioned on the physical base.”
• “The logo must remain readable after demolding.”
• “The tray must align with our depositor.”
• “The insert must remain retained during the defined pull test.”

A supplier can quote and design a better prototype when the purpose is explicit.

7. State Material and Documentation Requirements Carefully

If food contact or another customer requirement matters, state:

• destination market;
• intended use;
• food/contact condition;
• required test report, declaration or customer specification.

Avoid writing only “FDA silicone” or “LFGB certificate.”

If you do not know the correct document, say what market and use you need to satisfy and ask the supplier what evidence is available.

8. Tell the Supplier About Equipment Constraints

For production trays or automation, include:

• maximum tray dimensions;
• nozzle pitch;
• row count;
• indexing direction;
• fixture/pan size;
• scraper clearance;
• assembly fixture;
• another relevant machine interface.

A mold that works by hand may not fit a production line.

9. Clarify Confidentiality and Ownership Before It Becomes a Dispute

If you require an NDA before full disclosure, say so in the first message.

If important, also define:

• CAD deliverables;
• native/editable file release;
• physical master custody;
• tooling ownership;
• exclusivity;
• transfer/release rights;
• archive/reorder rights.

These are separate from confidentiality and should not be assumed from the word “tooling.”

10. Include Shipping Information if You Want a Landed Quote

Send:

• country;
• city/postcode;
• commercial/residential destination if relevant;
• preferred Incoterm if you already use one.

For DDP, the quote needs to reflect the actual destination, packed shipment and route.

Do not assume one HS code or duty treatment applies to every silicone mold/product.

A Copyable RFQ Structure

Project: [short project name]

What we need the supplier to deliver: [flexible mold / finished silicone part / tooling / overmolded assembly]

Application: [what it will do / what will be cast or contacted]

Files available: [STEP / STL / drawing / artwork / physical sample / photos]

Finished dimensions / target weight: [dimensions, grams, or critical fit]

Critical requirements: [fit / release / logo / flatness / insert / surface / etc.]

Prototype requirement: [what the prototype must prove]

Production quantity: [first order + expected repeat if known]

Material / food-contact / customer requirements: [market and document needs]

Equipment or mating-part information: [depositor pitch / fixture / physical sample / assembly]

Confidentiality / ownership requirements: [NDA, file/tool terms if needed]

Delivery location: [country + postcode]

Target date: [required milestone, if real]

What a Good Supplier Response Should Clarify

A useful response should make it easier to compare suppliers on the same basis.

Look for:

• what process is being quoted;
• what design work is included;
• what prototype is included;
• what remains to be confirmed;
• what material/document scope is proposed;
• how production approval works;
• what drives the tooling and unit cost;
• what shipping term is included.

If two quotations do not describe the same object and scope, the prices are not directly comparable.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I request a quote with only photos?

Yes, for an initial review. Add dimensions and explain the function. The supplier may still need CAD/modeling or the physical sample before tooling.

Should I ask for a quote before signing an NDA?

You can send a high-level requirement first. If full geometry is confidential, state the NDA requirement before sharing sensitive files.

Should I choose Shore A in the RFQ?

Only if your project already has a validated requirement. Otherwise describe the function, geometry and use so the material/hardness can be reviewed with the design.

What if I do not know the correct manufacturing process?

Do not force one into the RFQ. Explain the delivered object, use, material and volume.

Next Step

If you are comparing suppliers, use the manufacturer page to understand RUUIPON's process scope:

Custom Silicone Mold & Product Manufacturer /custom-silicone-mold-manufacturer/

If you are ready to submit the project:

Contact / Send Project /contact/