Comparing Vacuum Forming Quotes – A Checklist for Buyers
Good purchasing practice generally advises that when commissioning a new vacuum forming job, it’s best to obtain 3 or 4 quotes from different suppliers to gauge a fair price. Doing this across multiple suppliers gives you a clearer idea of the right amount to pay. While the cheapest quote may seem attractive, it’s crucial to ensure that prices are compared fairly to guarantee a true like-for-like analysis.
Once you’ve identified your shortlist of suppliers, issued your RFP (Request for Pricing), and received the responses, it can be challenging to ensure you’re comparing quotes on an equal basis.
Here’s a checklist of key points to consider when comparing vacuum forming quotes:
- What material will the vacuum forming tool be made from, and is it the right material for the job?
Vacuum forming moulds come in various materials, typically wood, aluminium, or resin. The material used will depend on several factors, such as the level of detail required in the finished product, the total quantity of items needed, and whether the tool will be reused for future jobs.
Wood and resin tools are more affordable than aluminium but are less suitable for longer runs or jobs requiring a highly detailed finish. They also have a shorter lifespan and are more prone to damage.
Aluminium tools, while more expensive, allow for greater detail and are better suited for longer runs or repeated use.
Check out or guide to tools here.
- Tooling Design
For smaller jobs, multiple items can be formed from one sheet (depending on its size). A tool that forms several parts per sheet will cost more initially but should result in lower costs per product in the long run, as more products can be produced per sheet with fewer machine insertions. A multi-part tool also reduces machine time and speeds up the process.
Check if each supplier has quoted the same number of parts per sheet or if it’s worth increasing the quantity. If the tool already exists, ensure the vacuum formers have been given the correct number of parts per sheet to base their quotes on. This is often referred to as how many “up” the tool is, e.g. a “2-up” tool.
If you’re having a tool made specifically for your job, confirm whether you’ll own the tool outright and whether it will be kept exclusively for your future jobs or used by other customers. If you do own the tool, check if there are any contractual obligations, such as a minimum annual order quantity or costs for tool storage.
- What material and thickness will be used for the parts?
There are many types of material suitable for vacuum forming, and naturally, thicker sheets are more expensive. As sheets increase in size, the time spent on the machine and energy requirements also rise, as it takes longer to heat the material to the correct temperature before moulding.
Additional material features such as oil resistance or special colours can also drive up the cost of raw materials.
4. Finishing
There are several finishing options for vacuum forming, and not all may be appropriate for your specific job. If a supplier offers a full range of finishing methods, you’ll likely have a suitable option to meet your needs.
It’s also important to clarify how the finished items will be packed and delivered. Packaging can add time and cost to the job.
Read our guide to finishing here.
If you can agree on many of these factors before requesting quotes, you should be able to ask for the information to be provided in a table or set format. This makes comparisons easier before placing your order.
- On-site capability
Do the companies have all facilities on-site, or is any part of the process outsourced? Complete control over the job can help keep costs down and simplify management.
How do the factories operate? Have they completed similar jobs before? It’s important to ensure they can handle your job proficiently. You might also be able to visit the factory to see how your job will be managed, which can provide reassurance when making your decision.
Make sure delivery times for the completed job are clearly stated and understand what procedures are in place in case of delays or issues.
These are just a few of the key points to consider when comparing prices for your plastic parts. If you would like to learn more about the Vacform Group’s quoting process or discuss a specific job, please contact us via our website, email, or phone.
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