How to Choose the Right Manufacturer for Custom Molded Parts

Getting custom molded parts right the first time can mean the difference between a product that sells and one that sits on the shelf. The manufacturer you choose will make or break your project—literally. At Liberty Molds, we've seen what separates the best from the rest when it comes to producing quality custom molded parts. Here's how to find a partner who won't let you down.

Look for Real-World Experience

Not all molders are created equal. You want a manufacturer who's:

• Worked with materials like yours before—whether it's flexible TPU for medical devices or glass-filled nylon for automotive components

• Solved production challenges similar to yours (ask for specific examples)

• Maintained long-term relationships with clients in your industry

• Adapted to design changes mid-project without missing a beat

A company like Liberty Molds with decades in the business will anticipate issues before they become problems. Newer shops might offer lower prices, but often lack the institutional knowledge that prevents costly mistakes.

Evaluate Their Technology and Capabilities

The right equipment matters as much as the right experience. Your manufacturer should have:

• Modern molding machines capable of handling your part size and material requirements

• Facilities if you're producing medical or optical components

• Secondary operations like pad printing or assembly in-house

• Material testing labs to verify every batch meets specifications

Don't be shy about asking for a facility tour—either in person or virtual. Seeing their operation firsthand tells you more than any sales brochure.

Quality Systems That Actually Work

Paper certifications are nice, but real quality shows in the details:

• How they handle defects—do they have a systematic approach to root cause analysis?

• Inspection procedures—what percentage of parts get checked, and how?

• Documentation practices—can they provide complete material traceability?

• Change control processes—how do they handle engineering revisions?

Look for manufacturers who treat quality as a culture, not just a checklist. At Liberty Molds, our team catches issues most shops would miss because we know what to look for.

Communication Style Matters

The best technical capabilities won't help if you can't get straight answers. Watch for:

• Project managers who speak your language (both technically and literally)

• Response times that match your urgency level

• Willingness to explain processes in terms you understand

• Transparency about challenges rather than just telling you what you want to hear

Good manufacturers ask as many questions as they answer—they'll want to fully understand your application before quoting.

Consider the Entire Supply Chain

Your molder should help you think beyond the immediate part:

• Material selection guidance based on your budget and performance needs

• Design for manufacturability input that improves yield without compromising function

• Packaging solutions that protect parts in transit

• Inventory management options for production scheduling

The right partner becomes an extension of your team, looking out for your interests at every step.

Red Flags to Avoid

Steer clear of manufacturers who:

• Can't provide references for similar projects

• Don't have documented processes for common issues like material drying or mold maintenance

• Push back on reasonable inspection requests

• Have high employee turnover in key positions

• Won't put important agreements in writing

  
  

Why Liberty Molds Stands Out

With almost 40 years specializing in custom molded parts, we've developed an approach that works:

• Hands-on expertise from engineers who've seen it all

• Purpose-built facilities designed for complex molding projects

• No-nonsense quality with systems that actually get followed

• Straightforward communication without the sales jargon

We're proud to be the manufacturer other manufacturers come to when they need parts done right.

Ready to Find Your Perfect Molding Partner?

Choosing the right manufacturer for your custom molded parts doesn't have to be a gamble. Look for experience you can verify, capabilities that match your needs, and a team that communicates clearly.

At Liberty Molds, we welcome tough questions—because we know the right answers. Contact us today to discuss your project with someone who actually understands what you're trying to accomplish.