A Practical Payment Schedule for Double Shot Molding Tooling

For most double shot molding tooling projects, a balanced payment plan is 50% at order placement, 30% after T1 samples are completed, and the final 20% before shipment. This milestone-based structure connects each payment to a visible stage of mold development and gives the buyer opportunities to verify the tooling before the full amount is released.

Recommended Payment Structure

The first 50% payment authorizes mold design, material purchasing, machining, and tooling production. Once the mold has completed its initial trial and T1 samples are available, the buyer can review the samples before paying the next 30%. The remaining 20% should be settled only after the mold trial, dimensional checks, and pre-shipment inspection have been completed.

• Pay 50% with the order to begin tooling development.
• Release 30% after receiving and reviewing the T1 samples.
• Pay the final 20% before shipment after inspection and trial verification.
• Confirm alignment, material compatibility, appearance, and dimensions for two-color or hard-soft molded parts.

Why Milestone Payments Matter for Double Shot Molds

Double shot molding requires more than a standard single-material injection mold. The tooling must coordinate two injection stages, maintain accurate alignment, and support compatible material combinations such as ABS with TPU or PP with TPE. Because these factors can affect fit, appearance, and part performance, payment terms should be linked to measurable project results instead of relying only on calendar dates.

Before placing the order, the technical agreement should define the mold structure, steel grade, cavity arrangement, expected service life, sample requirements, and delivery schedule. The listed delivery estimate for this type of custom double shot overmolding mold is 25–40 days. More complex precision mold projects may follow a broader estimate of 35–45 working days, so the applicable schedule should be written clearly into the quotation or order documents.

Checks Required at Each Stage

Order and Tooling Authorization

Before paying the initial deposit, confirm the approved product drawings, mold design scope, material selection, mold base and steel specifications, cavity count, and target delivery date. The product specification identifies 718H / 1.2738 mold steel, optional multi-cavity construction, and a potential service life of up to 800,000 shots. These details should appear in the technical documentation and later be supported by inspection records.

T1 Sample Review

The T1 stage provides the first practical evidence that the double shot mold is functioning as intended. Review sample dimensions, part alignment, color or material separation, surface quality, flash, short shots, and other molding results against the approved requirements. Paying the second 30% after this review gives both parties a clear checkpoint before final completion.

Final Inspection and Shipment

Before releasing the balance, confirm that the mold has completed its trial run and that dimensional testing and pre-shipment inspection results are acceptable. Buyers should also verify that the final sample set, mold condition, accessories, maintenance information, and agreed documentation are ready for shipment.

Supplier Experience and Support

Longterm has supplied double shot overmolding tools for consumer electronics applications. A reported project in France included eight sets of molds for a consumer electronics shell, with good alignment and stable trial samples. A separate project in Italy covered three electronic housing mold sets and received feedback concerning accurate dimensions, smooth surfaces, responsive communication, and on-time delivery.

The company states that it is ISO 9001:2015 certified for the design, manufacture, and sale of precision molds, as well as the sale of plastic products. Available after-sales services for this product include online technical assistance, mold maintenance, and spare parts supply.

Payment and Verification Comparison

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the 30% installment paid before or after T1 samples?

It is scheduled after the T1 samples have been produced. This allows the buyer to evaluate the initial tooling results before making the second payment.

What needs to be approved before the final 20% is paid?

The buyer should confirm the mold trial results, dimensional inspection, and pre-shipment inspection. For double shot tooling, alignment, material compatibility, surface quality, and sample conformity are also important checks.

Can the payment terms change for a more complicated mold?

Project complexity may affect the delivery period, engineering scope, or inspection requirements. Any change should be recorded in the commercial and technical agreements. The stated 50% / 30% / 20% payment arrangement remains the reference structure for this tooling service.

Conclusion

A 50% deposit, 30% payment after T1 sample approval, and 20% balance before shipment offers a practical way to manage financial risk during a double shot molding project. The payment schedule should be documented alongside the mold design, material requirements, delivery estimate, sample criteria, inspection procedures, and after-sales commitments.

Longterm provides OEM custom plastic injection molds, custom mold making with injection molding, precision double shot and overmolding solutions, and mold development combined with mass production. For technical consultation or project support, contact rogerluo@longterm-mold.com.

About Longterm

Longterm Manufacturing Solutions Limited was founded in 2010 and offers mold design, tooling, precision machining, mold manufacturing, and plastic parts production. Serving customers in North America, Europe, Australia, and other international markets, the company supports small- to medium-batch requirements with injection molds and precision CNC-machined components. Longterm has 50 employees and holds ISO 9001:2015 certification.