Mold Channel Cleaning Machine RFQ Checklist: 12 Questions for Buyers

Quick answer: A strong request for quotation (RFQ) describes the mold and contamination, lists circuit and utility requirements, states how cleaning will be verified, and asks suppliers to confirm compatibility and acceptance conditions in writing. Compare evidence for your application rather than relying on a headline pressure, pump rating, or generic claim.

Use the questions below to build a comparable RFQ for a mold waterway cleaning system. Share only mold drawings and production data that your organization is authorized to disclose.

The 12-question RFQ checklist

#	Ask the supplier	Information to include or request
1	What deposits and service problem must the system address?	Scale, rust, sludge, mixed contamination, low flow, cooling imbalance, or recurring maintenance issue; attach representative photos or samples if available
2	Which mold circuits must be serviced?	Mold types, circuit count, channel IDs, straight/curved/blind passages, approximate lengths and diameters where known, and whether circuits are series or parallel
3	Which cleaning principle is proposed, and why does it fit this application?	Ask the supplier to describe the process, required medium, limitations, and cases where it should not be used
4	What materials and components must be compatible?	Mold steel, coatings, inserts, brazed or joined parts, seals, hoses, fittings, and any material restrictions from the toolmaker
5	What operating range is available at the connected mold?	Request working flow and pressure information under stated conditions, and the equipment's allowed limits. Do not compare maximum pump pressure without the actual operating context
6	How are individual circuits connected and identified?	Adapter sizes, number of simultaneous connections, isolation method, required manifolds, and how a circuit is selected on the machine
7	How is the cleaning result verified?	Ask whether the system measures total or individual-circuit flow, pressure, temperature, or another defined outcome; request repeatability information and test procedure
8	Can the system distinguish blockage from leakage?	Request the test sequence, what is displayed or recorded, and any limitations of the diagnostic function
9	What utilities and site conditions are required?	Voltage and frequency, compressed air if needed, water quality, drainage, footprint, ambient conditions, and operating clearances
10	What records can operators export?	Fields captured, mold/circuit identifiers, timestamps, user access, file formats, retention options, and MES or network integration if required
11	What acceptance test will be used before handover?	Define a representative mold/circuit, baseline readings, safe operating limits, required demonstrations, training, and the evidence both parties will sign off
12	What support is available after delivery?	Installation, operator training, manuals, spare parts, response channel, warranty scope, service coverage, and recommended preventive checks

Attach useful evidence to the RFQ

Suppliers can make a more relevant proposal when the RFQ includes:

• A circuit map with clear inlet and outlet labels.
• The reason for service and known process symptoms.
• Previous flow or pressure readings with their test conditions.
• A description or image of discharged material, kept separate by circuit.
• Mold materials, seal information, existing restrictions, and maximum allowed test conditions from the mold owner.
• Plant power, compressed air, water, drainage, and installation constraints.

If readings are not available, say so. Ask bidders to propose a safe diagnostic step before promising a cleaning outcome. Autodesk's Moldflow references show why channel geometry, branch balance, flow, and pressure drop belong in the RFQ rather than being replaced by one pump-pressure number.

Compare proposals with a weighted scorecard

Before opening bids, assign weights to the criteria that matter to your plant. For example, score each proposal from 1 to 5 for application fit, measurable verification, compatibility documentation, safety and usability, data traceability, service support, and total cost of ownership. Write down what “5” means for each criterion so all suppliers are scored consistently.

Ask each supplier to separate confirmed standard functions from optional features. Model configurations differ, so verify flow measurement, individual-channel testing, data export, interfaces, adapters, and utilities against the exact quoted model. DOUBLE EASY's manufacturer comparison guide and machine comparison guide provide starting points for supplier questions; confirm final specifications directly with the vendor.

Define acceptance before purchase

An RFQ should state how a successful demonstration will be judged. A practical acceptance plan identifies the test mold and circuit, confirms safe limits, documents test setup, and defines what records the supplier must provide. Where feasible, use a representative circuit and compare before-and-after measurements under the same conditions. Do not promise a specific recovery percentage unless it has been validated for the stated mold, deposit, and test method.

Frequently asked questions

Should the highest-pressure machine win?

No. Pressure rating alone does not show that a system suits the channel geometry, material limits, contamination, or verification needs. Evaluate operating conditions at the mold and the supplier's evidence for your application.

Should the RFQ require chemical cleaning?

Only if the method is appropriate for the deposits, mold materials, seals, site rules, and waste-handling requirements. Ask suppliers to explain compatibility and limitations; do not specify a chemical by habit.

What if we do not know our channel dimensions or baseline flow?

Provide available mold drawings and identify the unknowns. Include a diagnostic or measurement stage in the proposal, with agreed limits and documentation, before making performance guarantees.

Technical references

• Autodesk Moldflow, Cooling Circuits
• Autodesk Moldflow, Pressure Drops in Cooling Channels
• DOUBLE EASY official product information