If you do not yet have 3D CAD data, R an R is very well equipped to generate this for you; our design department specializes in optimizing plastic parts for low cost injection molding in China.  You can just send us what you have: sketches, 2D files or sample parts, and we will give you a rough initial estimate. If the estimate is acceptable we then charge only a nominal fee to build a 3-dimensional computer model and optimize the parts for low cost manufacturing in China at the same time in order to lower the eventual cost of the tool.  For 2D data, AutoCAD (.dwg) is the most popular format and may be acceptable for parts with a relatively simple geometry; in fact, for metal stamping parts it is still quite common to use 2D data.

Preferred file formats for 3D CAD data include:

• ProEngineer
  This software is the de facto standard for 3D data in Taiwan & China.
• SolidWorks
• IGES
  IGES is a general 3D export format (such as .jpg for pictures), which every tool maker in China can read and use. It can help avoid issues with incompatible software versions. The disadvantage of IGES is that data cannot be very easily changed as information is lost during the IGES file creation process. ProEngineer and SolidWorks are easier to work with if design changes are necessary.

We recommend compressing your files before sending them (using ZIP or similar). IGES files in particular can often be compressed to 10% of their original size