Terms and Conditions

Welcome to First Mold. These Terms and Conditions (“Terms”) govern the provision of custom manufacturing, tooling, and plastic injection molding services provided by First Mold. By submitting a quote request, uploading 3D CAD files, or placing a purchase order, you establish a legally binding contractual relationship with First Mold and agree to adhere to the terms outlined below.

1. Orders, Engineering Data, and DFM Approval

The foundation of a successful manufacturing run is accurate engineering data. First Mold operates as a custom manufacturer executing the designs provided by our clients.

• Accuracy of Client Data: Clients are strictly responsible for the accuracy and completeness of all submitted 3D CAD models, 2D drawings, Bill of Materials (BOMs), and material specifications.

• DFM and Functional Responsibility: First Mold provides comprehensive Design for Manufacturing (DFM) feedback to optimize your designs for the injection molding process (e.g., draft angles, wall thickness, gate locations). However, the client retains absolute responsibility for the final product’s functionality, structural integrity, and market fitness. We do not validate the end-use application of your parts.

• Order Confirmation: An order is only considered legally binding once First Mold issues an official Order Confirmation and the initial payment block has been received and cleared.

2. Production Process and Quality Assurance

We maintain strict quality control protocols across our facilities. To ensure batch-to-batch consistency, we require explicit client involvement during the initial sampling phase.

• T1 Sample Sign-off: We will express-ship the first off-tool (T1) physical samples to your designated facility. Full-scale mass production will strictly commence only after the client has provided formal written or digital approval of these T1 samples.

• Default Tolerances: Unless specific, critical tolerances are explicitly called out on the provided 2D drawings and confirmed in our DFM report, First Mold manufactures commercial-grade plastic parts adhering to standard international injection molding tolerances (such as DIN ISO 2768 for general dimensions).

• Defect Resolution: Any claims regarding dimensional inaccuracies, material defects, or shortages must be reported to First Mold within thirty (30) days of receiving the shipment. We reserve the right to request photographic evidence or the return of defective parts for internal inspection before authorizing a rework, replacement, or credit.

3. Tooling Ownership, Storage, and Maintenance

This section specifically governs the creation, ownership, and handling of custom injection molds engineered by First Mold for your project.

• Exclusive Ownership: Upon full and final payment of the mold manufacturing invoice, the custom injection mold(s) become the exclusive property of the client.

• Free Storage and Maintenance: For molds retained at our manufacturing facilities to fulfill ongoing injection molding orders, First Mold will provide routine maintenance, cleaning, and secure storage at no additional cost for the active lifespan of the mold.

• Mold Transfer and Export: If a client wishes to export or transfer their mold to another facility, all outstanding invoices (including past production runs or engineering changes) must be settled in full. The client is responsible for all shipping, crating, and export customs costs associated with transferring the tooling.

4. Intellectual Property and Confidentiality

First Mold deeply respects your proprietary designs and operational secrets. We recognize that your CAD files and product specifications are your core intellectual property.

• Client Intellectual Property: We claim no ownership over your 3D models, patented technologies, or end-product designs. We use your files strictly for the purpose of quoting and manufacturing your ordered parts.

• First Mold’s Proprietary Processes: First Mold retains all intellectual property rights to our proprietary manufacturing processes, fixture designs, gating techniques, and internal routing methods developed during the execution of your project.

• Confidentiality: All client-supplied technical data will be treated as strictly confidential. This clause operates in tandem with any active Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) executed between the client and First Mold.

5. Pricing, Payment Terms, and Taxes

Prices are determined based on the specific geometry, volume, and material requirements of each custom order.

• Quote Validity: Official quotes provided by First Mold are generally valid for thirty (30) days. We reserve the right to adjust pricing after this period due to fluctuations in raw material costs, currency exchange rates, or modified project scopes.

• Standard Payment Structure: Unless a specific credit account has been established, tooling orders typically require a 50% upfront deposit to initiate steel cutting, with the remaining 50% due upon approval of the T1 samples. Mass production orders generally require payment before final shipping.

• Taxes and Duties: Quoted prices exclude any applicable federal, state, or local taxes, Value Added Tax (VAT), or international import duties. The client is fully responsible for paying any such taxes or duties levied upon the shipment.

6. Shipping, Logistics, and Risk of Loss

First Mold coordinates international shipping from our manufacturing hubs, but clear boundaries exist regarding transit liability.

• Incoterms: All shipments are executed under mutually agreed International Commercial Terms (Incoterms), typically EXW (Ex Works), FOB (Free On Board), or DDP (Delivered Duty Paid), as specified in your final contract.

• Transfer of Risk: The risk of loss, damage, or delay transfers from First Mold to the client according to the specified Incoterm once the goods are handed over to the designated freight forwarder or leave our loading docks.

• Force Majeure: First Mold shall not be held liable for manufacturing or shipping delays caused by events beyond our reasonable control, including but not limited to natural disasters, global supply chain disruptions, port strikes, or government embargoes.

7. Limitation of Liability

In the B2B custom manufacturing sector, our liability is strictly limited to the value of the parts we produce.

In no event shall First Mold, its directors, or its employees be liable for any indirect, incidental, punitive, or consequential damages. This includes, but is not limited to, loss of anticipated profits, assembly line downtime, product recall costs, or damage to brand reputation arising from the use or inability to use our manufactured parts. Our maximum aggregate liability under any contract shall strictly not exceed the total invoiced amount of the specific defective batch of parts or the tooling in question.

8. Amendments and Dispute Resolution

• Amendments: First Mold reserves the right to amend these Terms at any time to reflect operational changes or legal requirements. Updated Terms become effective immediately upon being posted to this webpage.

• Governing Law: These Terms shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the jurisdiction where First Mold’s primary contracting entity is registered, without regard to its conflict of law provisions.

• Good Faith Negotiation: In the event of a dispute regarding part quality, tooling, or payments, both parties agree to first attempt to resolve the issue through good faith engineering and commercial negotiations before seeking arbitration or litigation.

9. Contact Information

For any questions, legal concerns, or clarifications regarding these Terms and Conditions, please contact our administrative team:

Email: [email protected]

By continuing to use our services, uploading CAD files, or authorizing production, you acknowledge that you have read, clearly understood, and unconditionally agreed to be bound by these Terms and Conditions.