You invest in creating custom buttons and rivets that define your brand. But you worry these expensive molds will get lost, damaged, or even used for other brands at the factory.

We treat your custom molds as your private property. They are cataloged, securely stored in a climate-controlled environment¹, and professionally maintained. Their lifespan is typically 50,000 to 150,000 impressions, and we store them for free for active partners.

I remember a new client coming to me, completely frustrated. His previous factory had "lost" the molds for his signature rivets, molds he had paid hundreds of dollars for.

He had to pay for new ones, which delayed his production by weeks. This is simply unacceptable. Your custom hardware molds are more than just tools; they are your brand's DNA cast in steel.

They are your property. At my factory, we treat them with that level of respect. Building trust starts with protecting your assets as if they were our own.

How Long Will My Custom Button and Rivet Molds Actually Last?

Your custom hardware is a key part of your brand's look. A broken mold during production can be a disaster, causing major delays and costing you money you had not budgeted for.

Your molds will typically last for 50,000 to 150,000 uses. The exact lifespan depends on the quality of the steel. We use high-quality tool steel² for molds intended for core, repeating styles.

The durability of a mold comes down to the quality of the steel. Not all steel is created equal. Think of it like denim fabric; there are basic options and premium ones.

For a small, one-time collection, a standard steel mold is perfectly fine. It will give you a solid 50,000 to 80,000 impressions before it starts showing wear.

But for your core collection, the styles you run season after season, you need something more robust. For these, we insist on using high-grade tool steel, like H13.

These molds are workhorses, built to last for 100,000 to 150,000 impressions. They cost more upfront, but the investment pays for itself over time.

We will always discuss these options with you to match the tool to the job, ensuring you are not overpaying for a limited run or under-equipping yourself for a best-seller.

Mold Material	Typical Lifespan (Impressions)	Best For
Standard Steel	50,000–80,000	Limited edition or one-time orders.
High-Grade Tool Steel	100,000–150,000	Core collections and high-volume repeat orders.

What If My Custom Molds Need To Be Repaired or Replaced?

You are worried about surprise charges. An unexpected invoice for a mold repair³ can ruin your profit margins and damage the trust you have with your manufacturing partner.

All repairs or replacements are quoted upfront, with no hidden fees⁴. Minor repairs cost 15-40% of a new mold. A full replacement typically costs between $80 and $300, depending on complexity.

I have a simple policy in my factory: no surprise fees. If one of your molds shows signs of wear, we stop and notify you immediately.

We will send you photos of the issue and a detailed quote before we proceed with any work.

Minor repairs, like polishing a worn surface, are on the low end, maybe 15-25% of the original cost.

More significant damage, like a crack in the mold that needs specialized welding, could be in the 30-40% range. If the mold is at the end of its life and needs to be replaced, we will tell you.

The cost for a new one depends entirely on your design. A simple, round button mold is on the lower end of the $80-$300 range.

A complex shape with an intricate, embossed logo will be on the higher end because it takes more machine time and skill to create. You will always see and approve the cost before a single dollar is spent.

Will You Store My Molds Securely For Future Orders?

Your custom molds⁵ are your intellectual property. You need to know they are being stored safely and will not get lost or, even worse, used for another brand's production.

Yes, absolutely. We offer free, secure storage⁶ for all active clients. Each mold is cataloged, labeled with your brand's name, and stored in a designated area for your exclusive use.

Consider our storage facility an extension of your own studio. When you partner with us, providing secure storage for your tools is part of the service.

For any client who places orders with us regularly, typically within a 12 to 24-month period, this storage is completely free. We do not just put your mold on a random shelf. We have a strict system.

We log it into our inventory, take a photo for our records, and store it in a labeled box with your company name on it.

It is tracked and ready for your next order. If you go inactive for a long period, say over 24 months, we might reach out.

In some cases, a very small annual storage fee, around $5 to $15 per mold, might apply just to cover the space and maintenance.

But our goal is always to keep you as a partner, and your molds ready and waiting for you.

How Do You Stop My Molds From Rusting and Deteriorating?

A steel mold that sits on a shelf in a humid factory will rust. You are concerned that when you are ready for a re-order, the mold will be damaged and you will be forced to pay for a new one.

We follow a strict four-step preservation process. We thoroughly clean the mold, apply a professional anti-rust oil⁷, store it in a climate-controlled warehouse, and conduct regular inspections every 3-6 months.

This is a critical part of professional factory management. In the humid climate of Southern China, rust is the enemy of any steel tool.

A beautiful mold can be ruined in months if it is not cared for properly. That is why we do not just store your molds; we maintain them. Here is our process:

1. Thorough Cleaning: As soon as a production run is complete, we clean your mold completely. We remove any debris, metal fragments, or oils left over from the process.

2. Anti-Rust Treatment: Next, we wipe it down and apply a professional-grade anti-rust oil. This creates a protective barrier that seals the steel surface from moisture in the air.

3. Controlled Storage: We then place the mold in its designated, labeled box and move it to our dedicated tool warehouse. This space is kept at a controlled temperature (15–25℃) and humidity (below 60%) to prevent corrosion.

4. Regular Inspections: Every 3-6 months, our team inspects all stored molds to check for any signs of rust or damage, reapplying the anti-rust oil as needed. This ensures that when you call for a re-order, your tool is in perfect condition and ready to go.

Conclusion

We treat your custom hardware molds as valuable assets. We manage and maintain them professionally, ensuring they are always clean, secure, and ready for your next production run.

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