Rapid Production Tooling

Rapid production tooling is an agile and cost effective way to inject various plastic parts into small batches, such as would be used for prototypes.

Once a steel or aluminum mold is created with a rapid mold process, it is utilized as a part of a molding process to create multiple copies of one piece. Rapid production tooling can be utilized to create molds for rapid prototyping requirements in less time, or to fill in order gaps between mass production runs. Rapid tooling combines rapid prototyping techniques with conventional tooling practices to produce a mold quickly.

The main reason to choose rapid production tooling is for the testing and validation of prototypes used in new product development. These parts are made with the actual material used in production of the final product, and can be tested for stress, impact or other weaknesses. This process allows you to make adjustments to correct any imperfections before mass production takes place.

Injection molding is widely used for rapid prototyping and lower volume manufacturing. The injection molding process has three components; an injection molding machine, raw plastic materials, and the machined mold. Plastic is melted in the injection molding machine and then injected into the mold where it cools and solidifies into the final part. Once the part has cooled, it is removed form the mold and finished as required. Common examples of injection molding are bottle caps or Lego bricks.

There are advantages to rapid production tooling. As its name suggests, rapid tooling means fast results. This process means you can eliminate the need for patterns and special tools that would be required in conventional tooling. This greatly shortens the time from development to production. Complex assembly processes are consolidated into one, and the results from every production run will be identical. Repeatability is important in the manufacturing process. Also, when you save time, you also save money. Rapid production tooling is an economical choice. Rapid tooling is also customizable, so your mold can meet your part specification.

The Toolroom provides a wide range of materials for rapid tooling. Our experts will help you choose suitable materials for your specific needs. The Toolroom’s experience, expert engineering knowledge and state-of-the-art technology is the only solution you need for rapid production tooling. Each customer receives superior service, and we pay close attention to your needs in order to provide you with the best solution possible.

Companies will approach rapid production tooling in various ways. Don’t leave your tooling needs to just anyone. Choose The Toolroom, specialists that offer the flexibility and expertise to get your project done right. If you are at the beginning stages of creating a prototype, let us work with you through all aspects of its development. We are ready to talk to you about your project ideas, so call us at (573) 437-4154.