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MANUFACTURING SERVICE

Custom Mold Making & Tooling

The foundation of all injection molded parts. We design and build high-precision custom molds that drive cost-effective and high-quality production for your plastic products, from prototypes to millions of units.

A steel blank for a multi-cavity injection mold, illustrating precision mold making

The Art & Science of Precision Tooling

Mold making is the highly specialized process of designing and manufacturing the custom tools (molds or dies) used in injection molding. These tools are typically made from steel or aluminum, and they contain the precise cavity into which molten plastic is injected to form the final part.

The quality, precision, and longevity of your molded plastic parts depend entirely on the mold. Our expert mold makers utilize advanced CNC machining, EDM (Electrical Discharge Machining), and skilled hand-finishing to create tools that meet the most demanding specifications.

An exploded view of a complex mold, showing its intricate components

Tooling Solutions for Every Production Volume

We offer a range of mold-making options, balanced for your project's volume, budget, and timeline.

Rapid/Prototype Molds (Aluminum)

Made from high-grade aluminum alloys, these tools are fastest and most cost-effective. Ideal for producing 50 to 10,000+ real plastic parts for functional testing, market validation, and early production runs. Lead times are typically 2-4 weeks.

Bridge Tooling (P20 Steel)

Constructed from pre-hardened P20 tool steel, these molds offer greater durability than aluminum, capable of producing 10,000 to 100,000+ parts. They serve as an excellent intermediate step for pilot production or limited-run products.

Production Molds (Hardened Steel)

Built from hardened tool steel (e.g., H13, S7), these molds are designed for maximum longevity and precision, capable of producing millions of cycles. They have the highest upfront cost but offer the lowest per-part cost for high-volume mass production.

Designing for Manufacturable Molds (DFM)

Optimizing Your Part for Mold Making

  • Uniform Wall Thickness: Critical for consistent cooling and to prevent defects like sink marks and warping.
  • Draft Angles: Essential on all vertical walls for easy part ejection without damage.
  • Radii: Generous radii on all internal and external corners reduce stress concentrations and improve plastic flow.
  • Minimize Undercuts: Undercuts require complex and expensive moving mold components (side-actions or lifters). Design to avoid them if possible to reduce tooling cost.
  • Specify Surface Finish: Clearly define the desired cosmetic finish (e.g., SPI-A2 polish, SPI-D1 texture) as this directly impacts mold machining and polishing time.

Mold Making FAQ

How long does it take to get a custom mold made?

Lead times vary significantly. A simple aluminum prototype mold can be ready in 2-4 weeks. A complex, multi-cavity hardened steel production mold can take 8-16 weeks or more, depending on its complexity and number of cavities.

What information do you need to quote a mold?

We need a 3D CAD model of your final plastic part (STEP file preferred). We also recommend a 2D drawing that specifies critical tolerances, desired surface finish (SPI standard), and any other special requirements (e.g., overmolding, insert molding).

Can you help us with mold maintenance and repairs?

Yes. We provide comprehensive mold maintenance and repair services to ensure your tooling performs optimally throughout its lifespan. This includes routine cleaning, preventative maintenance, and repairs for wear or damage.