Prototyping
Prototypes are important in the development process of plastic injection molded components. They can help save time and money by detecting design flaws and other issues early in the design phase. With over 50 years of experience in providing injection molding prototypes, we will work with you to develop a prototype that will work successfully for your project.
Contact UsWhy Plastic Molding Prototyping?
The use of injection molding prototypes can facilitate an efficient and cost-effective evaluation of a part’s form, fit and function. We employ a full range of technologies for plastic injection molding prototyping, from traditional CNC machining to a full range of additive manufacturing rapid prototyping technologies, including traditional CNC machining and 3D printing. If needed, the prototype can be painted and decorated to appear like the final product for marketing use prior to the availability of production parts.
Prototype Options
| Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) | A rapid prototyping additive manufacturing process using a laser to sinter powder-based materials together, layer by layer, forming a durable solid prototype model ideal for functional parts in a variety of applications. SLS also enables production of injection molding prototypes with snap fits and living hinges. |
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| Stereolithography (SLA) | A rapid prototyping additive manufacturing process employing a UV laser and vat of liquid UV-curable photopolymer resin to produce prototypes quickly, one layer at a time. SLA injection molding prototyping is ideal for checking part sizing, fit and function and for use as finished-part-looking marketing prototypes. |
| Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) | A solid-based rapid prototyping additive manufacturing process that extrudes material layer by layer to build the prototype. FDM is ideal for producing conceptual and engineering models and functional testing plastic injection molding prototypes. |
Capabilities
Prototype molds can be used for low volume plastic injection molding production.
- Quick lead time tooling/rapid prototypes
- One cavity pull up in a multi-cavity base
- Master Unit Die (MUD) Inserts
- Single cavity to multi cavity
- Short run molds
- Simple or complex geometrics
- Aluminum or hard tool steel
