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Rapid Tooling Services

Rapid tooling making is a fast, convenient and cost-effective technology, which is characterized by a short molding cycle, simple process, easy promotion, low molding cost, accuracy, and longer tooling life that can meet functional needs. It is especially suitable for the development and trial production of new products, process verification, and functional verification, as well as multi-variety and low-volume production. With our rich knowledge and customized manufacturing experience, we can help you accelerate the product to market.

What is Rapid Tooling

Most traditional manufacturing process requires custom tooling to create end-use parts. However, tooling comes with high upfront costs and weeks or month-long lead times from services providers. Rapid tooling(RT) is more and more popular in these years, which greatly reduces the time needed for mold-forming process and therefore increases the speed of production. This in turn reduces the time to market allowing companies to increase profits. RT also allows the ease of product customization due to its flexibility in tool design, ability to adapt to customers’ specifications, and most importantly, does not require high volume to break even. Conceptual designs can be further improved without incurring high costs compared to conventional manufacturing processes. These factors in RT attribute to high performance manufacturing and high quality products.

In Hord, we generally use shared mold base system to make rapid tooling. Therefore, the tooling cost is lower than traditional manufacturing process, and it is especially suitable for on-demand production and low-volume production.

Recommended Bolg: the significance of rapid tooling.

Rapid Tooling Materials

Steel Mold Tooling

In Hord, we only utilize the superior quality material for rapid tooling. E.g. the steel P20. When refers to steel, it is widely known for its unique characteristics, and is a popular and widely used material. Steel is a solid, sturdy and high-quality tooling material, which can also be used to produce wear-resistant and corrosion resistant engineering grade plastic molds.The main reason for using this tooling material is that it contributes to a better glossy surface finish.

Types of Rapid Tooling

Direct Rapid Tooling

1. Create a 3D CAD model of a mold or tool.

2. Send the file to a machine to make the actual mold or tool that will be used for producing prototypes.

3. The tool or mold produced can then be used directly to make prototypes—typically a very small number of them.

Indirect Rapid Tooling

1. Create a 3D CAD model of the master mold or tool.

2. Send the file to a machine to create a master mold or tool, also known as a pattern. This master pattern is typically very durable.

3. Make more molds or tools based on the master pattern. The new molds or tools can be made from different types of materials with different properties.

A single master pattern can produce many different tools or molds in large or small quantities, which in turn can produce many more prototypes

Direct Rapid Tooling

Indirect Rapid Tooling

Pros

· Faster production and shortened lead times
· Can produce multiple prototypes from a single mold or tool
·Allowing to make multiple molds quickly as your design changes

· The master pattern is very durable and rarely gets damaged during the prototyping process
· Can make either hard or soft tools based on customer's needs. Hard tools are ideal for complex designs,while soft tools can be used for simple designs or cost-effective prototype testing.
· Ideal for experimenting with different materials

Cons

· May not be appropriate for highly complex designs or materials that require a durable mold or tool to produce intricate details
· Could result in higher product development costs if create multiple moldsfor each new design iteration

· Longer production time and Higher cost
· Not always a good option if the design will change significantly during the prototyping stage
· May require higher quality materials to make a robust master pattern

Pros

Direct Rapid Tooling

· Faster production and shortened lead times
· Can produce multiple prototypes from a single mold or tool
·Allowing to make multiple molds quickly as your design changes

Indirect Rapid Tooling

Cons

Direct Rapid Tooling

Indirect Rapid Tooling

If you have an idea for a design and simply want to test its feasibility as fast as possible, then direct rapid tooling may be a good option.
Direct rapid tooling is a flexible method that gives you the freedom to experiment with different dimensions.
Indirect rapid tooling is the preferred option for product designers that are ready to thoroughly test their prototypes and select materials or finishes for their end products.

Benefits of Rapid Tooling

How Make Rapid Tooling in Hord

1. DfM provided within 24h after customer confirms the order.
2. Tooling design and cutting main steel at the same time after DfM approval.
3. CNC machining cavity and core inserts; matched MUD will be checked out and send to tooling assembly workshop.
4. Auxiliary tooling components machined out and send to tooling assembly workshop.
5. Tooling fitting and polishing.
6. Tooling inspected by master and send to injection molding workshop to test.
7. Initial samples after engineers checked and send to .dimensions inspect

Common Applications

Using rapid tooling, designers can make multiple prototypes in a fraction of the time it would take to make them using conventional tooling methods. For many entrepreneurs, inventors, and businesses, this method truly is one of the best ways to develop a new product from scratch. Hord assists your product ideal a reality!

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Rapid Tooling FAQs

1.Why should I choose rapid tooling ?

If you want to get the product to market quickly, rapid tooling is the best choice to prototype and test your design. Which can make a part in a very short time. The process of rapid tooling can not only save time, but also save money for you.

2.How fast can I get the tooling ?

It depends on the material, size and the geometry of the part. Generally, the tooling can be completed within 3 weeks. Some simple parts can be done within 3-7 days.

3.What materials can I choose for rapid tooling ?

Hord offers a wide range of materials for rapid tooling. Clients can choose the suitable material for the project.

4.How does it cost ?

The cost depends on many factors, including the volume, quantity, size, material and surface finishing of the parts.