We attach great importance to customers' needs for product quality and rapid production.
We always insist that meeting customers' needs is to realize our value!
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What is Rapid Tooling
Rapid tooling, also known as prototype tooling or bridge tooling. Rapid tooling is a process of create molds using rapid prototyping (e.g. CNC machining) or additive manufacturing techniques, aiming to shorten the time of making molds, reduce the cost and increase the production efficiency.
Rapid Tooling is a way to simplify the mould structure . Mold production AND parts within 18 days or less .Production quantities of up to 10,000 parts or more; depending on material type and geometry, Simplified mold designs decrease manufacturing time and cost.
Thermoplastic and thermoset materials identical to that of high-volume production materials; more than 100 different materials can be used including ABS, PC, PP, LCP, POM, and liquid silicone rubber.
Rapid tooling can create molds that meet the needs of rapid prototyping in a shorter period of time, and is therefore suitable for new product development and small batch production, which can effectively validate the design and reduce production risks.
The advantage of Rapid Tooling
Faster Time to Market
In conventional tooling method, multiple manufacturing processes and techniques might be involved in product development cycle. This may increase the time spending on each step and extend the time from design turning into a real
Lower Cost
The longer time spending on product development cycle, the greater the cost will be. The Rapid Tooling advantage of speed could save your business money over time.
Variety of Material Grades
Rapid Tooling allows you to use the actual production grades of material. You can use Rapid Tooling to fabricate custom mold quickly. You can then produce as many prototypes from this mold as you can, creating parts with different material.
Designs and Functionality Testing
Rapid Tooling allows the mold to be fabricated in a short timeframe. Hence, this provides more freedom to test out the new ideas and make design adjustments. The parts can be mechanical tested such as impact and stress testing to explore the design flaws before production This will massively prevent a lot of issues arisen during the future high volume production stage.
Process Parameter Testing
Rapid Tooling can also be used to test the process parameter during production stage. For example, different injection speed and mold temperature for injection molding process will affect the part quality. In this way, the engineers and designers could have more measure control on the final part.
Rapid Tooling Mold Material: Aluminum or Steel?
Aluminum Mold Tooling
Aluminum has a reputation for being the material of choice for prototype and short run production. In the last few decades, pressures to shorten cycle time for both making the mold and molding parts has driven the interest level to a new level. Under the right conditions, aluminum has become a great choice for long-run production as well.
1.Easy to process. Compared to other materials, machining aluminum requires less time and tool wear, which can significantly shorten the mold manufacturing cycle.
2.Low cost. Aluminum is relatively inexpensive, and the use of aluminum molds can significantly reduce overall costs.
3.Rapid Manufacturing Aluminum's rapid processing capabilities can shorten product development cycles and speed up the process from design to production.
Steel Mold Tooling
Steel molds are usually used for mass production due to their high hardness and strength.
1.High Strength Steel has very high strength and durability and is able to withstand high stresses, high temperatures and repeated use.
2.Stability Steel has excellent dimensional stability and precision, enabling the production of high-precision molds to ensure the quality and consistency of the finished product
3.Variegation There are various types of steel that can be selected according to specific mold requirements. We usual uses P20 steel for rapid production tooling. We do this because P20 steel is as easy and fast to the machine as aluminum.
Rapid Injection Molding Materials
Generally speaking, the plastics which can be used for production injection molding, they can be molded by rapid molding as well. Here are the most commonly molded plastics. If the material is not listed, please contact our team for more information.
ABS/PC
Acetal
Delrin
HDPE
LDPE
Nylon
PC
PET
PETG
PMMA (Acrylic)
Polycarbonate
Polypropylene
PPA
PPE
PS
PSU
Standard silicone
Fluoro silicone (fuel and oil resistant)
Medical-grade silicone
Optical-grade silicone
Besides of regular production molding, we have over 10 injection molding machines ready for prototype or small quantities molding. The molds will be loaded to the machines right away without delay.
FAQ
Why should I use rapid tooling?
Rapid prototyping is a fast and cost-effective way to quickly validate designs and reduce validation costs.
How fast can I get the moldings?
15-20 work days
What materials can I choose from with rapid tooling?
There is no limit to the choice of materials, Kaierwo has a solution for every type of material.
Can you give me help if my products are very urgent?
Yes, we will try our best to give you help. Because we have our own factory to produce. We can flexible to adjust our production schedule.
We attach great importance to customers' needs for product quality and rapid production.
We always insist that meeting customers' needs is to realize our value!