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A prototype mold is often a more advantageous solution for producing smaller runs than a series injection mold. Compared to high-performance injection molds, prototype mold production is less costly since, at R&D MOLD MACHINING, we can replace more complex production technologies with simpler ones. Another factor favoring prototype molds for producing smaller quantities of parts is the production time.
Prototype molds for plastic injection are an ideal solution when it’s necessary to verify specific part parameters before series production. Examples include obtaining castings to verify part dimensions or their assembly capability and confirming that the part has suitable parameters for further construction or another complex product. With a prototype mold, you can most efficiently obtain parts for which you do not require 100% quality, for example, for testing purposes.
Prototype molds are also used to fine-tune individual details on a complex production line. They serve you until replaced by a high-output high, runner injection mold, whose production is more time-consuming and financially demanding. While ensuring the most efficient part production using an accurate multi-cavity mold, the prototype mold for plastic injection provides you with an immediate replacement at minimal production costs.
A pilot mold is a welcome intermediate step for comprehensively verifying the final injection mold production and its feasibility. It allows for fine-tuning even the most minor details (in case of debatable or uncertain production points). Hence, the final injection mold achieves outputs according to expectations and technical documentation. You can use the pilot mold as a spare part in actual production. This backup is thus a lifeline to prevent complete production stoppage in case of complications with the series injection mold.
At R&D MOLD MACHINING, we go even further to save you mold production costs. Shape inserts for a universal mold frame are an even more efficient version of prototype molds. The universal mold frame, which already contains all necessary components for cooling, ejection, and other processes, is a fixed part of the mold. We create and fit a unique shape insert into it and adapt the gating to the mold. This way, purchasing a complete injection or even a prototype mold is unnecessary, but only the mold insert. This solution offers, for example, the possibility of producing several modifications of the part or its sections (rounded edges, stronger parts, thinner walls, etc.). However, certain production limitations depend on the size of the final parts.
We verify the mold parameters produced for plastic injection in our measuring laboratory. Thus, you have the assurance that the mold conforms to the project documentation. The measuring laboratory is part of verifying all critical parameters, even those of the part from the mold.
