For prototyping or product development, a fast built, low cost mold is often required by clients before a production mold is made. The prototype mold is used to produce very low quantity parts for material and functional testing, or pilot run. It will not need all features required for a production mold to save costs and time. Low volume molds or bridge tooling will have more details such as plastic part surface finishes and precision requirements, and they can be used for low quantity production ranging from dozens to a few thousands. ARZ can provide prototype molds or low quantity molds based on client’s needs and requirements in a rapid and low cost manner.
Time and cost saving for prototype mold and low volume mold is due to the use of soft steel or pre-hardened steel mold material. The benefits of using pre-hardened steel are not only the low material cost, but also the easier mold making process and less time consuming comparing to the high volume production tools.
Our clients will benefit from our low cost and fast turn mold making process. The cost of a prototype mold will be as low as $600, and the cost for a low volume production mold is from $1000 and higher depending on the design requirements.
The process will involve quotation, mold design review, mold making, injection sample parts review and testing, and mold revisions if required. A fast quote will be submitted based on the client’s 3D design drawing and design specifications. After receiving the order, our mold engineer will provide the locations of the parting lines, gates, and ejector pin marks for client’s review and approval. The mold can be completed in one week and ready for injection testing. Sample injection parts will be sent to client for inspection and approval.