injection mold tooling is a highly specialized process that creates molds for the plastics industry as well as others. An injection mold tooling company can design, manufacture and maintain unique molds for many applications. Some molds are standard while others are highly specialized.
Mold Applications
Many industries use molds in some way or another. For example, the medical industry uses molds for items such as needles, catheters and instruments used in surgeries. These specific molds are specialized to the industry, but may be standard for the type of tool. On the other hand, the automotive industry uses molds for items such as electronic components used in vehicles. Many other industries also require molds for specific applications.
Planning the Mold
Typically, when injection mold tooling is needed, the customer will contact a mold-making company. Sometimes, however, they just want the capability to make the molds themselves, so they are ready to use immediately. Either way, designing the mold is always the first step. Sometimes the customer will provide the mold design, but more often the company making the mold will first design it for their customer. This is an extremely detailed process requiring experts to ensure that the final product design will meet the standards of the customer and the needs of the job.
Creating the Mold
The next step is to have the mold manufactured. First, the manufacturing company will create a prototype to ensure that the mold is exactly what the customer wants and also to use in the making of additional molds. Then, the actual mold is created. After the manufacturing process is complete, the mold is thoroughly tested to ensure that it meets the sizing and tolerance requirements for its ultimate use.
Repairing the Mold
As with all things, molds may deteriorate or become damaged in some way over time. The most cost-effective solution to a defective mold is to have the original manufacturer (or another company) repair it. Quality molds should not require much upkeep, but they should be maintained to ensure the best possible performance. Check on the warranty guarantee by the manufacturer before paying for any mold repairs.