Fathom can produce high quality parts for its customers by using the latest in plastic tooling and molding technology. Whether time-sensitive, highly complex, high-precision, or short production run related, Fathom will meet the requirements of your project.
Plastic tooling includes the creation of molds and sourcing of tools for the purpose of plastic part manufacturing. To produce high-quality plastic parts, the tooling must also be high-quality. The mold can influence the productivity and efficiency of the manufacturing process. In addition to the creation of the mold, tooling can include the production of jigs and fixtures, cutting tools, gauges for measurement, welding and more.
The mold for plastic parts contains the hollow shape of the part. Plastic molds are made from metals including aluminum and steel. They can be used repeatably, hundreds, thousands and sometimes millions of times. The mold consists of two parts; one half contains the “good” side while the other can have imperfections from injector pins. The other parts of the mold include the ejector box, support plate, ejector pins, sprue bushing and locating ring.
Incorporating the specifications and tolerances of injection molding into the tooling and mold design can ensure that a part fits correctly once it is assembled. Tolerances and specifications also influence how a part should be shaped to maximize function. Different types of tools have different tolerances. For example, a prototype tool with a part quantity of 5,000 to 50,000 shots has a maximum parting line mismatch of 0.01 inches, maximum flash of 0.007 inches, and tool tolerance of ±0.005 + 0.002in.
| TOOL OPTIONS | LEAD TIME | PART QUANTITY | MAXIMUM PARTING LINE MISMATCH | MAXIMUM FLASH | TOOL TOLERANCES LINEAR DIMENSIONS | PART COLOR | PART FINISH (COLOR) | PART FINISH (TEXTURE) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rapid Tool (Master Unit Die Base) | 1.5-3 Weeks | 5,000 Shots | 0.010in | 0.010in | ±0.003 + 0.002in/in | Pantone Colors | A2 | Yes |
| Prototype Tool (Stand Alone) | 2-4 Weeks | 5,000-50,000 Shots | 0.010in | 0.007in | ±0.005 + 0.002in/in | A2 | ||
| Production Tool | 5-10 Weeks (Depends on Size and Complexity) | 250,000 - 1,000,000 Shots (Depending on Class of Tool Selected) | 0.005in | 0.005in | SPI (Commercial) | A1 |
Fathom can help you select the best material for your injection molding project. Available materials include crystalline, amorphous, imidized plastics and more. Each plastic has its own unique properties.
After injection molding, the part moves on to finishing. The finishing process can add to the physical properties of a part or may be purely cosmetic. The finishing processes offered by Fathom include:
| SURFACE FINISH | GUIDE | TYPICAL APPLICATIONS |
|---|---|---|
| Standard No Machine Mark | Tool Marks Removed | Low Cosmetic |
| SPI-C1 | 600 Stone | Low Polish Parts |
| SPI-B1 | 600 Grit Paper | Medium Polish Parts |
| SPI-A2 | Grade #6 Diamond | High Polish Parts |
| SPI-A1 | Grade #3 | Lens or Mirror |
| IM-1 Light Bead Blast | Need 1 Degree Draft Angle | |
| IM-2 Medium Bead Blast | Need 1.5 Degree Draft Angle | |
| IM-3 Heavy Bead Blast | Need 3 Degree Draft Angle |
Let Fathom help you manufacture high-quality injection molded parts. Fathom is a single-source global solution ready to support both low- and high-volume jobs. Our team incorporates both additive and advanced technologies, resulting in high-quality parts that will meet your customers’ needs.
Injection Molding is just one of 28 manufacturing processes offered by Fathom.
Receive a fast quote using Fathom’s SmartQuote platform. Our experts will get back to you within 1 hour, usually within 24 hours. Fathom can help you with injection molding and more. Fathom’s injection molding lead times are as follows:
Fathom has 2 US-based locations that offer injection molding, offering nationwide coverage to the entire United States. Fathom’s advanced prototyping and manufacturing services include wire EDM, CNC machining, chemical etching, metal 3D printing, and more. We have provided over 200,000 quotes to leading US companies and are ready to provide you with a quote today.
Locations include:
HEADQUARTERS
1050 Walnut Ridge Drive
Hartland, WI 53029
ISO 9001:2015
AS9100:2016
ITAR
ILLINOIS
1207 Adams Drive
McHenry, IL 60051
A: Yes, Fathom offers injection molding services.
A: Injection molding is a manufacturing process commonly used for plastic parts. During injection molding, molten plastic is injected into a mold using high pressure. Once the part has cooled inside the mold, it is ejected. The part may or may not require a secondary finish.
A: Fathom’s certifications include ISO 9001:2015, ISO 9001:2015 Design, and ISO 13485:2016. For site-specific certifications, please visit https://fathommfg.com/fathom-manufacturing-certifications.
A: Yes, Fathom is ITAR certified. For site-specific certifications, please visit https://fathommfg.com/fathom-manufacturing-certifications.
A: Yes, Fathom is AS9100:2016. For site-specific certifications, please visit https://fathommfg.com/fathom-manufacturing-certifications.
A: Yes, Fathom’s certifications include NIST 800-171. For site-specific certifications, please visit https://fathommfg.com/fathom-manufacturing-certifications.
A: Plastic tools can be made using the injection molding process.
A: Tooling is the sourcing of parts and machinery required to produce a part. A mold is a hollow form that contains the shape of a part.
A: Important features to consider when designing plastic parts include the material, wall thickness, radius, draft, gate location, ribs, mold shrinkage and more.
A: Plastic product design is the process of designing a part that serves a specific function. Plastic product design can include the basic concept, selecting material, analyzing the production process and more.
Ready for a quote on your next injection molding project? Do you need to calculate costs? Submit your file to Fathom’s SmartQuote application for a fast quote.
