Using the latest in injection molding technology, Fathom can produce high-quality prototypes for its customers. Whether time-sensitive, highly complex, high-precision, or short production run related, Fathom will meet the requirements of your project.
Plastic injection molded prototypes offer many advantages. Prototyping presents the opportunity to present a design concept using a production quality part, allowing developers to gather valuable feedback while saving money and time. The prototype can also be used to test a design and uncover any material flaws early in the production cycle before moving on to a larger production run. Using injection molding, the prototype can be produced quickly, allowing a company to meet tight deadlines or be first to market.
Prototype tooling is the creation of tools or molds for injection molding. Prototype tooling is sometimes called soft tooling or rapid tooling. The resulting parts made from the prototype tool are made using the same materials as the final products, which allows the developers to test a concept early in the product development process. The soft mold is made from less durable materials than steel but will still produce an accurate part.
Incorporating the specifications and tolerances of injection molding into a design can ensure a part fits correctly once assembled. Tolerances and specifications can also influence how a part should be shaped to maximize function. The optimal tolerance for a part is critical for making a premium part at an affordable price.
| 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 molded prototype. Our materials include crystalline, amorphous, imidized plastics and more. Selecting the right material for your part is complex as each plastic has a variety of characteristics.
Following injection molding, a workpiece may need finishing. Finishing may be for cosmetic reasons, but some finishes can add to the physical properties of a part. Here are some of the finishing processes offered by Fathom.
| 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 |
Fathom can help you manufacture high-quality and cost-effective injection molded prototypes. 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.
Fathom’s SmartQuote online platform can provide you with a quote in as fast as 1 hour, usually within 24 hours. Whether you need prototype injection molding or another manufacturing service, 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: Prototype injection molding is the production of a prototype using the injection molding process.
A: A prototype is a physical representation of a design, used to test the concept, finish, durability, or production process.
A: A plastic prototype can be made using injection molding.
A: The three main parts are the mold, injection unit and ejector unit.
Submit your file today using Fathom’s SmartQuote application for a fast quote or to calculate costs on an upcoming injection molding project.
