Prototype Tooling

Fathom makes high quality prototypes and parts for its customers using the latest in injection molding technology. Whether time-sensitive, highly complex, high-precision, or short production run related, Fathom will meet the requirements of your project.

What is Prototype Tooling / /

Plastic tooling for prototypes is the creation of a mold or sourcing of tools for the purpose of the injection molding manufacturing process. To make high-quality parts, the tooling must also be of the highest quality. Molds can influence the productivity and efficiency of the production process. Plastic tooling also includes making jigs and fixtures, cutting tools, gauges for measurement, welding and more.

What is a Prototype / /

The physical model of a design concept is called a prototype. Prototypes are used to test whether a design will work and to measure interest from customers. Prototypes can also be used to protect intellectual property. A good quality prototype is precise and allows for revisions of design or the production process as needed. A prototype can perform the same functions as the final product.

Prototype Tooling Specifications and Tolerances / /

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.

Prototype Tooling Materials / /

Selecting the right material for your injection molding prototype can be tricky. Fathom can help. Our materials include crystalline, amorphous, imidized plastics and more. Each plastic has its own unique properties.

• Crystalline Plastics: Polyethylene, polypropylene, polyetheretherketone and more are crystalline plastics. Crystalline plastics are known for their chemical resistance, strength and stiffness. They are hydrophobic.
• Amorphous Plastics: Amorphous plastics include polystyrene, polycarbonate, ABS and more. Amorphous plastics have good dimensional stability and are less likely to warp. They are also known for offering excellent impact strength.
• Imidized Plastics: Polyamide-imide, polybenzimidazole, and polyimide are all imidized plastics. Imidized plastics have a good load bearing and chemical resistance. They can be used for applications that will be used in high temperature environments.
• Polyethylene (PE): Polyethylene is perfect for applications that require warp resistance and stiffness. Polyethylene is durable sustainable, and suitable for products that come in contact with food. PE is used to make everything from buckets to appliance housings.
• Polypropylene (PP): Polypropylene is known for its heat, chemical, and fatigue resistance. Polypropylene can be combined with additives. It is flammable vulnerable to UV radiation. Polypropylene is used to produce many items including water bottles, food containers and outdoor furniture.
• Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS): ABS is cost effective and easy to manufacture. ABS is known for being strong, impact resistant, and stiff. ABS is not sensitive to humidity or temperature. ABS is commonly used for appliances, automotive parts and toys.
• Polyoxymethylene (POM): POM offers good dimensional stability, high rigidity, and low friction. Polyoxymethylene is heat, flame, and chemical resistant. POM is used to manufacture medical devices, eyeglass frames, guns, automotive parts and more.
• Polystyrene (PS): Polystyrene is another common plastic used in manufacturing. It is known for being odorless and nontoxic. PS is used for single use products like cutlery and electronics.

Prototype Tooling Services Offered by Fathom / /

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.

Additive Manufacturing

• FDM
• SLS
• SLA
• Polyjet
• MJF
• DMLS
• DLS
• STEP (Evolve)

CNC Machining

• CNC (3 & 5 Axis)
• CNC Lathe
• Precision Grinding
• Wire & Sinker EDM

Injection Molding

• Injection Molding
• Tooling
• Compression Molding

Metal Cutting and Forming

• Thermoforming
• Sheet Metal Punching
• Sheet Metal Cutting
• Metal Forming
• Laser Cutting
• Water Jet Cutting
• Chemical Etching
• Welding
• Micro Cutting

Standalone

• Die Casting
• Urethane Casting
• Composite Layups
• Extrusion
• Post Processing & Finishing
  • Pad Printing
  • Powder Coating
  • Bead Blasting
  • Surface Grinding
  • Polishing
  • Anodize
  • Powder Coat Passivate
  • Chemfilm
  • Vacuum Metallization
  • Silkscreen
  • Plating
  • Tumbled

Prototype Tooling Quote Times / /

Use Fathom’s SmartQuote service for 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:

• Prototype Tool In as Soon As 10 Days
• Production Tool In As Soon As 3 Weeks
• 10k Parts in as soon as 10 Days

Fathom’s Locations for Prototype Tooling / /

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

Prototype Tooling FAQs / /

Q: Does Fathom offer injection molding?

A: Yes, Fathom offers injection molding services.

Q: What is injection molding?

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.

Q: Is Fathom ISO certified?

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.

Q: Is Fathom ITAR certified?

A: Yes, Fathom is ITAR certified. For site-specific certifications, please visit https://fathommfg.com/fathom-manufacturing-certifications.

Q: Is Fathom AS9100:2016 certified?

A: Yes, Fathom is AS9100:2016. For site-specific certifications, please visit https://fathommfg.com/fathom-manufacturing-certifications.

Q: Is Fathom NIST 800-171 certified?

A: Yes, Fathom’s certifications include NIST 800-171. For site-specific certifications, please visit https://fathommfg.com/fathom-manufacturing-certifications.

Q: What is prototype tooling?

A: Prototype tooling or soft tooling is the creation or acquisition of tooling for injection molding.

Q: What are four basic types of tooling?

A: The four basic types of tooling are work holding tools, cutting, dies and welding.

Q: What is production tooling?

A: Production tooling is the sourcing or creation of tools needed for mass production including molds.

Q: What is a prototype example?

A: An example of a prototype may be a model of a part that is used as a sample at a tradeshow.

Related Topics / /

• Rapid Tooling & Injection Molding
• 3D Printing vs Injection Molding
• Injection Molding Training

How to Get Injection Molding Quotes / /

Are you ready for a quote or to calculate costs for an injection molding project? Get a fast quote on any file.