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.
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.
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.
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 |
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.
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.
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:
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 tooling or soft tooling is the creation or acquisition of tooling for injection molding.
A: The four basic types of tooling are work holding tools, cutting, dies and welding.
A: Production tooling is the sourcing or creation of tools needed for mass production including molds.
A: An example of a prototype may be a model of a part that is used as a sample at a tradeshow.
Are you ready for a quote or to calculate costs for an injection molding project? Use Fathom’s SmartQuote application to receive a fast quote on any file.
