When to Consider a Low Volume Production Mold

 

Many clients grapple with the idea of deciding which production tooling best suits them. First, they have to consider the initial investment cost, which in some scenarios may end costing a lot. Then, they have to wait some months coupled with design changes, remake costs, and searching for the right market for their product. All these factors hinder clients from taking a leap of faith in deciding to quote a prototype mold. At Creatingway, we have the right solution for such worries. The answer is a low volume production mold. This option cushions our injection molding clients who are not quite ready to start on a production mold. especially for those with steady low volume production after passing the prototype phase. Not only does it offer a lower cost of ownership, but also a long term injection molding choice. Here is further insight into some design changes and why the low volume production mold is an ideal option.

Design of the Low Volume Production Mold

At Creatingway, we can guarantee your low volume production mold will last a long time. It is not wise to stick with prototype molds for long. It because you are likely to push this tool past its desirable limit in a bid to delay the making of a production mold. The latter choice offers better overall resilience. However, a few rules need adherence to maintain such a life span. Among them is the number of times we can use it. The recommended frequency is at least once every three years to maintain its functionality. For any repairs or replacements of the mold, we will do it at no addition at cost. Secondly, is following a specific set of rules in making the low volume production molds.

Here Are a Few Minor Design Changes to Consider

• Features

Fragile and small features tend to be okay with low volume demands, but upon increasing volume production, they are prone to failure. Especially with repeated use as seen in family molds that can produce eight parts per shot. Therefore, the features need to be more robust to handle increased volumes.

• Draft

An optimal draft is key. When starting with prototypes, a less than optimal part ejection draft has no big effect on the production time. However, upon shifting to the production of many parts, this becomes a concern as it’s away into the lead time. Sticky molds develop more easily on the low volume production mold making it harder to remove the finished. A simple solution is to change the vertical faces at least one degree above the recommendations.

• Material

Creatingway mostly uses aluminum to make its low volume production molds. The part tolerance remains fairly constant with +/- 0.003 inches with your material of choice. Also, we highly consider the surface finish and texture options available. These will not affect the end product much.

Cost of The Low Volume Production Mold

Cost is an important aspect to consider. It will most likely cost you more to have a lo

w volume production mold than a prototype mold. other factors affecting the cost include the number of cavities and part complexity. However, the cost cheaper when compared to making a production mold. The price per piece is significantly lower with this choice, with the option of making parts every week. In case you are not sure about which option to invest in first, proceed with the prototype mold. Then after the part design is more stable and volume demand increases, then upgrade to the low volume production mold. you start reaping the benefits early with this option.

Inspection Reporting of the Product

There is an increasing need for inspection reporting requirements with the ever-expanding industries. Companies such as automotive industries, medical industries, and aerospace industries need this assurance of quality. At Creatingway, we offer a great solution to this effect.

A Creatingways’ digital inspection report that makes use of an automatic fast 3D scanner. It functions in verifying up to 12 measurements of the parts. Sections such as the outer and inner diameter plane and hole locations are among the measurements taken.

Life Span of Product

A low volume production mold helps ramp up the production of your parts. This is important as your prototype transitions from to testing phase to full production mode. Initially, the mold served as proof of your design concept. It allowed making changes with the minimum initial investment. Now that the mold perfectly suits your needs, we can turn it into a high volume mold. This is when you have advanced further with product development. The volume of parts made will first be gradual, but having a low volume production mold mitigates the volatility of demand. You are less likely to incur losses in the long run with this option. Contact Creatingway now for your low volume production mold needs.

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