facebook twitter linkedin youtube

The Reasons Why Rapid Tooling is the Best Option for Low-Volume Molding Tasks

by Nice Rapid | Feb 14,2020 | Rapid Tooling

To get started on this topic, we need to address what is rapid tooling and what is low-volume molding. Both procedures are the ingredients of success for many entrepreneurs on a low budget. Since there are a lot of people with ideas out there, we figured it was a good idea to have some notions about what to do to get started with your new business.

If you need some perspective, it would be good to take a moment and get a glimpse at every single thing in the room you are as you read these lines. At least three to five items were likely created using molds crafted with rapid tooling. This procedure allows you to create molds to run production cycles on small items and parts.

Molding is often associated with mass production since the casting of a mold is a costly procedure. Rapid tooling changed that a few years ago. The introduction of digital technology evolved manufacturing techniques even further. Task such as 3D printing, CNC machining, and rapid prototyping go in hand to make manufacturing more manageable when it comes to volumes

The main difference with traditional tooling is that rapid tooling does not require the same type of expensive materials used to create a lasting mold. The reason behind this decision has to do with the production cycle. It's also related to how the molds are designed with this technology. This brings us to low-volume molding to close full circle.

There are a lot of reasons to work with rapid tooling if your goal is to create a small batch of products. We are going to analyze some of them for you in regards to logistics and expenditure. Make sure to pay attention. There is an almost symbiotic relationship between these procedures, and all of them can work to your benefit if you are aiming to disrupt a market.

Reasons to Work with Rapid Tooling for Your Low-Volume Project

One of the best reasons to create your project using rapid tooling is speed. We mentioned earlier how digital manufacturing changed the game for many people out there. While it's true that big multinationals can create incredible amounts of products at once, there is no reason for you to stand by and see the train go away with your idea.

  • Rapid tooling not only will make it easy to create the mold of your product. You will also run a production cycle faster than big-volume products, and you will be able to ship it to your clients within your desired window of opportunity or to cover the demand of the market you are working on. Timing is everything when it comes to stock, and manufacturers understand this.
  • The other great reason to work with rapid tooling is cost-effectiveness. Since rapid tooling doesn't use all the resources required to cast a mold in the traditional sense, your manufacturer will be able to deliver just what you need using software. He will also need some basic hardware such as a computer, a 3D printer, and the raw materials to create the mold.
  • Another benefit we can list is software management. Rapid tooling is handled using customized software that is easier to handle and has better levels of compatibility through machines. The CAD/CAM models follow a somewhat standardized set of specs that make rapid tooling work the way it's supposed to with more machining and tooling hardware.
  • As you learn more about rapid tooling, you'll quickly see how much it benefits your product in the long run. With production costs being so low, you can gradually upgrade your product and work out the detail of the mold for each production cycle. If you prove to be successful, you will eventually make the transition to other production methods.
  • Rapid tooling can also work in a bridge setting. You can use it to deliver a small batch of a brand new product to show your usual costumers a tentative future offering. This is how many big brands taste the grounds for new ideas in specific locations. It can also help you as a barometer to measure how well-received are your new ideas, and how much demand there is for them.

How to Choose a Trustworthy Rapid Tooling Workshop

Rapid tooling is offered by a vast number of workshops in mainland China. A lot of these companies have embraced this manufacturing method to avoid declining deals that could lead to more profits in the future. Especially is the entrepreneur proves to have a hot-selling idea. A proper manufacturer will offer to work with a good number of raw materials to bring your product to life.

It all comes down to the needs and the functionality of your product. Rapid tooling is also a great way to create parts that comply with international standards, such as the ones issued by LKM, DME, and HASCO. There is also the ISO 9000 proof of quality. These molds are ideal for products made of plastic, but you can try your hard with certain metals as well.

In the end, choosing the right manufacturer is something you will do based on reputation, urgency, and the ability of the candidates to cover your needs.

Share This Post
Ready To Start Your Next Project? Request a Quote
Top