So you want to get a tool made? Given the high cost of injection moulding tools, it’s important to get things right – especially if this is your first time.
1. Know what polymer you’ll be using.
It will greatly help your toolmaker if you know what polymer you’re using before starting the tool. Different polymers have different flow-rates so the point of entry will need to be broader or narrower if you decide on one or the other. It’s not 100% essential, but it’s a good idea if that’s the case. If you decide on one material then change your mind, there’s a good chance we’ll be able to change over without any modification. If we do have to, then the mods are pretty simple.
2. Know what machine you’ll be using.
You’ll also need to have an rough idea of what machines you’re running the tool on – though it’s not essential, you’ll be asked about tie bar size and nozzle size/shape as well. Tools are mostly interchangeable and most tools, unless they have special features like auto two-shot moulding or core-pulling, they will work on most other injection moulding machines.
3. Make sure you’re aware of the lead time.
Make sure you don’t get caught out. Often, the lead time quoted is from GA (tool layout drawing) approval to T1 samples (first samples off the press). Assuming you have a injection moulding-ready design, there’ll be a week at least to do the GA drawing, then once you’ve had the samples, they’ll sort out any polishing you need to do – and any other stuff like making things fit more snugly, so there’ll be a week or two even after that. Then you’ll have to wait 5 weeks for shipping – or pay extra to have it air freighted. Then your injection moulder will need to make samples for your approval. So a 5 week lead time for T1 samples + GA drawing (1 week) + finishing etc (1-2 weeks) + shipping (5 weeks) + production sampling (1-2 days with sample shipping) = 12-14 weeks or more until production starts. That’s all assuming you’ve got a finalised design.
4. Get the specification and design right in the beginning.
Make sure you specify everything you want up front. Getting the design optimised for injection moulding is probably the single most important thing you’ll do aside from getting the marketing and sales right. Describe intimately the function of the part and which parts need to fit together and how well they need to do that – if you’re getting a drawing done, this’ll be set up as tolerances.
5. Once the tool is made, you’ll need to approve samples, then pay the final bill.
Approve samples
6. Payment
For the tooling, you’ll probably be asked to pay a maybe a 30-50% deposit, then 25-30% when the samples arrive, then 25-30% when the tool is delivered and approved to be working. Obviously, don’t pay the whole lot up front otherwise they’ll have no incentive to do a good job. Make sure you thoroughly read through the terms and conditions your toolmaker has set out so you don’t get any nasty surprises. If you don’t agree with any, ask them to change them – or find another toolmaker that satisfies your needs. If there are any specific requirements or changes, get as much of it as you can in writing – even by email.
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