FAQ's
Specialist Toolmaking and Moulding Services
What information do I need to provide in order to receive a quote?
If you have 2D
or 3D CAD (computer aided design) data simply email it to us along with details of
the quantity of parts required, timescales and materials if known (we can advise on
product design, process suitability, and choice of plastics), and we can then
contact you to talk the project through. We accept all commercial CAD file
formats.
Can you quote if I do not have CAD data?
If you do not have CAD data,
we would need a sample part or a drawing of the part, detailing the sizes and shape
of the component along details of the quantity of parts required, timescales and
materials. We advise on product design and polymer selection and can provide
consultancy services if needed.
To start manufacture of most tooling you would first require a 3D CAD data file of the part to enable a computer program to be created for the machining process. We can create this 3D CAD data for you.
What are
minimum and maximum sizes of the parts that you can produce in house?
Minimum
sizes are 1.9mm (approx 0.2gm), maximum sizes are 1mtr x 1mtr (approx 1.2kg). We are
happy to discuss various options if you need mouldings that are greater in size or
weight.
Do I need a mould tool to be made first in order to receive my plastic
parts?
Yes, we supply plastic parts manufactured using the injection moulding
process - using a mould tool to form the part. We do not fabricate or machine
plastics.
I only need a handful of parts for very simple appraisal of 'look', 'fit' or 'form'
We can help by utilising other prototyping techniques,
and can normally have models made in a day or so that are used specifically for this
purpose - please ask.
Can you maintain the confidentiality of my design or
enquiry?
Yes, we work on a large number of confidential high-end development
projects and would recommend that you send us a Non-Disclosure Agreement prior to
sending any data. Please contact us if you would like advice on this. Our services
are UK based, and in house - we do not have tooling made by 'cheap' foreign
suppliers or act as an agent for the services of any other Company.
Do I own the
mould tool once it's made?
Yes, once you have paid any final balance title to
goods passes to you.
(See our Toolmaking T&C's)
Do you stock any standard plastic
items 'on the shelf'?
No - We manufacture mould tools specifically to our
Clients own designs and then provide mouldings from their tooling. We do not have
our own product range or stock plastic items.
Can you mould Rubber or silicone?
The moulding of natural rubber is a different process to plastic injection moulding.
However as an alternative we can mould equivalent plastics that closely simulate the
various types of rubber very closely. Typically these are used on gaskets, treads,
wristbands, handle grips, interior and exterior trim.
Do you supply plastic
extrusions, or moulds made from plastic?
Please refer to an extrusion company
Do
you supply raw polymer or plastic bar?
Please contact the distributors
directly
Do you produce aluminium or metal components?
Please refer to metal
forming suppliers directly
What is the typical tooling & sampling route?
After
the quotation or development stages, the product design is agreed and locked. 3D CAD
data is produced. A mould tool is then designed and manufactured to that data. The
tool is then moulded and plastic parts produced. The 'first off' parts (tool
samples) are sent to you for approval. Once approval is received, the tool can then
be set up again and re-moulded to supply 'production' parts. If part development
or tool modification is required, the process simply starts over again.
(See our Toolmaking T&C's)
What are your Terms & Conditions?
You can download a copy
here