A soft tool gets you first parts in days rather than weeks.
Coler has run low volume moulding for over a decade, which shortens launch dates and keeps R&D spend off the critical path.
Once volumes justify the spend the same part moves to hard tooling and the unit price drops. We will tell you where that crossover sits before you commit.
injection moulding services for production. Earlier in the cycle, 3D printing gives you a part to hold before any steel is cut.
For advice or more information call us today on +44(0)1827 712910 or email us at sales@coler.co.uk
From Prototype Tool to Production Tool
We have the ability to produce various types of standard rapid moulds, along with bespoke ones, through innovative and distinctive manufacturing techniques.
With over a decade of experience and a track record of successful projects, we possess the expertise to ensure the production of high-quality products swiftly and cost-effectively.
Selecting appropriate mould materials and streamlining mould structure design (whether through automated or manual methods) to match different plastic materials, product surface specifications, and product precision is well within our capabilities.
How we maintain efficiency
01
Rapid Turnaround
Our rapid tooling service ensures a swift turnaround. With streamlined processes and advanced technology, we can deliver your moulds in 1 - 3 days.
02
10 Year Mould Keeping
Our free 10-year mould keeping service ensures the longevity and reliability of your tooling investment, providing peace of mind throughout your product's lifecycle.
03
DFM & Mould Flow Analysis
DFM and Flow analysis are crucial aspects of our rapid tooling service. It ensures efficient production, and optimised material flow, enhancing product quality.
04
No Material Limits
Our rapid tooling service offers unlimited material possibilities, ensuring flexibility and compatibility with diverse project requirements and industry needs.
05
Economical Choice
Selecting our rapid tooling service is an economical choice, delivering cost-efficient solutions without compromising on quality or speed, ensuring your project's success.
06
Multiple Processes
Our rapid tooling service offers multiple processes, versatility and precision in creating moulds and prototypes to meet diverse manufacturing needs efficiently.
Superior rapid tooling service
What is Rapid Tooling?
Rapid tooling, also known as rapid prototyping tooling or rapid die tooling, is a manufacturing process that enables the quick production of tooling, moulds, or dies used in various industries, including automotive, aerospace, electronics, and consumer goods. This approach plays a crucial role in expediting product development cycles and reducing time-to-market.
The primary goal of rapid tooling is to accelerate the transition from product design to actual production by creating the necessary tooling components in a shorter time frame compared to traditional tooling methods. This process is particularly valuable when designing and manufacturing new products or making design iterations and modifications.
1. Speedy Tool Production: Rapid tooling lives up to its name by significantly reducing the time required to create tooling components. Traditional tooling methods, such as CNC machining, can be time-consuming, whereas rapid tooling employs various techniques to expedite the process, such as 3D printing, rapid injection moulding, or even direct metal laser sintering (DMLS).
2. Cost Efficiency: By reducing production time, rapid tooling inherently lowers costs associated with tool development. Traditional tooling methods involve substantial material waste, lengthy machining processes, and high labor costs. Rapid tooling minimizes these expenses, making it more cost-effective, especially for small to medium production runs.
3. Iterative Design and Prototyping: Rapid tooling enables manufacturers to quickly produce prototypes and iterate on designs. This agility is invaluable during the product development phase, allowing for design improvements, adjustments, and refinements without long lead times.
4. Customisation and Complexity: Rapid tooling techniques can produce highly complex and customised tooling components that might be challenging or prohibitively expensive to achieve using traditional methods. This flexibility is particularly useful when creating intricate parts or moulds.
5. Low-Volume Production: Rapid tooling is ideal for low to medium volume production runs. It bridges the gap between 3D printing for prototypes and traditional tooling for mass production. It offers a cost-effective solution for producing limited quantities of parts or products.
6. Materials and Processes: Rapid tooling employs a variety of materials, depending on the specific application. For instance, thermoplastics, such as ABS or polypropylene, are often used for injection moulds. Metal alloys, like aluminium or steel, are utilised in cases requiring higher durability and longer tool life. The choice of material depends on factors like production volume, part complexity, and required tolerances.
7. Multiple Rapid Tooling Techniques: Several rapid tooling techniques are available, each suited to different requirements:
- 3D Printing-based Tooling: Utilises 3D printing technologies to create tooling components. Commonly used for prototypes and low-volume production.
- Casting-based Tooling: Involves creating a master pattern and then using it to make a mould or die for casting materials like metal or plastic.
- Soft Tooling: Temporary tooling made from less durable materials like silicone or epoxy, suitable for limited production runs.
- Direct Metal Laser Sintering (DMLS): A metal 3D printing technique that can produce high-quality metal tooling components.
- Hybrid Tooling: Combines traditional and rapid tooling methods to strike a balance between cost, time, and quality.
A soft tool gets you first parts fast. Once volumes justify hard tooling, the same part runs as metal pressings or die cast parts at a lower unit price.