Prototype Molding – MXY Machining

quality Prototype Injection Molding Services

Get your bending/forming prototypes and production parts delivered within days

Services for Prototype Molding

At MXY, we assist our clients in turning their concepts into reality. In addition to services like CNC Machining and 3D Printing for prototyping parts, many of our clients are seeking to elevate their prototyping requirements. Our prototype molding services serve as a bridge between initial prototypes and the validation of products for full production runs. Our prototype molding services are comprehensive, offering access to the same technologies, materials, and finishing options available in our plastic injection molding services. This ensures that you receive high-quality parts comparable to those produced in full production runs, without any minimum order requirements. Our dedicated project managers and engineers will collaborate with you to grasp the unique needs of your project, enabling you to make well-informed decisions that optimize for cost-effectiveness and quick turnaround times. To begin, simply upload your files and receive an instant quotation.

benefits of starting with prototype injection molding?

Determining whether to begin with Prototype Molding or directly proceed to Production Molding can sometimes pose a challenge. Xometry acknowledges the individuality of each project and our team of experts will collaborate with you to arrive at an informed choice. Prototype Molding may be the most suitable option for several specific characteristics:

Low-cost Production: The tooling employed is specifically designed for smaller production runs, ensuring cost-effectiveness. It is crafted using affordable materials, resulting in reduced complexity and lower production costs.
Limited Quantity: Suitable for projects requiring a small batch of top-notch components. Perfect for quantities ranging from 10,000 to 100,000 units, depending on the tooling employed.
Fast Turnround: If you are engaged in rapid prototyping or facing a tight deadline, the prototype mold process enables a faster turnaround, delivering parts to you within a mere 7 business days.
Breakeven Costs: The costs associated with molding often surpass the expenses of other rapid prototyping methods like Additive Manufacturing, especially when considering the low piece pricing at high quantities.
Validation of the product: Begin with a restricted volume batch to authenticate the viability of your product prior to allocating further resources towards production-level tooling and quantities.

Factors to Take into Account When Developing a Prototype Using Injection Molding

We strive to meet the requirements and preferences of our customers. However, it is important to take into account certain factors when selecting a manufacturing method. When creating a prototype mold, there are several crucial elements to consider. The information provided in the chart can assist you in deciding whether an injection molding prototype approach is appropriate, or if you should consider more advanced alternatives like our Bridge Tooling or Production Tooling offerings.

Selection of Materials	All the materials we provide for injection molding can be used for prototype mold applications. However, it is important to note that certain materials, like those filled with glass, can cause additional wear on the lifespan of a prototype tool.
Mold Clasifications	Class 105 and 104 molds are ideal for prototyping molding runs, usually constructed from Aluminum or Mild Steel. Projects that need class 103, 102, or 101 molds may be more suitable for different production tiers and can be made from higher quality materials.
Methods of Gating	Gates can be limited to edge, direct, and fan methods. Gating that necessitates high shear or hot runners is more appropriate for Bridge or Production tooling.
Texturing and polishing of molds	Prototype molds can undergo texturing and polishing processes, but it is important to note that the effect may not last as long as desired due to the use of softer tooling. Consequently, the increased cost may not be justified. In general, we suggest utilizing B to D SPI finishes for prototype molds.
Tool lifespan	Tooling utilized for prototype molding applications is typically crafted from softer materials, resulting in a shorter lifespan compared to molds made from more durable materials.

Injection Molding FAQ’s

The Society of Plastic Engineers (SPI) established mold classifications to standardize definitions of mold types according to mold material, tool design, features, and production volume. Mold classes vary from 101 (advanced, high volume production) to 105 (prototyping applications) to streamline the selection of injection molds needed for thermoplastic molding based on production requirements. Mold classes serve as a reference point.

3D printing is a great method for quick prototyping! Nevertheless, prototyping with injection molding provides a wider variety of materials, finishes, and textures that are not available with other methods. Injection molding for prototyping also sets the stage for possible large-scale production down the line. You can refine and adjust the design to match the same process utilized for production volumes. While many clients start with 3D printing for initial prototyping, they often transition to injection molding when gearing up for mass production and realizing their ultimate vision.

Injection molding is a widely utilized manufacturing process in industries such as aerospace, medical devices, consumer goods, energy, electronics, automotive, robotics, toys, and many others.

A MUD, or Master Unit Die, is a mold that uses a standard injection molding frame with inserts that shape the internal cavity of the part. It’s like changing the head of a disposable razor for quick adjustments. This type of tooling reduces costs and lead time by focusing on core and cavity work rather than complex setups. MUD tooling is commonly used for prototype molding.

MXY has the capability to provide a prototype injection mold component within a span of 7 days. However, if your project has specific requirements, we can expedite the delivery process and provide it in as few as 10 business days.

You can choose from all our regular injection molding materials for prototype molding.

Indeed, it is possible to run multiple colors on the same order. However, it is important to note that when doing so, a purge charge will be included.

Upon receipt of the order, our manufacturing engineers carefully review the statement of work. Subsequently, a case manager is assigned, and a suitable manufacturing supplier is identified. A thorough DFM/PEG report is then generated and submitted for approval. Once approved, the production of tooling and molds commences. T1 samples are manufactured and sent for approval. Following approval, the remaining parts are produced.

Injection molding prototype Applications

Models Depicting Concepts

Product developers can easily produce physical prototypes of their designs using plastic 3D printing, thanks to its speed and versatility in the iterative process.

Rapid Prototyping

Plastic 3D printing enables the production of functional plastic prototypes, including moving parts and all-in-one assemblies.

Digital Production Directly

Plastic 3D Printing is perfect for creating numerous customized or individual parts due to its exceptional precision and reliability.

Why choose mXY

Endless choices

Select from a wide range of options for your order, including various materials, finishes, tolerances, markings, and certifications.

User-friendly

Have your parts conveniently delivered to your doorstep, eliminating the need for sourcing, project management, logistics, or shipping.

Verified Network

Our certifications include ISO 9001:2015, ISO 13485, and AS9100D. Only the best shops that meet our standards become Suppliers.