Injection molding, from rapid tooling to production.

Provide a STEP, STP, IGES, or X_T model for the part geometry and a 2D PDF drawing for critical dimensions, GD&T, cosmetic zones, textures, threads, inserts, and inspection requirements. Also include the intended resin, color, expected order quantity, annual volume, target date, and any required quality documentation.

Our engineers review wall thickness, draft, ribs, bosses, undercuts, parting lines, gates, runners, ejector locations, weld lines, sink risk, venting, cooling, shrinkage, and cosmetic requirements. Moldflow analysis is applied where fill, pack, cooling, or warpage behavior needs additional evaluation.

Rapid aluminum or P20 tools can produce T1 samples in approximately 15–20 days. Complex hardened-steel tools with multiple cavities, hot runners, sliders, lifters, or extensive validation typically require 25–40 days. The confirmed tooling and trial schedule is included with the quote.

There is no fixed minimum order quantity. We support prototype and pilot quantities, bridge production, and repeat high-volume programs. Tooling cost, setup, material purchasing, cavity count, cycle time, and inspection determine the most economical production quantity and volume breakpoints.

T1 is the first molding trial from the completed tool. We review fill, appearance, dimensions, ejection, cycle behavior, and the initial process window, then provide samples and agreed inspection results for evaluation. Required mold or process adjustments are completed before the next trial or production approval.

Molded-part tolerance depends on resin shrinkage, geometry, wall thickness, feature location, tool construction, and process stability. Critical dimensions can be held to ±0.05 mm when identified on the drawing and approved during review. Datums, GD&T, mating interfaces, and inspection methods should be confirmed before tooling.

You own a dedicated customer-funded mold after all related invoices are paid in full. ApexProto can store, maintain, and operate it for ongoing production. On written request, we can prepare the mold for transfer to a qualified facility; the customer is responsible for preparation, packaging, transport, insurance, and any adaptation costs, subject to the quote or written agreement.

Yes. Steel-safe changes that remove additional material from the mold are generally the most direct. Changes that add plastic to the part may require welding, replaceable inserts, new mold components, or more extensive rework. Our tooling engineers review the revision and provide the expected cost, risk, and schedule before modification.

Yes. We can work with specified commercial resin grades, reinforced or specialty formulations, custom colors, SPI polishes, VDI finishes, and Mold-Tech textures. Material compatibility, texture depth, draft, color tolerance, and cosmetic boundaries are confirmed during quoting and DFM review.

Secondary services include pad printing, silk screening, laser marking, painting, ultrasonic welding, heat staking, insert installation, and sub-assembly. Available quality documentation includes material certificates, Certificates of Compliance, FAI, dimensional inspection reports, and PPAP packages when requested before production.