Traditional long-life production tooling is expensive – often hundreds of thousands of dollars plus the design costs. For mass-produced parts and components, that does not create much of a problem, as the price can be amortized over tens or hundreds of thousands of parts. However, for a customer with low-volume (hundreds or thousands of parts) production needs, the per-part cost for tooling and manufacturing services increases dramatically. Tooling suppliers that cater to large production runs may thus prevent creative designs from becoming a reality for the small manufacturer.

Prototype Tooling to the Rescue

Whether parts are needed for internal operations, subassemblies, or items that are new to consumers, there are many instances where large volume production runs are not practical and production tooling is cost-prohibitive. This is something common not only for new entrepreneurs but also for boat builders, the medical industry, and even automakers. For instance, to validate a specific device, an industry might only need a small number of products. The good news is that trusted prototype tooling suppliers have a way to reduce costs without compromising on quality.

Alternative Solutions

For low-volume prototype tooling and manufacturing, different strategies often make a huge difference. Some examples of these include:

  • Modular Design – This involves using inserts that easily swap in and out of conventional die sets. This provides a great way to make different models of the same basic design. It can also be a way to make small parts without requiring a full mold.
  • Single Cavity – Depending on the size of the part and the quantity required, single cavity molds may be more cost-effective than multi-cavity ones. In many cases, a single cavity works perfectly fine for low-volume production.
  • Softer Tooling – Prototype tooling suppliers can save customers money by using softer, less expensive steel, or even aluminum, to manufacture the mold. Although this shortens the tool’s life span and increases its wear rate, it may make sense for a product that has a short life or limited volume.

The bottom line is that designers and engineers can save on both prototype tooling and manufacturing simply by working with a reputable company and considering alternatives for low-volume production needs.

Your Go-to Source

For all your prototyping and manufacturing needs, you can always count on our experienced team at Global Tech Ventures Inc. (GTV). We take immense pride in providing every customer optimal service at an affordable price. Contact us today to discuss your specific requirements.