SERVICES

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Rapid Prototyping Service

At Xiange Machining, we specialize in the production of high-quality, low-cost prototypes. With a range of technologies and services, we are the perfect one-stop-shop for all your prototyping needs. When you’re ready, we also provide low-volume manufacturing of 100,000+ parts. Continue reading to learn more about the rapid prototyping process or send your 3D design file to our international team of engineers for a free quote.

What Is Rapid Prototyping?

Rapid prototyping involves specialized manufacturing techniques for making high-quality physical models of a 3D design idea. Prototypes are useful for design improvement, as stepping stones to full production or for engineering testing. They are meant to be quick and economical, without the need for the investment in hard tooling. Many of our clients need to produce a physical part quickly in order to validate a design or to capture a fleeting sales opportunity.

What is Rapid Tooling?

    Rapid tooling is a rapid prototyping technique primarily used in place of conventional tooling to produce functional molds at lower costs and shorter lead times. This manufacturing method combines rapid prototyping techniques with the digital tenacity of electronic CAD data files to create a production mold instead of a part. The molds produced with rapid tooling services are often referred to as hard tooling. They are used in making hundreds to thousands copies of a part, serving as the "original" in plastic injection molding, and pressure die casting operations.

Rapid Tooling Technology

• CNC Machining

CNC machining is one of the most utilized manufacturing processes for prototypes and low volume production runs. 

Material options

At Xiange Parts, rapid tooling is mostly accomplished with Aluminum and Steel alloys. Here are some of the properties of both type of materials:

Aluminum

Aluminum is the ideal choice for low-cost rapid tooling. Aluminum mold is often used when making molds for low-volume runs that may not produce more than around 10,000 shots in its entire cycle. Using aluminum can reduce tooling costs by up to 25%.  

Aluminum is an excellent option because of its dimensional stability and heat-dissipation properties. Aluminum 7075 is the ideal fit for very low volume requirements, making up to 10,000+ parts. However, the parts will not boast the best of texture, gloss, or surface finishes. Its softness means improved machinability and shorter lead-times. At Premium Parts, we use the 7075 for on-demand tooling operations.

Steel

Steel is a sturdy, high-quality, and highly efficient tooling material option. Steel molds are stronger and will usually have a longer lifespan than aluminum alternatives. It is generally used for high-volume production and is more expensive to produce with longer turnaround times. Steel molds can last for around 50,000 shots. The steel P20 is widely used in rapid tooling, especially when the parts can make do with regular surface finishes. Depending on the part geometry, size, and resin structure, high-quality P20 molds can make up to 150,000 parts. The NAK80 and S136 are excellent for rapid tooling molds, where the parts will require a glossy or high-quality finish. Due to its increased hardness, steel tooling can make up to 400,000+ parts.

Finishing Services

Depending on the material used, the material to be molded, cast, and design geometry, Xiange Parts can finish your parts in various ways. Some of our finishing solutions for rapid tooling include:

• Texturing

• Commercial Polishing

• Mirror Polishing

All our tooling solutions are designed with considerations around the surface finish guidelines of plastic injection molding and pressure die casting.

Rapid Tooling FAQs

1. How long can you store our tooling before the next order?

We can store your tooling for up to 5 years, after your last order.

2. If our tooling was broken before the expected quantity molded, what can you do for us?

Generally, if our tooling was running out of its’ tooling life, we can remake another new mold free of cost.

3. Can I export my tooling?

Please let us know the tooling would need to be exported when you inquiry. We would need to quote the independent mold so you can export it.

4. What’s the typical life of rapid tooling?

It bases the material we used for mold making. For mold with aluminum, it can mold around 10,000 units. For mold with steel, it can mold 50,000 to 100,000 units roughly.