Fabricating Tooling BEFORE Final Prototypes: A Necessary Leap of Faith? [Podcast] - Sofeast

Fabricating Tooling BEFORE Final Prototypes: A Necessary Leap of Faith? [Podcast]

January 31, 2025

Adrian Leighton

Let’s explore a critical stage in the new product introduction (NPI) process: Getting tooling for plastic injection molding made before your final prototypes are finished. They discuss the risks and considerations of commissioning tooling before a final prototype is completed, the financial implications, and best practices to mitigate risks.

More widely discussed are the prototyping process, new product development, and freeform injection molding to create 3D-printed tooling that acts as a bridge between rapid prototyping methods and injection mold tooling.

Listen in for guidance to ensure that your tooling investments are well-timed and cost-effective.

 

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Episode sections

  • 00:00 – Introduction
  • 03:02 – The conundrum of when to invest in tooling during the product development process.
  • 05:46 – When does the scenario of worrying about whether it’s the right time to commission tooling come up, and what’s the process to reach a near-finalized design?
  • 11:45 – Why is tooling required before final prototypes are made?
  • 19:25 – Risks some manufacturers feel they face when taking the plunge on tooling before final prototypes are made.
  • 21:48 – How do we mitigate the risks and feel more confident to invest in tooling?
  • 27:29 – Emerging Technologies: 3D Printed Free-Form Injection Molding
  • 38:57 – Wrap up: The Right Time to Pull the Trigger on Tooling

 

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Adrian Leighton

About Adrian Leighton

Adrian is the Sofeast group's experienced marketer and has worked in manufacturing for around a decade. He has a particular interest in new product development and sharing important manufacturing news from China. If you've read, watched, or listened to some Sofeast content, Adrian has probably had a hand in it!

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