Once we agree that thermoforming is a good choice for a manufactured part, a part analysis is completed for fit, form, and function.
Once the part design review is completed and approved, we review and finalize the tooling design and we move to prototype part sampling.
We are able to create low-cost tooling in-house in order to complete initial sample runs and pre-production representative parts.
We create prototype tooling using wood, ceramic or machinable tooling boards. This simple but effective and accurate initial tooling allows us to test designs and materials without spending tens of thousands of dollars on prototype tooling.
Wood tooling allows us to make approximately a dozen test parts—more than enough to do initial feasibility tests.
Machinable tooling boards are more robust, and we can make a few thousand parts using these tools.
These pre-production prototypes are used to run fit, form, and function tests.
In many cases, this technique allows our customers to cost-effectively evaluate thermoformed parts as they determine if a project will transition into full, long-term production.
