What is low volume tooling?
Views: 504 Update date: Feb 17,2023
In the manufacturing industry, there are many ways to produce parts and products, and each method has its advantages and disadvantages. One method that has gained popularity in recent years is low volume tooling, also known as rapid tooling or soft tooling.
First, let's define what we mean by tooling. In manufacturing, tooling refers to the process of creating molds or dies that will be used to shape raw materials, such as metal, plastic, or rubber, into finished parts or products. Tooling can be a time-consuming and expensive process, but it is necessary for mass production of parts.
Low volume tooling is a process that is designed to produce a small number of parts using relatively simple and inexpensive molds or dies. The term "low volume" refers to the fact that these molds or dies are not built to withstand high volumes of use, as they would be in mass production.
One of the main advantages of low volume tooling is speed. Traditional tooling methods can take weeks or even months to complete, but low volume tooling can be completed in a matter of days or weeks. This means that manufacturers can quickly produce small batches of parts or prototypes without investing a lot of time and money in tooling.
In closing, low volume tooling is a process that allows manufacturers to quickly and cost-effectively produce small batches of parts or prototypes. While it may not be suitable for all manufacturing projects, it can be a good choice for parts that have complex geometries or unique designs, or for projects that require a quick turnaround time. If you are considering using low volume tooling for your manufacturing project, be sure to consult with a knowledgeable and experienced tooling professional to determine if this method is the best choice for your needs.
Prev: Benefits of Sheet Metal Rapid Prototyping
Next: Rapid Prototyping Services in China
First, let's define what we mean by tooling. In manufacturing, tooling refers to the process of creating molds or dies that will be used to shape raw materials, such as metal, plastic, or rubber, into finished parts or products. Tooling can be a time-consuming and expensive process, but it is necessary for mass production of parts.
Low volume tooling is a process that is designed to produce a small number of parts using relatively simple and inexpensive molds or dies. The term "low volume" refers to the fact that these molds or dies are not built to withstand high volumes of use, as they would be in mass production.
One of the main advantages of low volume tooling is speed. Traditional tooling methods can take weeks or even months to complete, but low volume tooling can be completed in a matter of days or weeks. This means that manufacturers can quickly produce small batches of parts or prototypes without investing a lot of time and money in tooling.
Another advantage of low volume tooling is cost-effectiveness. Because the molds or dies used in this process are simpler and less durable than those used in mass production, they are much less expensive to create. This means that manufacturers can produce small batches of parts at a lower cost than they would be able to using traditional tooling methods.
In closing, low volume tooling is a process that allows manufacturers to quickly and cost-effectively produce small batches of parts or prototypes. While it may not be suitable for all manufacturing projects, it can be a good choice for parts that have complex geometries or unique designs, or for projects that require a quick turnaround time. If you are considering using low volume tooling for your manufacturing project, be sure to consult with a knowledgeable and experienced tooling professional to determine if this method is the best choice for your needs.
