Prototype Tooling Options on Metal
This article covers the tooling and processes used to create prototype nameplate samples on metal. Prototypes cover everything from hand-filed and hand-formed one-off samples to 500 samples using pre-production tooling. Parts produced at this level are to be used for conceptual purposes only. The information here is offered as a general guideline. Each application is unique. Our customer service representatives and engineers are available to answer questions specific to your project.
Types of prototype tools:
1. Throw-away tooling
2. Semi-production tooling
3. Pre-production tooling
Throw-Away Tooling
Throw-away tooling for prototypes involves a combination of processes such as hand filing, wire cutting and hand forming. A limited number of prototypes are available in this manner. It is the quickest and most affordable type of prototype tooling Northern Engraving offers.
Advantages
- fast turn around
- low cost
Considerations
- limited to 10 pieces
- parts are not testable
- parts cannot be used for fit & function
- any tooling made cannot be used for production (throw-away)
- tight registration of printed graphics to tooling are not available with this method of protyping
Semi-Production
This type of prototyping involves a combination of processes such as hand filing, wire cutting and hand forming but includes hard tooling.
Advantages
- quicker turn around time versus production tools
- low cost compared to production tools
- parts may be testable (this depends on the type of test)
- portions of the tooling may be salvageable for production
Considerations
- limited to 100 to 300 pieces
- longer lead time and more costly than throw-away tools
- parts cannot be used for fit & function
- registration of printed graphics to tooling is not always consistent
Pre-Production
Pre-production prototype tooling involves a combination of processes generally using tooling very similar to production. The tooling is 75% production ready.
Advantages
- faster turn around than production
- parts may be testable (this depends on the type of test)
- lower cost than production tooling
- tooling may be used in production (additional work will need to be done to complete the tooling for production)
- tight registration of printed graphics to tooling as in production
Considerations
- limited to 300 to 1000 pieces
- dies are not hardened
- more expensive than throw-away and semi-production tooling
- longer turn around time than throw-away and semi-production
Blanking, embossing and forming are only part of the equation when designing a nameplate. Contact us to discuss your specific requirements in nameplate and label prototyping. Our Sales Managers are available to discuss your specific needs whether on plastic or metal.
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