![technician examining injection molding block](/media/1016098/pl-prototyping-page-hero-1550x475.jpg?width=1920&height=290&rnd=131885891024230000)
Prototype Tooling for Injection Molding
Reduce mold costs and validate part designs with a low-cost prototype tool
We have two injection molding service options—prototyping and on-demand manufacturing—and each offers its own benefits depending on your project needs. If part quantities are lower, an affordable entry point for tooling is important, and rapid development over a short period of time is critical, our prototyping option works great.
Prototyping Tool for Molding
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Mold Price | Lower than on-demand manufacturing tool |
---|---|
Part Price | Higher than on-demand manufacturing tool |
Mold Cavities | Single |
Guaranteed Mold Life | Limited (guaranteed for at least 2,000 shots) |
Mold Storage | Stored for 18 months of inactivity |
Quality Documentation | Basic and digital inspection reports available upon request |
Additional Features |
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Why Use a Prototyping Tool?
![application engineer examining injection molding CAD file](/media/1016100/pl-prototyping-page-image-570x308-image-03.jpg?width=670&height=360&rnd=131885891032100000)
Design Feedback
- Receive interactive design for manufacturability feedback with every quote to make early adjustments before prototyping begins.
- Talk with applications engineers to discuss any design challenges and manufacturing questions that arise.
Iterative Development
- Have physical prototypes in hand within days to quickly modify designs during early product development.
- Produce multiple prototypes at the same time to compare and iterate designs simultaneously.
- Reduce overall time to market with an iterative product development cycle.
![technician holding yellow injection molded part from protolabs](/media/1016097/pl-prototyping-page-image-570x308-image-04.jpg?width=670&height=360&rnd=131885891020570000)
Design Validation
- Test the form and fit of components with small quantities of molded parts.
- Perform functional test with prototypes manufactured in production-grade materials.
- Full library of online design resources including guidelines, tips, white papers, and videos.
Market Testing
- Produce a pilot run injection-molded parts to validate market interest before launch.
- Reduce financial risk at market launch by implementing affordable aluminum tooling before full-scale production begins.