The delivery time for custom molds is influenced by multiple factors and there’s no one-size-fits-all answer.
| Mold Type | Estimated Delivery Time | Key Characteristics & Applications |
|---|---|---|
| Rapid Tooling | 3 – 6 weeks | Uses easily machinable materials like aluminum or mild steel; simplified structure. Suitable for prototype validation, small-batch production, and seizing market opportunities. |
| Plastic Injection Mold | 2 – 6 weeks | The timeframe varies significantly depending on complexity. Some manufacturers offer quick-turn services in 18-30 days. |
| Production Mold | 6 – 10 weeks or longer | Uses high-hardness tool steels with complex structures. Designed for large-scale production of hundreds of thousands to millions of units, aiming for the lowest per-part cost. |
| Metal Stamping Die | 6 – 10 weeks or longer | Complex metal dies, especially progressive dies, require longer design and manufacturing cycles. |
Why is there such a significant variation in delivery times? It primarily comes down to the following factors:
- Mold Type & Material: This is the most critical factor. Rapid tooling, designed for speed, uses materials like aluminum and mild steel, leading to shorter cycles. Conversely, traditional production molds, built for durability, use high-hardness tool steels which are more time-consuming to machine.
- Design & Complexity: The more complex your product’s structure is, the more internal mechanisms (like sliders and lifters) the mold requires, naturally increasing both design and machining time.
- Supplier Capability: The supplier’s technical expertise, equipment level, and production schedule directly impact progress. Manufacturers with advanced equipment and extensive experience are typically more efficient.
- Communication Efficiency: Efficient and clear communication—from finalizing design drawings and providing mid-process updates to handling modifications—helps prevent many unnecessary delays.