Bridge The Gap Between Initial Manufacturing Steps And Mass Production | Get End-Use Parts And Deliver Your Product To Market Quickly | Get An Auto-Quoted Estimate For Parts And Tooling Today
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EPTAHUB helps its customers grow by providing services that support product development at each process stage. A crucial stage in development is validating your design and getting to market while keeping timing and costs in mind. That is where EPTAHUB's bridge tooling services come in.
EPTAHUB will help you quickly bring your product to market and meet immediate demand needs. This service is a step up from our prototype molding services, so that you can expect expanded options such as higher lifetime tools, higher output, more advanced gating techniques, and more possibilities with family tooling. Our injection molding services offer a wide array of materials, finishes, and mold configurations with domestic and international production choices.
To get started, simply upload your 3D CAD file to the EPTAHUB Instant Quoting Engine®. Most projects qualify for an auto-quoted estimate, allowing you to budget and plan your project accordingly without waiting for responses. Once you're ready, submit your request for review, and our team will work with you closely at every step!
As the name implies, bridge tooling helps you "bridge the gap" between initial product development phases and high-volume production. For many customers, bridge tooling and molding offer a unique sweet spot that is beneficial when compared to other levels of production. Below are some of the key benefits of using this type of rapid production tooling:
Sometimes, determining where your project sits in the manufacturing hierarchy can be challenging. When it comes to bridge tooling, you can make a few comparisons and considerations to help you figure out if it is the best solution for your needs. The table below can help you with this. Additionally, our industry experts are happy to discuss your project in more detail to help you make an informed decision!
Table: Considerations when exploring bridge tooling
| Subject | Consideration |
|---|---|
| Tool Life | Made of more robust materials than the ones used with prototype tooling molds, resulting in longer tool life. Additional maintenance may be required before 50,000 shots. |
| Mold Texturing & Polishing | Thanks to tougher tooling materials that retain finishes and details well over time, all of our mold finish offerings are suitable. |
| Gating Methods | In addition to edge, direct, and fan gating, bridge tools may also utilize hot-runners or hot manifolds to meet the project requirements. |
| Mold Classes | Mold classes for bridge tools typically range from 104, 103, and 102 and are typically made of steel such as P20 Steel. |
| Material Selection | All injection molding materials we offer are available. Custom or specialty materials can also be explored upon request. |
| Tool Origin | EPTAHUB offers international molding options. International manufacturing will be the most economical. |
We can provide millions of combinations of materials, surface treatments, tolerances, markings and certifications for your order.
Parts are directly delivered to your door, eliminating the need for you to find suppliers, manage projects, handle logistics or arrange transportation.
We hold ISO 9001:2015, ISO 13485, AS9100D and IATF 16949 certifications.
Learn how to easily obtain an instant quote for Bridge Tooling services through the EPTAHUB Instant Quoting Engine®.
Streamline your budgeting and procurement process with the EPTAHUB Instant Quoting Engine®. Upload your 3D CAD files to receive an auto-quoted estimate for pricing and lead times, allowing you to plan your project without the typical delays of waiting for a manual quote. This powerful tool saves you valuable time by providing the information you need up front. When you’re ready to move forward, our team of experts will thoroughly review your project to confirm and finalize your quote and provide consultation to ensure your project is set up for success.
Injection molding has applications across various industries, including aerospace, medical devices, consumer goods, energy, electronics, automotive, robotics, toys, and more.
All of our usual injection molding material offerings are available! We can also pursue using custom materials upon request.
The SPI (Society of Plastic Engineers) developed mold classifications to standardize definitions based on mold material, tool design, features, and production volume. Mold classes range from 101 (most advanced, highest volume production) to 105 (prototyping applications) to simplify the type of injection mold required for thermoplastic molding based on production needs.
A MUD (Master Unit Die) is a type of mold that uses a standard injection molding frame that utilizes inserts that define the shape of the internal cavity and thus the eventual part. Think of it as a quick-change system akin to swapping out the head of a disposable razor. Ultimately this type of tool helps drive lower-cost and first article lead times. MUD tooling focuses machining time on the core and cavity work rather than all other aspects of a more complicated tooling setup. MUD tooling is regularly associated with bridge or prototype tooling.
At EPTAHUB, our customers own their injection mold tools! After a run is complete, the tool will remain at our facilities. Tools can be shipped to you upon request; however, you will be responsible for any associated shipping and packaging costs. Our engineers will work with you regarding tool compatibility with your equipment if you're unsure.
We do our best to accommodate our customers. Change requests will require tool modifications which will impact cost. The exact cost of change requests will be calculated after T1 samples have been completed.
After receiving the order, the statement of work is reviewed by one of our manufacturing engineers. A case manager is assigned, and an appropriate manufacturing supplier is identified. A comprehensive DFM/PEG report is created and provided for approval. Upon approval, tooling and mold production is commenced. T1 samples are produced and shipped for approval. Upon approval, the remaining parts are made.
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Our automated quoting system gives you instant pricing so you can quickly estimate your project costs.
For high-precision or complex parts, our senior account managers can provide more detailed quotes and help you find the best overall solution for your needs.
