Mold Making & Tooling
Tooling is where precision starts. We assist with product design and development, build low cost prototype tooling, and cast aluminum production molds that hold up across high volume runs.
From prototype tooling to aluminum production molds
Hill Plastics will assist with product design and development. Prototypes and pre production parts can be formed using low cost wood or polyurethane tooling. Production parts are formed from aluminum tooling.
A master pattern is generally CNC milled to print specifications, then used to review fit and function before it moves into the aluminum casting process for the production mold.
Materials we build tooling from
The right tooling material depends on where you are in development. We move from low cost prototype materials to aluminum for production.
Aluminum Castings
Production molds cast from the approved master pattern for long, repeatable runs.
Polyurethane
Low cost polyurethane tooling for prototypes and pre production parts.
Perfect Plank Wood
Stable engineered wood for prototype master patterns machined to print.
Mahogany
Hardwood master patterns used in the aluminum casting process.
Renshape Tooling Board
High density tooling board for detailed prototype and pre production tooling.
Tooling built to hold molding and trim details to print.
Our staff carry a minimum tenure of 20 years as industry professionals and hold molding and trim details to print specifications and tolerances.
Tooling and support we provide
Beyond the mold itself, we build the fixtures and support tooling that keep secondary operations repeatable.
CNC Trimming
CNC trimmed details held to drawing specifications for consistent parts.
Threaded Inserts
Installed hardware and inserts so parts arrive ready for assembly.
Drill Fixtures
Custom drill fixtures that hold repeatable hole locations run to run.
Trim Fixtures
Trim fixtures that hold parts securely for accurate secondary operations.
Prototypes
Prototype parts formed from low cost tooling to review fit and function.
How a master pattern becomes a production mold
A master pattern is generally made of wood, CNC milled to print specifications. This pattern can serve as a mold to form prototypes and review the part fit and function. If changes are needed, they are easily made to the wood pattern. After approval of the prototypes, the master pattern is used in the aluminum casting process to make the production mold.
Start your tooling project
Reach out today for quotes or information on how we can help with your tooling, from prototype patterns through aluminum production molds.