Prototype tooling is a low-cost mold cut fast, so you can hold a real molded part before committing to production steel. The JC-PT series offers three levels — aluminium for shape and fit, soft steel for small validation runs, and a bridge tool when you expect to keep the same layout for production.
Variants
| SKU | Tool material | Shots | Tolerance | Lead time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JC-PT-AL | Aluminium 7075 | 200–1,000 | ±0.05 mm | 12–15 days |
| JC-PT-SS | Soft steel (P20, unhardened) | 1,000–5,000 | ±0.03 mm | 15–18 days |
| JC-PT-BR | Bridge tool, steel base + insert | 5,000–20,000 | ±0.02 mm | 20–26 days |
Specification
- Max part size
- 600 × 400 × 300 mm
- Cavities
- 1–2 for aluminium, up to 4 for bridge tools
- Tool tolerance
- ±0.02–0.05 mm depending on SKU
- Tool cost
- Typically 30–45 % of a hardened production tool
- Sample delivery
- T1 samples usually within 12–18 days of design freeze
- Resins
- ABS, PC, PP, PA, POM, TPE — your supplied grade preferred
- Surface
- As machined to SPI B2; texture and high gloss only on bridge tools
- Revised parts
- Up to two geometry revisions included on aluminium inserts
Prototype tool compared with 3D printing and production steel
| Route | Time to first part | Material truth | Use when |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3D printing | 2–5 days | Different — not the molded resin | Shape, ergonomics and fit checks only |
| Prototype tool (JC-PT) | 12–26 days | Real — your production resin | Function, snap-fit, sealing, customer approval |
| Production tool (JC-IM) | 25–45 days | Real — your production resin | Volume is confirmed and the design is stable |
If the decision you need to make is only about shape, printing is cheaper and faster. We will say that instead of selling you a tool you do not need.
Upgrade path to production
- Validate on the prototype toolDay 12–26
You test the real part, mark up changes, and confirm the layout.
- Freeze the designYour approval
Changes are recorded so the production tool inherits only the approved geometry.
- Reuse the base and layoutSavings on repeat work
On a bridge tool we keep the base, ejector system and water layout, and cut hardened inserts to the frozen design.
- Run production tooling25–45 days
Hardened steel, full cavitation and the tool life your volume needs.
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Prototype tooling FAQ
Can a prototype tool become the production tool?
Sometimes, and we tell you which case you are in before you order. An aluminium tool cannot be hardened, so it stays a sample tool. A bridge tool with a steel base and inserts can be re-cut with hardened inserts later, keeping the base and the layout you already validated.
Why not 3D print the part instead?
Printing is faster for shape checks but the material behaviour, surface and snap-fit feel differ from molded resin. If your decision depends on how the part performs in the real material, a prototype tool gives you the actual part.
How many samples will I receive?
Typically 10 to 50 parts from the trial run, enough for fit checks, drop tests and customer approval. Additional parts can be molded on request while the tool is still mounted.
What if the design changes after I see the samples?
Two geometry revisions are included on aluminium inserts. Beyond that we quote the insert work separately, so you always know what a change costs before it is made.
Need molded samples before you commit to a tool?
Send the model and your deadline. We will tell you whether printing, a prototype tool or production steel is the right route.
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