Injection Mold Lead Time
The delivery time for an injection mold, which spans from receiving the order to completing the mold and delivering it to the customer, is a complex process. It is influenced by various factors such as the complexity of the mold, material selection, processing technology, and customer requirements.
Generally, the delivery time of an injection mold can be divided into the following stages:
1. Order Confirmation and Design Phase
The customer provides product drawings or samples.
Mold design engineers conduct structural design for the mold.
The mold design scheme is confirmed with the customer, and a contract is signed.
2. Mold Machining Phase
Core and Cavity Machining: The core and cavity are precision machined according to the design drawings.
Mold Base Machining: The mold base is machined as the main body structure of the mold.
Selection and Machining of Standard Parts: Standard parts such as guide posts, ejector pins, and cooling channels are selected and machined.
Mold Assembly: The machined components are assembled into a complete mold.
3. Mold Trial Phase
Initial Trial: The mold undergoes an initial trial to inspect its opening and closing, positioning, and the quality of the plastic part.
Adjustment and Optimization: Based on the trial results, the mold is adjusted and optimized.
Multiple Trials: Multiple trials are conducted until the product quality meets the customer's requirements.
4. Acceptance and Delivery
Customer Acceptance: The customer inspects the mold and the trial product.
Delivery: After passing inspection, the mold is delivered to the customer.
The delivery time of an injection mold is a crucial factor affecting the time-to-market of a product. By effectively arranging the production process, optimizing design, and selecting appropriate processing technologies, the mold delivery time can be significantly shortened, thereby improving production efficiency.
