Injection Mold Manufacturing Process and Lead Time
The manufacturing process of an injection mold involves multiple stages, including design, fabrication, assembly, and debugging. The timeline depends on mold complexity, production requirements, and equipment efficiency. Typically, the entire process from design to final delivery takes 6–12 weeks or longer.
1. Requirement Analysis & Product Design
Confirm product specifications (dimensions, shape, material, production volume) with the client.
Create 3D models and 2D engineering drawings, ensuring manufacturability.
Evaluate wall thickness, shrinkage rate, and draft angles to optimize mold design.
Timeline: 1–2 weeks (varies with complexity).
2. Mold Design
Determine mold type (single-cavity, multi-cavity, hot runner, etc.).
Design mold structure (gating system, cooling channels, core-pulling mechanisms, parting lines).
Conduct mold flow analysis (using CAD/CAM/CAE software) to optimize injection molding.
Finalize design after client approval.
Timeline: 1–3 weeks.
3. Material Procurement & Preparation
Select mold steel (e.g., P20, H13, S136) based on durability requirements.
Procure standard components (mold base, guide pillars/bushes, hot runner systems).
Pre-process materials (cutting, annealing, stress relief) to enhance machining stability.
Timeline: 1–2 weeks.
4. Mold Machining
Precision machining directly impacts product quality. Key stages:
Rough Machining (1–2 weeks): Milling, drilling, and turning to form basic structures.
Precision Machining (1–2 weeks): CNC, EDM, wire cutting, grinding for tight tolerances.
Heat Treatment (1 week): Quenching and tempering to improve hardness and wear resistance.
Polishing (0.5–1 week): Enhance surface finish to reduce friction and improve demolding.
Total Timeline: 3–6 weeks.
5. Mold Assembly
Assemble components (sliders, springs, cooling systems, hot runners).
Verify precise alignment and smooth mold opening/closing.
Conduct preliminary trial tests to check functionality.
Timeline: 1–2 weeks.
6. Mold Trial (T1–Tn)
T1 Trial: Produce initial samples to check defects (shrinkage, warpage, flash, flow marks).
Optimization: Adjust cooling systems, gate positions, or other parameters based on results.
Repeat trials (T2, T3…) until quality standards are met.
Timeline: 1–4 weeks (depending on iterations).
7. Mold Delivery
Final inspection to ensure compliance.
Provide user manuals and maintenance guidelines.
Package and ship to the client for installation and production setup.
Timeline: 1 week.
