large epoxy moldAluminum Production Mold
large epoxy moldEpoxy Prototype Mold
Low internal tool pressures (<50psig) developed during injection of METTON LMR, allows numerous low-cost tooling options (relative to sheet molding compound {SMC} and injection molding tools). Available mold types range from prototype to high volume production.

The table below shows durability, surface quality, cost (as a percentage of injection molding tooling) and some general information for each tool construction.

Tooling
Construction
Projected Tool Life
(# of Parts)
Surface
Quality
Est. Cost vs. Inj.
Molding Tooling, %
Comments

PROTOTYPING

       
Epoxy/Polyester <100 Fair 15 Most common prototype. Durability for short-term production cannot be predicted.

PRODUCTION

       
Machined Alum. >150,000 Excellent 30-60 Excellent heat transfer. Tighter dimensional tolerances vs casting.
Cast Aluminum >50,000 Good 20 Excellent heat transfer. Light weight. Non-Class A parts only due to porosity.
Nickel Shell 150,000 Very Good 40 Changes to the cavity side cannot be readily made.
Machined Steel >150,000 Excellent 80 Highest surface quality, cost, longest delivery time, weight disadvantage.
Cast Kirksite >50,000 Good 35 Excellent heat transfer. Non-Class A parts only, due to porosity.