Our Röders automated CNC machining capability strengthens our ability to deliver complex, high-precision tooling with speed, consistency and total reliability. The fully automated production cell allows multiple projects to run simultaneously, with robotic handling enabling lights-out machining and shorter lead times.
Holding tolerances down to 0.005mm and machining hardened steel up to 70 Rockwell, this technology supports the manufacture of intricate, high-accuracy components with exceptional surface finishes – giving our customers confidence in the performance, repeatability and longevity of their tooling.
Our all-encompassing injection moulding toolmaking service provides you with expert guidance from consultation to completion.
Not all tools are the same. This is why we work with you to gain a thorough understanding of your project, before recommending the best course of action.
We’ll manufacture your tools using a variety of different materials, including aluminium, steel and stainless steel. We can also maintain existing tools.
You retain full ownership of your tool. This prevents your intellectual property from being used under a different brand or by another manufacturer.
An injection mould tool is effectively the mould into which molten plastic polymer material is injected. The material polymer then cools inside the mould, solidifying, and forming the unique shape as per mandated by the design. After the designated cooling time, the tool is automatically separated into the two halves and the components are ejected and removed.
Plastic injection mould toolmaking is an important process in manufacturing plastic products. It involves designing, building, testing, and using tools to create plastic parts.
Mould tools can be manufactured for single or multi-cavity production, and to operate fully automated, semi automated, or to incorporate inserts which are hand loaded. All engineered and designed according to your requirements and the complexity of the part.
We have manufactured tooling for surgical equipment, optical lenses, engine cowlings, air sensors, RF components, overmoulded electronics, fuel connectors, aircraft seating, casings, trim and marine components, to name but a small selection – from one-off manual tooling to fully automatic mass production.
Dudley Associates Ltd is your one-stop solution for injection mould tooling. Our comprehensive services cover the entire tooling process, from design and prototyping to production and maintenance. With a focus on efficiency and quality, we ensure that your injection mould tooling requirements are met with precision and reliability.
Yes. Time is of the essence in product development. Our rapid prototyping services enable you to test and refine your designs quickly, accelerating the overall product development timeline. Whether you need a prototype for design validation or low-volume production, our team is equipped to deliver high-quality prototypes with speed and accuracy.
Because we have an injection-moulding facility in-house and on-site, we can trial new tools quickly with no grey area for dispute between the toolmaker and moulder.
We offer injection-mould tool services beyond just creating from new, including maintenance to extend the life of the tool and preserve the detailed finish, repairs and modifications, should minor alterations become necessary.
At Dudley Associates Ltd, precision is not just a goal; it’s our standard. Our team of skilled toolmakers combines traditional craftsmanship with the latest technologies to create tools that meet the highest industry standards. Whether it’s intricate details or complex geometries, our tools are crafted with unparalleled precision.
We understand that every project is unique. Our versatile toolmaking capabilities allow us to create a wide range of tools, from single-cavity molds to complex multi-cavity tools. Whether your requirements involve prototyping, low-volume production, or high-volume manufacturing, we have the expertise to deliver bespoke solutions tailored to your needs.
Choosing the right materials for toolmaking is crucial for long-lasting and efficient performance. Dudley Associates Ltd’s extensive knowledge of materials ensures that your tools are not only durable but also optimised for the specific demands of your project. We work with a variety of materials, including tool steels, aluminum, and other alloys, to meet your exact specifications.
This is sometimes referred as ‘Soft Tooling’.
It is relatively inexpensive and quick to make a tool in aluminium. It is ideal for rapid prototype projects or for intended low volume production. An aluminium tool is typically capable of 20,000 to 30,000 impressions without refurbishment, depending on the plastic polymer being used and the complexity of the part, although some of our aluminium tools have made over 100,000 parts.
There is a common misconception that aluminium tooling is limited to very low volumes (c 5,000 shots), however we are specialists in this field and, whilst the tools remain under our care and handling, we have historically been able to produce 100,000+ parts from aluminium tools in engineering polymers as also advised above.
Many Clients who have ordered our aluminium tools for prototype development use have then been able to use the same tool for production supply.
Our aluminium tooling is used with a very wide range of high end technical and engineering polymers including Ultem, Nickel fill, Steel fill, Nanotube fill, PTFE fill, Electro-conductive, 50% glass filled PBT and Nylons, as well as the more common commercial plastics.
We make tools in both P20 and fully hardened steel.
Whilst a little more costly and with a longer manufacturing time, these steel tools will be suited to higher volume production. Whilst P20 tooling will be good for hundreds of thousands of impressions, hardened steel will be capable of producing in excess of a million parts.
We offer the full range of high-end traditional tool making with the benefit of using the same quality, speed of manufacture and operational systems; developed by us for First Tier rapid development tooling manufacture.
Have a project you need our support with? If any of our services sound like they could be of use to you and your company, simply click the button to request a quote and get started.
