Prototype Tooling Services
Low-cost aluminum tooling for rapid production. Get production-quality parts in 1-3 weeks, then convert to production tooling.
Why Prototype Tooling?
The bridge between prototypes and production.
Benefits
- 50-70% lower cost than production tooling
- 1-3 week lead time vs 8-12 weeks for production molds
- Production-quality parts in prototype quantities
- Same materials as production
- Tool can be converted to steel for production
- Perfect for design validation and market testing
When to Use
- Design validation before production commitment
- Market testing with production-quality parts
- Trade show samples and presentations
- Customer samples and approvals
- Low-volume bridge production
- Pilot runs before full scale production
Prototype Tooling Options
Choose the right tooling for your needs.
Aluminum Prototype
Best for 100-5,000 parts
- • Fastest lead time (1-2 weeks)
- • 50-60% lower cost
- • Up to 10,000 shots
- • Converts to steel for production
Most Popular Choice
Soft Steel
Best for 5,000-50,000 parts
- • Slightly longer lead time (2-3 weeks)
- • Higher cost than aluminum
- • Up to 50,000 shots
- • Production-ready durability
High Volume Prototypes
Bridge Tooling
While production tooling is built
- • Immediate production capability
- • Eliminates tooling downtime
- • Full production quantities
- • Seamless production handoff
Time-Critical Projects
Our Prototype Tooling Capabilities
Professional tooling backed by decades of experience.
Fast Turnaround
Aluminum tools in 1-2 weeks. Soft steel in 2-3 weeks.
Cost Effective
50-70% lower cost than production tooling. Free DFM included.
Production Quality
Same quality standards as production parts. ISO 9001 certified.
Easy Conversion
Prototype tools can be converted to steel for production runs.
Design Support
Free DFM analysis and design optimization included.
Any Cavity Count
Single cavity to family molds. Multi-cavity for higher volumes.
Prototype Tooling Track Record
Trusted by companies worldwide for rapid tooling needs.
Prototype Tools Built
Avg. Cost Savings
Avg. Lead Time
First Pass Success
Recent Success Stories
Tier 1 Supplier Dashboard
5 aluminum tools for dashboard components. Validated designs before $2M production commitment.
Surgical Device Launch
Aluminum tooling for FDA approval. 500 units for clinical trials. Converted to steel for production.
Consumer Electronics Startup
3 design iterations with aluminum tools. Validated product-market fit before production tooling.
Quality Certifications
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything about prototype tooling.
For Engineers
What tolerances can aluminum tools achieve?
±0.05mm on critical features, ±0.1mm general tolerance. Similar to production tooling for most applications.
How many shots can aluminum tooling handle?
Typically 1,000-10,000 shots depending on part complexity, material, and gate design. Can be higher for simple parts.
Can I test under-gate and hot runner systems?
Yes. Prototype tools can use various gate types including pin gate, edge gate, and hot runner with hot tip.
For Procurement
What's the typical lead time?
Aluminum: 1-2 weeks. Soft steel: 2-3 weeks. Includes DFM analysis and first article inspection.
What's the cost compared to production tooling?
Aluminum prototype tooling is typically 30-50% of production steel tooling cost. Soft steel is 50-70%.
Can prototype tools be used for production?
Yes, but with volume limitations. We can also convert aluminum tools to steel for production use.
For Decision Makers
When should I use prototype tooling?
Before committing to $50K+ production tooling. For market testing, design validation, trade shows, or customer samples.
What's the ROI on prototype tooling?
Averages 5-10x return. Avoids costly tooling changes, validates design before production, and reduces time-to-market risk.
What's the conversion process to production?
We can either modify the existing aluminum tool or build new steel tooling based on validated prototype designs.
Request Prototype Tooling Quote
Free DFM analysis included. Get started within 24 hours.
Prefer to contact us directly?
Our Manufacturing Facilities
State-of-the-art equipment and skilled workforce ensuring high-quality production
Mold & Tooling Base
Advanced mold manufacturing with 5-axis CNC machines and EDM technology
Precision Molding
50+ injection molding machines from 50T to 1000T
Assembly
Complete product assembly from sub-assemblies to finished goods
Precision CNC
High-precision machining with tolerance up to ±0.005mm
EDM Processing
ISO 9001 certified lab with CMM and advanced inspection equipment
Mold Assembly
Skilled technicians with 15+ years experience in mold assembly
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers to common questions from engineers, procurement, and decision makers
For Engineers
What tolerances can you achieve for complex geometries?
We achieve tolerances up to ±0.005mm on critical features using 5-axis CNC and EDM processing. Our DFM analysis helps optimize designs for manufacturability.
Do you provide mold flow analysis before production?
Yes, comprehensive mold flow analysis is included free with every project. We simulate filling patterns, identify potential defects, and optimize gate locations.
What materials do you recommend for high-stress applications?
We offer ABS, PC, POM, Nylon, PP, and engineering resins. For high-stress parts, we recommend glass-filled or carbon-filled polymers with reinforced fillers.
For Procurements
What are your minimum order quantities?
No minimums! We support startups and small businesses with orders from 1 piece to millions. Volume discounts available for larger orders.
How fast can you deliver production parts?
Prototype molds in 7-15 days. Production parts in 2-3 weeks after mold approval. Express services available for urgent projects.
Do you offer competitive pricing for high volumes?
Yes! Our pricing scales with volume. Contact us for a customized quote. We beat OEM pricing by 20-40% while maintaining premium quality.
For Decision Makers
Why choose CoreLMould over other suppliers?
15+ years experience, ISO 9001 certified, zero-defect culture, 24-hour quote response, and a dedicated team committed to your success.
How do you ensure quality consistency across batches?
Statistical process control, incoming material inspection, in-process checks, and final QC with CMM verification. Full traceability from raw material to finished goods.
What industries do you serve?
Consumer electronics, automotive interiors, industrial equipment, medical devices, packaging, and more. We specialize in startups and growing businesses.
Ready to Start Your Prototype?
Get fast, affordable prototype tooling. Production-quality parts in 1-3 weeks.
Get Free Quote