Tooling, Mold Design and Validation

Advanced tool design for production of plastic injection molds

Upon DFM approval, we begin the production of the tool and prepare for FOT (First Off Tool) which typically occurs within a few weeks. The FOT parts are not fully production ready but typically are pretty close. The FOT parts are provided to the customer to fit check and test the “real” component. Some customers will begin their qualification process using these components to see how their overall design meets expectation. While those parts are being reviewed we use this time to optimize the process and prepare for First Article Inspections (FAI). However sometimes the customer discovers a change they desire on the part or a feature of it. If this occurs Chief Mold can quickly react making modifications and changes because we make all molds in house. Minor changes can occur within hours. It is not uncommon when the customer is on site for these changes to occur overnight as we understand the cost and limited time available when customers choose to be on location bringing up a tool. Your time and schedule are of paramount importance to Chief Mold and we want to be part of your success.

Upon customer FAI approval and depending on quantity, Chief Mold will, if requested, provide PPAP reports, CPK data, color limit samples and “golden” samples to assure each and every part from the first to the last production shot is within the agreed specifications.

All tools are maintained in house and to a rigorous schedule to prevent unexpected down time. We also typically maintain an inventory of high risk mold components during the warranted life of the tool. Based on the quality of tools we have produced there are some still running well beyond the guaranteed shot count making plastic parts without flash, to specification and as good as the first ones produced. We were first a mold maker and we know tooling.