Compression Forming Molds

We machine cast aluminum compression forming molds, including top and bottom halves based on customer data and designed runoff beyond part trim lines. Customers can align and set up these molds easily on the press using alignment cones. These production molds also include additional items needed for the customer’s process.

• Internal trimming of molded material: cutting dies/cylinders
• Material holding/clamping: used to hold blank in place during the process
• Application of other secondary pieces: Apply Velcro, insulators, grommets
• Interchangeable inserts: automatic movement with diagnostic sensing
• Poke yoke: feedback to PLC for quality assurance
• Temperature control: cooling/heating lines / plumbed to regulate to process.

Production & prototype tooling is custom-built to suit the customer’s cycle time and budget. Tooling lead times are contingent on complexity. Tooling could take as little as two weeks to construct to as long as 16 to 20 weeks.

Prototype epoxy: We can construct epoxy/fiberglass laminated structures with plywood egg-crate supports in short lead times to withstand press loads of up to 20 tons over a limited usage for first-build parts. We have built prototype tooling that has withstood 50,000 cycles over a 4-year period depending on how a customer uses the tool in their process. Prototype tooling may have cooling lines embedded to reduce cycle times.