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CapabilitiesCustom Plastic Injection Molding ServiceBridge Molding Service


BRIDGE MOLDING SERVICE

READY TO START SCALING PRODUCTION OR NEED PARTS IN HAND QUICKER THAN YOUR
PRODUCTION TOOLING LEAD TIME? OUR BRIDGE TOOLING SERVICES WILL HELP YOU BRIDGE
THE GAP BETWEEN THE INITIAL STAGES AND HIGH-VOLUME PRODUCTION.

See How It Works
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START A NEW TOOLING QUOTE

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Start Your New Quote
  All uploads are secure and confidential.Xometry's Instant Quoting Engine is
covered by US Pat. Nos. 11,086,292 and 11,347,201. Other patents pending.

Bridge Tooling Service

Bridge Tooling Benefits

Considerations

Molding FAQ

Why Xometry?

Molding Resources




BRIDGE TOOLING WITH XOMETRY

Xometry helps its customers grow by providing services that support product
development at each process stage. A crucial stage in development is validating
your design and getting to market while keeping timing and costs in mind. That
is where Xometry's bridge tooling services come in!

Xometry will help you quickly bring your product to market and meet immediate
demand needs. This service is a step up from our prototype molding services so
that you can expect expanded options such as higher lifetime tools, higher
output, more advanced gating techniques, and more possibilities with family
tooling. Our injection molding services offer a wide array of materials,
finishes, and mold configurations with domestic and international production
choices. Whether you need a limited quantity run or a trial run before investing
more heavily into production tooling, Xometry's industry experts and engineers
will work with you on your tooling and molding unique needs. Get started on your
tooling quotes by uploading your files to the Xometry Quoting Engine.

Use the 3D viewer above to preview Xometry’s part rendering features.
 Start Your New Instant Quote



BRIDGE TOOLING BENEFITS

As the name implies, bridge tooling helps you "bridge the gap" between initial
product development phases and high-volume production. For many customers,
bridge tooling and molding offer a unique sweet spot that is beneficial when
compared to other levels of production. Below are some of the key benefits of
using this type of rapid production tooling:

 * Speed to market: Use it as a stepping stone to get your product in the hands
   of consumers more quickly while production tools are developed. Parts ship in
   as few as 3 weeks!
 * Mold validation: Ensure your design's form, fit, and function are ready for
   high volume before you make the investment into more costly production tools.
 * Ideal for limited runs: Perfect for needs with low volumes, such as trial
   batches or when product demand does not warrant a production tool.
 * Less Investment: Bridge tooling will typically be more cost effective than
   tools designed for higher volume.
 * Domestic or international: Choose between domestic or international
   production to meet the needs of your project's requirements and targets.


CASE STUDY: THERMACO USES XOMETRY INJECTION MOLDING TO SCALE GLOBAL PRODUCT LINE

With the help of Xometry’s injection molding services, North Carolina-based
company Thermaco brings higher value to a product line and drives their bottom
line.
Read the Full Case Study



WHEN SHOULD YOU CONSIDER BRIDGE TOOLING?

Sometimes, determining where your project sits in the manufacturing hierarchy
can be challenging. When it comes to bridge tooling, you can make a few
comparisons and considerations to help you figure out if it is the best solution
for your needs. The table below can help you with this. Additionally, our
industry experts are happy to discuss your project in more detail to help you
make an informed decision!


TABLE: WHAT TO CONSIDER WHEN EXPLORING BRIDGE TOOLING PRODUCTION

SubjectConsideration
Subject

Tool Life

Consideration

Bridge tools are generally made of more robust materials than the softer
materials used with prototype tooling molds and thus will hold up longer.
Additional maintenance may be required before 50,000 shots are performed.

Subject

Mold Texturing & Polishing

Consideration

The higher toughness of bridge tools, when compared with ones made for
prototyping, makes them excellent for texturing and polishing applications as
they will not wear as quickly. All of our mold finish offerings are suitable.

Subject

Gating Methods

Consideration

In addition to basic gate strategies like edge, direct, and fan gating, bridge
tools may also utilize hot-runners or hot manifold systems to meet the project
requirements. High shear applications are also suitable.

Subject

Mold Classes

Consideration

Mold classes for bridge tools typically range from 104, 103, and 102 and are
typically made of steel such as P20 Steel.

Subject

Material Selection

Consideration

All injection molding materials we offer are available. Custom or specialty
materials can also be explored upon request.

Subject

Tool Origin

Consideration

Xometry offers both domestic (USA) and international molding options. US-based
molding is typically the quickest, while international prototype tooling will be
the most economical at the expense of additional lead time.




READY TO GET STARTED ON YOUR MOLDING PROJECT?

Start Your Quote


Injection Molding FAQ
What industries use injection molding?

Injection molding has applications across various industries, including
aerospace, medical devices, consumer goods, energy, electronics, automotive,
robotics, toys, and more.

What are lead times like with bridge tooling?

Xometry can deliver injection molded components using bridge tooling in 3-5
weeks. Our experts and project managers will work with you to develop a more
detailed timeline.

What materials are available?

All of our usual injection molding material offerings are available! We can also
pursue using custom materials upon request. Read more about choosing the proper
injection molded plastic.

What are mold classes?

The SPI (Society of Plastic Engineers) developed mold classifications to
standardize definitions based on mold material, tool design, features, and
production volume. Mold classes range from 101 (most advanced, highest volume
production) to 105 (prototyping applications) to simplify the type of injection
mold required for thermoplastic molding based on production needs.

What is MUD tooling?

A MUD (Master Unit Die) is a type of mold that uses a standard injection molding
frame that utilizes inserts that define the shape of the internal cavity and
thus the eventual part. Think of it as a quick-change system akin to swapping
out the head of a disposable razor. Ultimately this type of tool helps drive
lower-cost and first article lead times. MUD tooling focuses machining time on
the core and cavity work rather than all other aspects of a more complicated
tooling setup. MUD tooling is regularly associated with bridge or prototype
tooling. Learn more about injection molding tooling and processes.

Who owns the tool?

At Xometry, our customers own their injection mold tools! After a run is
complete, the tool will remain at our facilities. Tools can be shipped to you
upon request; however, you will be responsible for any associated shipping and
packaging costs. Our engineers will work with you regarding tool compatibility
with your equipment if you're unsure.

What if I need to make small changes to my part after ordering?

We do our best to accommodate our customers. Change requests will require tool
modifications which will impact cost. The exact cost of change requests will be
calculated after T1 samples have been completed.

What is the process after ordering?

After receiving the order, the statement of work is reviewed by one of our
manufacturing engineers. A case manager is assigned, and an appropriate
manufacturing supplier is identified. A comprehensive DFM/PEG report is created
and provided for approval. Upon approval, tooling and mold production is
commenced. T1 samples are produced and shipped for approval. Upon approval, the
remaining parts are made.




WHY CHOOSE XOMETRY FOR YOUR TOOLING NEEDS?


ENDLESS OPTIONS

Choose from millions of possible combinations of materials, finishes,
tolerances, markings, and certifications for your order.


SAVE TIME

Get your parts delivered right to your door without the hassle of sourcing,
project management, logistics, or shipping.


VETTED NETWORK

We are ISO 9001:2015, ISO 13485, and AS9100D certified. Only the top shops that
apply to become Suppliers make it through our qualification process.


Molding Resources
The Ultimate Guide to Injection MoldingAn Overview of Injection Molded Surface
FinishesMolding Design BlogPlastic Injection Molding Design Guide


HOW TO START AN INJECTION MOLDING QUOTE WITH XOMETRY





DOWNLOAD THE INJECTION MOLDING DESIGN GUIDE

Get the Guide


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