Off-Shore Tool Building and U.S. Molding Process
For over twenty years American Precision Products has been sourcing tooling in China and molding parts in the U.S.A.
The complete process typically takes 11-16 weeks to have tooling approved and ready to run in our factory. Part complexity, design changes, part approval schedules can all play factors in delivery.
First samples for customer inspection typically happen in weeks 7-9.
If the part requires texture or high polishing it is done after the first approval and samples are re-submitted. Once the parts are approved we typically make a small run in China in order to cover the shipping time to the U.S. This also gives the tool a break-in period in which to identify any other possible issues.
All tooling is built with certified tool steels. We guarantee your tooling for the life quoted.
The last step: the tool is flown or shipped by sea to our factory where we mold your parts.
Constant schedule updates keep you informed and advised of any changes.
Week: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 |
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I: Final 2D & 3D Drawings submitted | |||||||||||||||
II: Tooling Design | |||||||||||||||
III: Tooling Approval | |||||||||||||||
IV: Tool Build | |||||||||||||||
V: Samples Molded and submitted for approval | |||||||||||||||
VI: Tool Rework if required | |||||||||||||||
VII: Tool final polish or texture and resample (step V) | |||||||||||||||
VIII: Final Approval | |||||||||||||||
IX:First Run in China | |||||||||||||||
Xa: Ship tool by Air | |||||||||||||||
Xb: Ship Tool by sea |