Sep 06, 2022
First and foremost, it is important that we are talking tooling grade aluminium, 7000 series or higher. Softer grades will only survive very short runs and are frequently behind the bad stories that people recite.
Ask any moulder about aluminium and tooling, and they will all acknowledge that aluminium being softer than the more traditional tool steels requires a little more attention. It is therefore important to always use a moulder who has experience with aluminium tools, in order that the moulds are looked after.
Alongside this, it is imperative that the mould is designed and built properly for effective moulding, which will in turn prolong the life of the tool.
Some tools still run with well over 100,000 shots on them. However, the criteria for aluminium tooling is changing; in the past it tended to be used only for prototype tooling. You would get 50, 100 maybe 1,000 parts to be used for testing etc and you would then build a steel tool for the production parts.
Today aluminium tools are being used for 50,000, 100,000+ shots for production on occasions. Modern surface coatings can also be applied that will extend the aluminium tool life.
The key to longevity is the moulded material, start adding fillers like glass and the associated tool maintenance will increase, especially in high wear areas like the gates.
Certainly, less complicated parts, point of sale and parts that use a non-abrasive material like a polypropylene or a TPE, work well with aluminium tools. Higher volumes using more abrasive materials (e.g., glass-filled, ABS) will obviously have a negative impact and shorten the length of the tool life.
Most surface finishes can be re-created on an aluminium tool. However textured finishes will not last as long and its best to allow for an increased amount of draft to help with this.
Usually yes, although some small features may well require inserting in steel to ensure a reasonable life.
How long is a piece of string?! This obviously depends on the complexity of the parts, however a simple tool can be produced in a couple of days, whereas more complex tools will require several weeks.
The tool remains the property of the client once it has been made unless otherwise arranged. Exceptions to this are where MUD frames (fixed bolsters with interchangeable mould inserts), in which case the client would own the inserts only. Plunkett Associates take responsibility for the storage and maintenance of the tool on behalf of the client.
Yes, we would first mould a rigid plastic substrate, then a soft rubber or TPE would be moulded onto or around the substrate. This is often used for products that need a soft grip area to a rigid part.
Yes, Plunkett Associates have trusted suppliers in the UK including our own sister company, Adept Precision. If tooling is originating from the Far East, then we would source steel tools as controlling the grade of aluminium used can prove challenging!