Injection molding services

Standard injection mold tooling is defined by classes from Class 105 (prototype) to Class 101 (high volume production). These mold classes help manage expectations for both customers and suppliers on the overall tool requirements and scope.

Under 500 cycles. Prototype only. This mold will be constructed in the least expensive manner possible to produce a minimal quantity of prototype parts. Class 105 molds are also known as Class V tools.

Example: a one-and-done market test of 100 molded units.

Under 100,000 cycles. Low production mold. Use only for limited production, preferably with non-abrasive materials. Low to moderate price range. Class 104 molds are also known as Class IV tools.

Example: Aluminum or MUD tooling, SPI B-3 finish, hand-loaded cores, and limited re-runs.

Under 500,000 cycles. Medium production mold. This is a very popular mold for low to medium-production needs. Most common price range. Also known as a Class III tool.

Example: Aluminum or steel tooling, automated lifts or slides, multiple re-runs with batches between 1,000-5,000 units.

Medium to high production tooling, suitable for abrasive materials or parts requiring close tolerance. This is a high-quality, reasonably high-priced mold. Class 102 Molds are also known as Class II tools.

Example: Steel tooling with an SPI A-2 finish, automated slides, scheduled production cycles.

Over 1,000,000 cycles. They are engineered for extremely high production. This is the highest-priced mold and is made with only the highest-quality materials. Class 101 molds are also known as Class I tools.

Example: Multiple-cavity steel tooling with full automation and overnight production work centers for dedicated part manufacturing.