Tooling management

The injection mould tool is at the heart of the manufacturing process. If properly designed and constructed, your mould tool will be the key to efficiently producing plastic parts throughout the entire life of the project. With our global network of toolmakers, Rosti make every stage of tooling management more effective and straightforward – from planning and concept development, through to manufacturing, testing, modification and servicing.

Injection mould tooling explained

Injection moulding is a complicated process with many components and processes. The mould tool is the vital link in the chain that holds the whole process together. It is the key to ensuring all the components in production arrive at the end stage accurately and of high quality.

It is of upmost importance to select the right mould tool for your project.

Injection mould tools: The details

The injection mould tool has two halves, typically the core half and the cavity half. The cavity is where the molten plastic flows into and the tool core fills this space to produce the finished part. Core and cavity design is important to the final result. The design of both halves will alter depending on the component’s applications and its form. There may also be multiple cores and cavities in one mould tool, so that many components may be made within a single cycle of injection moulding.

Injection mould tool within the injection moulding cycle

The machine that houses the mould tool is sized appropriately. For example, a large mould tool needs a larger machine. The machine applies pressure to the mould tool as it closes, so that the tool is not damaged but there is sufficient force to complete the operation. The plastic injection cools as the tool is left for a defined period of time. 

The pressure and the cooling times are determined on the basis of the type of material used and the complexity of the tool itself. It is important to fully complete the pressure and cooling cycle so no errors are introduced into the component. 

After cooling, the mould opens and the parts are removed, usually automatically using pins or plating. The mould closes again and the injection moulding cycle repeats. This means multiple components can be made in a short time, without any need for a stoppage for changing machinery and tooling. The time taken for the procedure varies depending on the part’s complexity and the type of plastic.

How to choose the right tool

To get to the finish line with an excellent standard product, your manufacturer must choose the right tool. What do we consider when selecting your tool? 

We look at the final destination of the component – its application and the environment it will be used in. How will your parts be used? Where? What purpose does the component have? These characteristics will determine the type of thermoplastic and the type of mould tool. 

We also consider the volume of components you need to produce. We look at cost efficiencies over the cycle and where we can maximise value. The detail of how often the component must be manufactured will also affect the type of mould tool chosen. 

Consider a prototype mould tool, especially if you are manufacturing a custom part. Rosti work with you to consider how to best serve your needs and the requirements of the project. Testing and prototype runs ensure that all aspects of the process are correct, and that the final product is of a measurable and consistent quality.

Why source the best mould tool?

Rosti understand that the time and money invested in perfecting your mould tool are high. But it is vital to take steps to select the right mould tool for the job. This makes the entire process, from selection to final product, more efficient. It is also more cost effective. With the correct mould tool, you gain shorter cycles and greater production efficiency. 

The best mould tool for the job ensures you get parts that are always high quality, to a consistent standard. Once you have selected the right tool it will practically guarantee thousands of parts that emerge from the process cycles with few or no faults. Of course, there are other considerations, too, but the mould tool provides the solid base for your project success.

The Rosti manufacturing standard: your guarantee of quality

Every tool that we source for our customers is made in accordance with the Rosti global tool manufacturing standard. When we accept a toolmaker into our network, we demand that they operate to our strict requirements. This ensures that our manufacturing partners operate safely and sustainably, and that the correct steel grades and materials are always used.

Our global standard also demands that manufacturers exceed minimum requirements for the quality of hot-runner systems, water fittings, and all other critical parts. Because of the demands we make of our manufacturers, you can be assured of the quality of the tool and, ultimately, of the final product

A partnership throughout the toolmaking process – and beyond

For Rosti, tooling management is about more than toolmaking. We can support you throughout the entire production process, adding value every step of the way.

By working with Rosti from the concept development stage, we can ensure that the design and composition of your moulds are optimal. From there, we find the right toolmaker for the job, and support you through the manufacturing, testing, modification, and approval processes. And our input doesn’t end with the delivery of your mould – we can also help with maintenance needs and scheduling to make sure that you get the most from your investment.