Tooling BEFORE Final Prototypes: A Necessary Leap of Faith?

Adrian and Renaud explore a critical stage in the new product introduction (NPI) process: Getting tooling for plastic injection molding made before your final prototypes are finished. They discuss the risks and considerations of commissioning tooling before a final prototype is completed, the financial implications, and best practices to mitigate risks.  More widely discussed are the prototyping process, new product development, and freeform injection molding to create 3D-printed tooling that acts as a bridge between rapid prototyping methods and injection mold tooling. Listen in for guidance to ensure that your tooling investments are well-timed and cost-effective.   Show Sections 00:00 - Introduction 03:02 - The conundrum of when to invest in tooling during the product development process. 05:46 - When does the scenario of worrying about whether it's the right time to commission tooling come up, and what's the process to reach a near-finalized design?  11:45 - Why is tooling required before final prototypes are made? 19:25 - Risks some manufacturers feel they face when taking the plunge on tooling before final prototypes are made. 21:48 - How do we mitigate the risks and feel more confident to invest in tooling? 27:29 - Emerging Technologies: 3D Printed Free-Form Injection Molding 38:57 - Wrap up: The Right Time to Pull the Trigger on Tooling   Related content... The Conundrum of Investing in Tooling Before a Final Prototype Freeform Injection Molding Service Bureau in China Plastic Injection Molding Questions: 17 FAQs Businesses Need Answers To Rapid Tooling Prototyping Guide Prototyping Process To Test & Refine a New Product Design New Product Introduction Process & Support   Get in touch with us Connect with us on LinkedIn Contact us via Sofeast's contact page Subscribe to our YouTube channel Contact us on X @sofeast Prefer Facebook? Check us out on FB Get in touch with us Connect with us on LinkedIn Contact us via Sofeast's contact page Subscribe to our YouTube channel Prefer Facebook? Check us out on FB