What should you ask before appointing anyone?
Ask which machines the tool will run on and whether they have designed for that tonnage before. Ask how they handle cooling design and whether they simulate it. Ask what happens if the first sample is out of tolerance and who pays for the correction. Ask for the file formats and documentation you will receive.
The answers matter less than whether the questions are welcomed. A good tooling partner is relieved that you asked.
What are the warning signs?
A quote produced in under a day with no technical questions. Reluctance to share the design intent behind the layout. Ownership of the tool design files that stays with the vendor. Vague answers about tolerance capability.
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Tool Design & Development
Moulds, dies, fixtures, jigs — designed for your production volumes and tolerances.
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