Kramer Associates
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Concept Development • Design • Rapid Prototype • Rapid Tooling • Rapid Production • Marketing

Lead-time

Rapid Prototype
(SLA, SLS, FDM, CNC,Cast Urethane ...)

SLA, SLS, FDM: Typical lead time for the generation of a "one-off" prototype using an additive process such as Stereolithography is 2-5 days, depending on the size, complexity, finish level required, and number of parts.

CNC: Typical leadtime for CNC models depends completely on the complexity of the part (especially how many sides require machining, the number of setups required, and the level of finish). It is possible to make a quick form-study model using high density urethane foam in a matter of days, or a complete cosmetic model in 2-4 weeks. Send us a sketch or a preliminary file and we can let you know about your specific parts.

Cast Urethane: The cast urethane process includes three basic stages, 1) Pattern generation; 2) Tool generation; 3) Casting and finishing parts. While overall leadtime can vary depending on the size and complexity (getting tired of hearing that? - yea, me too!) you can typically figure 2 weeks from acceptable CAD data to first shot. Depending on the material type, you can yield 1-4 castings per day (times the number of cavities produced in the tooling).

 

Rapid Tooling for prototype Injection Molded Plastics: 2-4 weeks!

Rapid Production tooling: 3-6 weeks!

Typical lead time for the generation of a prototype injection mold tool, from usable CAD data to First Article part is typically 3 weeks. Simpler parts can be as fast as 3 days, more complex parts as long as 6 weeks. Complexity is the driving factor. And remember, there are several things you need to do to insure the fastest turnaround possible.

WHAT YOU NEED TO DO TO GET FAST TURNAROUND:

  • Quote your parts early, even if the details are not clear. Cost will not change substantially if the general size and complexity remain similar.
  • Select the tooling vendor at least 3 weeks prior to having final CAD data. Let them know what parts they will be doing. This will help them plan your project into their schedule.
  • Issue PO for parts at least 2 weeks prior to release of final CAD data. This will insure that you hold your place in line. As the CAD release date approaches, keep the vendor informed of changes in the release date. Most vendors can accommodate the changes with minimal impact. We're used to that. We've all been there!
  • Make sure that all of the vendor terms are met. Any advance payment on tooling should be taken care of prior to CAD release. Be sure that any issues regarding terms are worked out in advance.
  • Insure that the file transfer is complete and successful. Test a file transfer in advance, to insure that transfer methods and data formats are compatable. Any issues with encryption keys needs to be arranged in advance, and tested. When it is time to transfer the real files, the vendor needs to know when the transfer is taking place, the name of the files, where it will be (for retrieval) or where you will place it. We need to know the part name and part number for each included part.
  • Make sure the vendor has all the needed information.
    - Material Call Out;
    - Callout for molded in inserts, or post op installation;
    - Texture call-outs, including masking requirements;
    - Any secondary operations that the part will need to have, regardless of who will do them - including painting, screening, plating, etc.
    - How approval of First Article will be handled. Will a representative of your company be present at the first shot? We encourage this as the fastest way to get the parts the way you need them.
    - How many first article parts do you need?

 

Working together in advance makes the process go smooth for you and the vendor. We don't expect you to have all the answers, after all this is product development. But good communication is the key!

 

 

Complexity:

Parting Lines affect the lead time and cost of a tool. A flat parting line is typically much easier than a complex sculpted parting line. A stepped parting line will typically be more complex, but not always.

Pass-cores and shut-offs may or may not affect the complexity of the tool, depending on the details. This should be reviewed in advance.

Side Actions affect the lead time and cost of a tool. Rapid Tooling can generate any features that would be present in a production tool, including side and angled cores, internal lifters, collapsing cores, or rotational cores. The addition of a simple outside core can increase the lead time by an hour or a day. Several cores, internal cores, collapsing cores, and other special conditions can add more time, depending on the specific design.

Overmolding is well within the capability of this process, but adds complexity, time and cost.

CNC vs EDM When we make a tool via the CNC process, it is typically most expedient to cut all features with standard cutters. This means that the part will have radii on outside corners. The deeper the cut, the larger the radius. In some cases it is easy to create an insert in the tool that will allow sharp geometry, and thus avoid significant impact to the complexity of the tool. However, this may leave a witness line on the surface, which may or may not be acceptable for your parts. When sharp features are required, the EDM is process can be used, but you may need to allow extra time and dollars.

 

Milo G Kramer     º     (425) 741-2100     º     fax - (425) 675-1369      º     milo@mgkramer.com
10924 Mukilteo Speedway, # 126,  Mukilteo WA  98275