Norck: Rapid Prototype Tooling for Fast Injection Molding Iteration

Norck delivers rapid prototype tooling solutions for injection molding, empowering businesses across diverse industries to validate designs, test functionality, and bridge to production with speed and cost-effectiveness.

There are mainly three toolings used for injection molding projects: prototype, bridge, and production tooling.

Prototype molding is used for a low-volume injection molding process to validate a design in terms of functionality, appearance, and assembly.

Its mold is made from aluminum or mild-grade steel, so it is cost-effective compared to a production mold. But it might wear quickly due to the soft material.

Prototype molding offers many advantages:

• Cost effective: Cost is reduced due to the prototype mold material (Aluminum/mild steel)

• Accurate parts: Prototype molds are ideal for prototyping, better than 3D printing, as it produces accurate details with conforming dimensions to the CAD models.

• Design validation:
Can help designers and clients decide on the shape, materials, finishings, features, gaps, and textures of a part before launching the production tooling

But there are some disadvantages as well:

   - Low volume production: Only one cavity can be made for each mold
   - Wears quickly: <500 shots
   - Limited modifications: Can’t be welded (adding material)

Prototype injection molding is made through four steps:

1. Plastification: The plastic granules are transferred from the hopper to the mold using a rotating screw and molted using heaters.

2. Injection: The screw will advance to increase pressure in the injection chamber to inject the molted plastic into the mold. The two cavities are maintained close until the plastic solidifies.

3. Cooling: After injection, the molted plastic will be cooled down to become solid using a cooling circuit. The screw will hold its position to hold the pressure inside the mold.

4. Ejection: After the molted plastic solidifies using a cooling circuit, the Die is opened, and the part is ejected via ejector pins. The screws will retreat to prepare for the next injection.

Obtaining a fully functional part might require extra processing for features that can’t be made with the Prototype molding process, such as taping. The designed part should follow Prototype molding design guidelines.

Norck is a technology-powered manufacturing leader specializing in CNC machining, 3D printing, sheet metal fabrication, and injection molding. Our intelligent, data-driven approach ensures exceptional quality, optimized costs, and seamless supply chain management for companies worldwide.

Key Services:

• Precision CNC Machining: High-quality custom parts and components.
• Advanced 3D Printing: Rapid prototyping and complex production parts.
• Sheet Metal Fabrication: Custom fabrication solutions across materials.
• Injection Molding: Scalable production for plastic parts.

Why Choose Norck?

• AI-Powered Manufacturing: Data and AI optimize our processes for superior quality, minimized costs, and supply chain visibility
• Vast Production Capacity: Our extensive partner network in Europe and the US guarantees both low and high-volume production.
• End-to-End Expertise: Our team of engineers, data scientists, and product developers ensure design for manufacturability and unparalleled service
• Single-Source Solution: Norck streamlines your supply chain, reduces overhead, enhances purchasing power, and delivers just-in-time results.
• Online Prototype Molding  Services: Norck's online prototype molding services provide a fast, easy, and reliable way to bring your ideas to life with high quality, custom made parts.
• Prototype Molding Services Near You: Your search for prototype molding services ends here. Norck offers tailored engineering and manufacturing support that begin with your unique project needs. Whether you're a local business or searching online, our expert team delivers top-quality, customized prototype molding solutions to bring your designs to life.

Experience the Norck difference. Get a quote fast for your manufacturing needs today!