Abtec Inc. is an industry leader in the design, development, and manufacture of custom injection molds and support tooling. We use cutting-edge technologies to provide our clients with precision injection-molded thermoplastic products, whether it’s custom-designed urethane casting prototypes or replacement OEM parts. We serve customers around the world from our ITAR/DOD-registered and ISO 9001:2015-certified facility with the highest level of accuracy, quality, and value. For professional injection molding prototyping, you can always rely on Abtec.
Industry-Leading Prototype Molding Services
At Abtec Inc., we design and engineer prototypes with additive manufacturing, build injection mold tooling, and manufacture products for startups, OEMs, and large companies alike. Our flexible development process gives you the opportunity to develop innovative products for any industry. From simple sketching of a concept, Abtec Inc. can optimize your design for cost-effective 3D printing.
The most important stage of any product may be during the design or development of the original concept. At this stage, choices are made that will impact the function of the end product and the costs involved with its manufacturing. Without a functional prototype mold for testing and analysis, questions may be left unanswered, and advancement to the manufacturing stage may be delayed indefinitely. Abtec, Inc. proudly offers quality injection molding prototyping services to help our customers implement and optimize their designs. We often say — do it once and do it right! That’s why we always offer a simple, clean, and elegant solution!
Advantages of Using a Prototyping Tool for Injection Molding
At Abtec Inc., we have developed a finely tuned process for creating customized plastic injection molded components, from the initial concept through shipping the completed order. During our 3D printing services, we do the following:
- Our skilled engineers meet with you to discuss your idea and create a design sketch.
- Using CAD software, our engineers turn the sketch into a fully optimized design, incorporating the materials and elements necessary to provide the maximum functionality and return on investment.
- We can 3D print to create a rapid prototype.
- The prototype is provided for fit, form, and function.
- Upon the successful completion of the testing, we build the injection mold tooling.
- Affordable mass production of the part is conducted using the injection molding process.
- Our experienced team provides any necessary assembly, then we package and ship your completed order.
While 3D printing is significantly slower and more expensive than injection molding for full-scale production, 3D-printed prototypes provide a way to create a working model of the concept without investing in more expensive tooling and molds when the design may still need adjustments. Having a three-dimensional sample allows the customer and our engineering team the opportunity to ensure that the component will fit seamlessly and operate as intended.
3D printing is beneficial for plastic injection molding prototyping because:
- Physical testing proves the efficacy
- It saves time and money
Types of Prototype Injection Molding
At Abtec, we offer several types of rapid prototype injection molding. For fit, form, and function testing, we can provide FDM-printed prototypes in ABS, TPU, PLA, and other materials. If your project requires other means, we’re able to offer additional options such as urethane casting, SLA, and SLS, prototypes.
Abtec’s FDM Printed Prototypes
Working with production-grade thermoplastics and 3D printers specifically designed to work with them, Fused Deposition Modeling prototypes, also known as FDM, creates precise, robust parts with a high rate of repeatability. FDM prototypes are easy to produce, functional, and affordable. By first heating, then extruding the thermoplastic filaments, fused filament fabrication (FFF) 3D printers produce parts in layers from the bottom up, creating a mechanical bond between layers. FDM prototyping provides many advantages.
- Cost efficiency. Production tooling requires a financial investment, and it doesn’t make sense to waste money on tooling for a component that is unproven. FDM prototypes are a low-cost way to test the fit and design of the part, allowing you the option of producing several prototypes before moving to production.
- Range of materials. There is a wide range of thermoplastic filaments that can be leveraged for your fused deposition modeling prototype. At Abtec, we often print prototypes for clients in multiple materials, ABS, TPU, and PLA, and partnered to offer SLA, SLA, and urethane casting to determine the best fit for their use.
- Versatility. FDM technology grants significant flexibility in terms of material usage and workpiece size, enabling the printing of even large injection-molded prototypes from multiple material options.
Precision Prototype Molding Services
Our talented team of injection molding prototyping engineers provides design assistance during all design phases and assists in modifying existing designs, providing quality services for our customers from concept to completion. Working with a quality prototype design and development partner will ensure the quality of your part and alignment of your design and manufacturing specifications.
In Addition to Injection Molding Prototyping, We Also Offer:
Reach Out Today for Professional 3D Printing Services
Anything is printable, but Abtec Inc. can assure your printable part is also a moldable part that is economical for injection molding manufacturing. From SLA and SLS prototypes to rapid injection molding services, we’ll have all the needs of your business covered. Backed by over a century of combined industry experience, our team has the necessary expertise to fulfill your prototype injection molding requests.
For more information on our design, engineering, and prototyping capabilities, contact us today — the team at Abtec will be happy to assist with all your injection molding prototyping needs. In addition, if you have any questions, visit our FAQ page for answers.
