Also known as toggle molds or T molds, tandem molds alternately run one layer or the other. This plastic injection mold design allows for different parts and designs to be run in each layer, using different shot sizes or plastic volume in each half.
A multi-shot (or two-shot) mold, combines two or more materials into one part in a single mold. When designed right, multi-shot molds significantly reduce the amount of scrap, cycle times, resin, work-in-process, and assembly; thus, driving down costs and improving the quality and consistency of the finished product.
These molds are seldom “simple.” Simple or conventional molds are the most popular and where molding originated. Conventional molds may include multiple cavities, actions, materials (such as copper alloys), cooling methods, 3D-printed parts, or conformal cooling inserts; all engineered to improve the mold’s performance and part geometry.
Smart molds are engineered to provide real-time meaningful information to improve molding efficiency. Data gathered is used to identify past trends, future predictable outcomes, and logs mold performance. Smart molds utilize predictive analytics, which can catch errors or maintenance issues before they occur, reducing costs and improving efficiency.
Thin wall injection molds are specialized molds that focus on plastic parts that are thin and light. Expertise is needed to understand plastic shrink and tolerances. The thin wall parts provide product weight reduction, material cost savings, and faster cycle times; which means higher productivity and lower costs per part.
Traditional LCC (Low-Cost Country) molds are typically inferior, cheap, unreliable and unsupported. A1’s proprietary Supported Economic Tooling (SET®) combines the superior quality and reliability of domestic tooling with the cost savings of international tooling. SET® molds are thoroughly vetted for design, function, quality, and supported by A1 Tool.
In-mold labeling (IML) is a process for decorating or labeling injection molded plastic parts or components during the plastic injection molding cycle. IML can be used on a wide variety of mold types.
Prototype molds are intended for testing part geometry, functionality, and low volume production. These molds are typically produced out of aluminum; however, they can also be made out of steel. A1 is in a unique position capable of producing prototype molds both domestically and internationally.
There are many, many more types of molds A1 produces on a regular basis, and we would love to discuss your unique molding needs. A1 does not produce blow molds and extrusion molds.
Our sampling is done in-house, which means we offer your company the opportunity to improve your tool’s functionality and troubleshoot the process for higher mold throughput before it even leaves A1. We offer a variety of presses to sample molds and can provide sample parts for early testing to our customers on-site.