Prototyping
Rapid Tooling
Rapid tooling accelerates the creation of injection molds and parts, delivering high-quality results in a fraction of the time.
- Material: Aluminum
- Cycles: 100-10,000 cycles
- Lead time: 10-12 days
In-House Tooling for Silicone Parts
Fecision designs and builds molds for LSR injection and silicone compression molding. Our tooling team works with production from the first DFM review through mold trials and sample approval.
- CAD / SolidWorks
- Mold Flow Analysis
- 5-Axis CNC Machining
- Sinker & Wire EDM
Fecision In-house Tooling Capabilities
Fecision supports in-house tooling from CAD design and mold flow analysis to 5-axis CNC machining, EDM, and precision mold fabrication.
Our tooling process helps accelerate rapid validation, production mold builds, tight-tolerance geometry, and stable long-run manufacturing.
Tooling Types by Volume
From rapid aluminum prototypes to hardened steel production molds.
Production
Production Tooling
Production tooling is built for high-volume LSR components and supports more intricate designs, tighter repeatability, and durable long-run performance.
- Material: P20, NAK80, H13, S136
- Cycles: 100,000-1,000,000+ cycles
- Lead time: 3-6 weeks
Tool Material Selection
Common tool steels for silicone rubber molding tools, selected according to finish, durability, thermal load, and corrosion requirements.
P20
Versatile steel with good toughness, commonly used for general-purpose molds.
NAK80
High hardness with excellent finish quality for precision mold applications.
H13
Tough, heat-resistant steel for high-temperature and demanding mold conditions.
S136
High-hardness, corrosion-resistant steel for durable molds with smooth finishes.
7075
High-strength aluminum alloy for rapid tooling, prototype molds, and lightweight fixtures.
6061
Machinable aluminum alloy for fast prototype tools, jigs, and validation fixtures.
316
Corrosion-resistant stainless steel for tooling exposed to moisture, cleaning, or medical-use requirements.
420
Hardenable stainless steel for polished mold surfaces and wear-resistant production tooling.
Fecision's Precision Tooling Capabilities
Tool making tolerances vary by application and manufacturing process. Below is a summary of typical ranges.
| Feature | Tolerance | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Linear Dimensions | +/-0.05 to +/-0.2 mm | Size and complexity dependent. |
| Wall Thickness | +/-0.1 to +/-0.2 mm | Consistent silicone thickness. |
| Hole Diameter | +/-0.05 to +/-0.1 mm | Functional or assembly precision. |
| Shrinkage Allowance | 1% to 3% | Material-specific compensation. |
| Surface Finish | Ra 0.8 μm or better | Functional or aesthetic requirements. |
Tooling Fabrication Techniques
In-house CNC and EDM technology creates precise rapid and production tooling with tight tolerances and intricate features.
3, 5-Axis CNC Machining
- Precision milling, turning, and grinding for complex geometries
- CNC milling of P20 and S136 steel
- CNC turning for HRC62+ pre-hardened components
- Surface grinding with finish better than Ra 0.2 μm
Electrical Discharge Machining
- Controlled spark erosion for intricate details
- Sinker EDM for undercuts and micro-features with 0.1 mm tolerance
- Wire EDM for hardened steels up to HRC65 with +/-0.002 mm tolerance
Surface Engineering
- Mirror polishing for SPI A1 high-gloss mold surfaces
- Chemical etching for custom textures
- Nitriding for increased hardness and extended mold life
- PVD coating for low-friction and wear resistance
Equipment for Tooling Making
Climate-controlled shop floor with precision machining assets.
5-axis Machining Centers
Sinker EDM
Wire EDM
Vertical Drilling Machine
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about lead time, silicone shrinkage, tooling materials, and production readiness.
What is the typical lead time for a prototype mold?
Rapid aluminum tooling usually takes 10-12 days, while steel production tooling typically requires 3-6 weeks depending on complexity.
How do you compensate for silicone shrinkage?
We apply a typical 1% to 3% shrinkage allowance based on material behavior, part geometry, and validation results before steel cutting is finalized.
Do you provide both rapid tooling and production tooling?
Yes. We support rapid tooling for prototype validation and hardened steel production tooling for high-volume LSR programs.
Can you support tight tolerance silicone molds?
Yes. Our engineers develop the mold from CAD and flow analysis, then machine and finish the tool in-house. Inspection and trial molding confirm whether it reproduces the required geometry.
Start Your Silicone Rubber Tooling With Fecision
Share your part geometry, volume targets, and material requirements.