Prototype to Production – Mold Material Guide
Mold Level | Typical Cycle Life | Material Options | Best For | Notes |
Prototype Molds | Up to ~500 shots | Soft aluminum (e.g., 6061), epoxy tooling, or 3D-printed inserts | Design validation, proof-of-concept builds | Fast turnaround, lowest cost, limited durability |
Bridge Molds | ~100,000 shots | Aluminum (e.g., 7075), mild steel (e.g., 1045) | Low-volume production, pilot runs | Balance between cost and strength, shorter lead time |
Standard Production Molds | ~500,000 shots | Pre-hardened steel (e.g., P20) | Consumer goods, electronics, medical devices | Reliable choice for mid-volume production |
High-Performance Molds | 1,000,000+ shots | Hardened tool steel (e.g., H13, S7) | Automotive, appliances, industrial parts | Longest lifespan, higher upfront cost but lowest cost per part |





DFM Analysis
Mold Design & Mold Flow Analysis
CNC Machining & EDM
T1 Sample
Mold Improvement (If Needed)
Production & Shipping
Mold Cleaning, Protection & Storage


































