Injection Mold Making Services — Precision Tooling from China
- From Bridge Tooling to Production molds
- Competitive pricing
23+
Years in business
- ISO 9001:2015 Certified
- Free DFM Review
- Customer Owns All Tooling
- Worldwide Shipping
Injection Mold Factory
RpProto is a trusted injection mold manufacturer in China with 25 years of expertise and a proven track record of producing over 500 precision molds annually. RpProto delivers tooling solutions that balance exceptional quality with cost efficiency.
From single-cavity molds to multi-cavity systems for high-volume production, RpProto provides the precision and reliability your project demands, regardless of part complexity. By minimizing defects, reducing material waste, and optimizing cycle times, our molds help you achieve faster time-to-market and lower total production costs.
Complete Mold-Making Solutions
Bridge Tooling
Ideal for medium-volume production and market launch quantities (50,000-300,000+ parts)
Lead Time
3-6 Weeks
Materials
Aluminum or Soft Steel
Lifespan
300,000+ Cycles
Cavities
2-8 Typical
- Family molds (multiple part types)
- Hot runner systems available
- Faster and cheaper than production tooling
Production Tooling
Premium tooling for high-volume manufacturing and long-term production runs (500k-10M+ cycles)
Lead Time
4-8 Weeks
Materials
Hardened Tool Steel
Lifespan
500K+ Cycles
Cavities
Up to 256
- Multi-shot/two-shot molding
- Hot runner systems available
- Complex geometries
- Full first article inspection (FAI)
Why Choose RpProto?
Industry-leading injection mold making with unmatched speed, quality, and service
In-house China factory
- 3-axis, 5-axis CNC machining
- Wire EDM & Sinker EDM capabilities
- Precision polishing & texturing
Rapid Turnaround
- Bridge tooling: 3-6 weeks
- Production molds: 4-8 weeks
Customer Owns All Tooling
- Free tool storage (specify duration)
- Mold transfer services available
Expert Engineering Support
- Free DFM (Design for Manufacturability) analysis
- Mold flow analysis available
- Design optimization recommendations
Mold-Making Capabilities
CNC Machining Centers
3-Axis CNC Machining – Standard precision work
5-Axis CNC Machining – Complex geometries
Precision: ±0.0005″ achievable
EDM Technology
Wire EDM – Precise cutting for intricate details
Sinker EDM – Deep cavity work, textures
No-Polish EDM – Sharp corners without hand polishing
Precision: ±0.0002″ tolerance
Additional Capabilities
CNC Lathes – Round components
Surface Grinders – Precision flatness
Polishing & Texturing – All SPI grades
Heat Treatment – Steel hardening
Mold Testing – Before delivery
Injection Mold Making Process & Workflow with RpProto
From the moment you upload your CAD file to the delivery of production-ready T1 samples, every step in our injection mold making process is engineered for precision, transparency, and speed.
RFQ & CAD File Review
Upload your 2D drawings or 3D CAD files (STEP, IGES, SolidWorks, etc.). Our engineering team reviews geometry, tolerances, material requirements, and annual volume to prepare a detailed quotation within 24 hours.
- Accepted formats: STEP, IGES, STP, X_T
- Part volume, dimensions & weight assessment
- Material selection guidance
- Mold type recommendation (bridge vs. production)
- Cavity number & layout proposal
- Preliminary tooling cost estimate
Before a single line of toolpath is generated, our mold engineers conduct a comprehensive Design for Manufacturability (DFM) analysis — provided free with every order. We identify issues early to avoid costly mold modifications downstream.
- Wall thickness uniformity check
- Draft angle verification (min. 1°–3°)
- Undercut & side-action identification
- Gate location & runner system proposal
- Parting line optimization
- Ejector pin placement review
- Shrinkage & warp risk assessment
- Written DFM report delivered to customer
Mold Flow Simulation/Analysis
For complex geometries or critical-tolerance parts, we run Moldflow / Moldex3D simulation to validate the mold design before steel is cut — predicting and resolving defects in the digital environment.
- Fill time & flow front analysis
- Weld line & air trap prediction
- Warpage & sink mark simulation
- Cooling channel balance optimization
- Pressure & clamping force calculation
- Simulation report shared with customer
Mold Design & Engineering
Our mold designers produce a complete 3D mold design in UG NX / CATIA, covering every structural and functional detail of the tool. The design is reviewed and approved by the customer before steel procurement begins.
- Full 3D mold assembly design
- Core & cavity layout
- Cooling channel routing design
- Runner system & gate design
- Side-action (slider / lifter) design
- Ejector system layout
- Mold base & standard component selection
- Customer design approval sign-off
Steel Machining & EDM
With design approved, our in-house machining team begins cutting steel. All work is performed on-site at our Xiamen factory — no outsourcing — giving us direct quality control at every stage of the manufacturing process.
- Steel procurement (P20, H13, S136, NAK80, etc.)
- Rough & semi-finish CNC milling (3-axis & 5-axis)
- Wire EDM – precision profile cutting
- Sinker EDM – deep cavities & sharp corners
- CNC turning for round components
- Surface grinding – flatness & parallelism
- Heat treatment & hardening (where required)
- In-process CMM dimensional inspection
Mold Assembly & Polishing
All individual mold components are assembled into a complete tool, then benchfitted and polished by experienced mold technicians to the customer-specified SPI or VDI surface finish grade.
- Core & cavity assembly & fitting
- Runner, gate & cooling system assembly
- Slider, lifter & ejector system fitting
- SPI surface polishing (A1–D3) as specified
- Texture application (VDI 3400 / Mold-Tech)
- Parting surface sealing & fit check
- Hot runner installation (if applicable)
Mold Trial & T1 Sample Approval
The completed mold is installed in our injection molding press for the first trial run (T1 shot). Sample parts are inspected against the approved drawing, photographed, and shipped to the customer for sign-off before any mass production begins.
- First article injection trial (T1 shot)
- Parts measured against 2D drawing tolerances
- Visual inspection: sink marks, flash, weld lines
- Dimensional report (FAI / PPAP upon request)
- T1 samples shipped to customer for approval
- Mold modifications (T2/T3) if required
- Customer approval before production
With T1 samples approved, the mold enters production. Your mold is your property — we offer free storage for up to 2 years and can transfer the tool to any facility worldwide. Parts are shipped globally via FedEx, UPS, DHL, or ocean freight.
- Production molding at specified volumes
- Ongoing QC (SPC / AQL sampling)
- Customer owns all tooling outright
- Free mold storage up to 2 years
- Mold maintenance & repair service
- Worldwide shipping via FedEx / DHL / freight
- Mold transfer support to any location
Mold Material Selection
Precision-engineered materials optimized for durability, performance, and production efficiency
| Material | Description | Hardness | Life Cycles | Best For | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| P20 Steel | Pre-hardened tool steel ideal for medium to high production runs with excellent machinability. | 28-32 HRC | 300K - 500K shots | Medium production volumes | Excellent polishability |
| H13 Steel | Hot work tool steel with superior toughness and thermal fatigue resistance for demanding applications. | 48-52 HRC | 1M+ shots | High-volume production | Exceptional heat resistance |
| NAK80 Steel | Pre-hardened mirror-finish steel delivering exceptional surface quality straight from machining. | 37-43 HRC | 500K - 800K shots | Optical-quality parts | Superior mirror finish |
| S136 Steel | Stainless tool steel with outstanding corrosion resistance for medical and food-grade applications. | 48-52 HRC | 800K - 1M shots | Corrosive materials | Excellent corrosion resistance |
| 718 Steel | Premium grade with excellent polishability and wear resistance for high-precision molds. | 30-36 HRC | 500K - 700K shots | Complex geometries | Outstanding machinability |
| Aluminum 7075 | Lightweight aluminum alloy perfect for prototyping and short-run production with rapid turnaround. | 150 HB | 10K - 100K shots | Prototyping & low volume | Faster cooling cycles |
Surface Finish Options
Professional-grade surface finishes meeting SPI, VDI, and international standards for superior part quality and aesthetics
Complete surface finish grades and specifications
| Grade | Description | Ra (μm) | VDI Equivalent | Common Applications |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A-1 | Diamond Buff #3 (Mirror) | 0.012 - 0.025 | VDI 0 | Optical lenses, reflectors |
| A-2 | Diamond Buff #6 | 0.025 - 0.05 | VDI 3 | Clear light covers, displays |
| A-3 | Diamond Buff #15 | 0.05 - 0.1 | VDI 6 | High-gloss housings |
| B-1 | 600 Stone Polish | 0.1 - 0.2 | VDI 12 | General plastic parts |
| B-2 | 400 Stone Polish | 0.2 - 0.4 | VDI 15 | Lower gloss housings |
| C-1 | 320 Stone Finish | 0.4 - 0.8 | VDI 21 | Textured parts, grips |
| C-2 | 240 Stone Finish | 0.8 - 1.6 | VDI 24 | Low-gloss functional parts |
| D-1 | Dry Blast Glass Bead #11 | 1.6 - 3.2 | VDI 27 | Satin texture parts |
| D-2 | Dry Blast #240 Oxide | 3.2 - 6.3 | VDI 33 | Heavy texture, grips |
| D-3 | Dry Blast #24 Oxide | 6.3 - 12.5 | VDI 36 | Rough industrial surfaces |
For more details, please refer to SPI Surface Finish Standards
Industries We Serve
Delivering precision injection molding solutions across diverse industries with specialized expertise and proven results
Medical & Healthcare
Precision components for critical healthcare applications
– Diagnostic devices and housings
– Drug delivery systems (inhalers, injectors)
– Surgical instruments and trays
– Medical device components
– Laboratory equipment
– Disposable medical products
Automotive
High-performance parts for the automotive industry
– Interior trim and panels
– Dashboard components
– Exterior trim and badges
– Under-hood components
– Electrical connectors
– HVAC components
– Lighting housings
Consumer Electronics
Sleek enclosures and components for modern devices
– Device housings and enclosures
– Bezels and trim
– Battery compartments
– Buttons and switches
– Lens components
– Cable management
Consumer Products
Everyday items engineered for quality and durability
– Appliance components
– Packaging solutions
– Sporting goods
– Toys and games
– Household items
– Tools and equipment
Industrial Equipment
Robust components for demanding industrial environments
– Enclosures and housings
– Gears and mechanical components
– Fixtures and jigs
– Handles and grips
– Protective covers
– Control panels
Start Your Injection Mold Project
Get your instant quote today and experience the RpProto difference
- Get Quotes in 24 Hours
- Expert Engineering Support
- Free DFM Analysis
Or email us at ryan@rpproto.com, info@rpproto.com
FAQs
What's the difference between bridge, and production tooling?
Bridge tooling (3-6 weeks) uses soft steel for 50,000-300,000+ parts. Production tooling (4-8 weeks) uses hardened steel for 500,000 to 10 million+ cycles and includes advanced features like multi-cavity, hot runners, and automation.
Who owns the molds you create?
You own all molds outright upon full payment. We provide free tool storage for up to 2 years and offer mold transfer services if you want to move production elsewhere. There are no hidden fees or ongoing charges for mold ownership.
What is a DFM analysis and why is it important?
Design for Manufacturability (DFM) analysis reviews your part design to identify potential molding issues, optimize features for production, reduce costs, and improve quality. We provide this service free with every quote, offering recommendations on wall thickness, draft angles, undercuts, and other critical design elements.
Do you ship internationally?
Yes, we ship worldwide. We have experience with international logistics, customs documentation, and can arrange freight forwarding to ensure your molds and parts arrive safely and on time, regardless of your location.
Do you offer prototyping before committing to tooling?
Yes, we can 3D print prototypes for fit and function testing before committing to injection molding tooling.
Will I receive samples before full production?
Yes, we provide T1 samples from your mold for approval before proceeding with production quantities.
How do you ship internationally
We ship worldwide via FedEx, UPS, DHL, and freight forwarders. International shipping costs are calculated at checkout.