Plastic injection molding & prototyping
Starting a new project efficiently means making the most of time and resources, reducing risks and streamlining the entire product development process. EPS offers prototyping through 3D printing and rapid tooling development.
Which do you choose: rapid tooling vs additive manufacturing?
Prototype in injection molding is one of the most effective ways to validate plastic components before moving into mass production. This approach helps reduce uncertainty, speed up design validation and optimize the investments. Additive maufacturing is also a quick solution to validate a new project or to print low quantities and variable production.
Fast turnaround with rapid tooling
Prototypes can be produced using rapid tooling. These molds are built with specific technical choices like a simplified designs, essential movements and suitable materials; that choices help reduce complexity and shorten lead times. These temporary molds are usefull to test real production, to fix design and design flaws and to produce thousands of plastic parts.
Prototypes made with real materials
A major advantage to use rapid tooling in injection molding is the ability to use also the same polymers planned for the final product. This ensures reliable mechanical performance right from the start.
Surface quality and accuracy for testing and assembly
Compared to CNC machining, injection‑molded prototypes offer better aesthetic and dimensional consistency, making them ideal for evaluating surface finishes and tolerances. This results in prototypes that are ready for functional testing and assembly checks.
The alternative: rapid prototyping
Additive manufacturing is the main alternative to rapid tooling. 3D printing is extremely valuable in the early stages of development, especially when you need to quickly assess geometry, ergonomics or overall part size.
Which do you choose: rapid tooling or 3D printing?
The choice between a rapid tooling or 3D printing depends on the project and its specific requirements. We combine both technologies in EPS. For complex projects, additive manufacturing can be used as an initial step, followed by a rapid tooling to validate the application with production polymers.
A bridge to full production
Prototyping is not only a validation tool, but it can also serve as a practical bridge to early production. Rapid tooling allows companies to deliver initial pre series batches while the final mold is being built. This flexibility helps bring early units to market faster and accelerates the overall product‑development cycle.
Materials, additives, and colors: complete validation
EPS provides guidance on polymer selection and supports both technical and aesthetic validation. We help identify the most suitable additives, stabilizers and color options. This approach prevents costly redesigns and ensures full control over every variable from the earliest stages.
A structured and reliable development workflow
EPS follows a structured process for every project: DFM and mold flow analysis, in house mold design and manufacture, sampling in our injection molding department and delivery of customized batches with the required surface finishes and assembly options.
Working on a new project? Get in touch!
EPS looks ahead to the future, as highlighted during Innovation Week, and we offer technical expertise, certified materials and an optimized workflow to ensure a smooth and efficient start for every new development.
