Capability
Mold Types and Tooling Options
Two-plate, three-plate, hot runner, multi-cavity, stack and two-shot tooling – and how the right one is chosen for your part and your volume.
Tool types we build
Hot runner systems
No runner to recycle, a shorter cycle and better cavity balance. A hot runner pays for itself as soon as the annual volume justifies the higher tool cost.
Multi-cavity and family tools
Several copies of one part, or several parts of the same material, in one tool. The cavity count follows your annual volume - not a catalogue.
Two-shot and insert molding
Hard and soft material in a single cycle, or metal inserts molded directly into the part: fewer assembly steps and a stronger joint.
Choosing between them
| Tool type | Best when | Trade-off |
|---|---|---|
| Two-plate, cold runner | Simple geometry, low to medium volume | Runner waste; gate mark on the part |
| Three-plate | The gate must be on the top face, or the part needs a flat surface | Longer cycle, more maintenance points |
| Hot runner | Higher volume, tight cycle time, many cavities | Higher tool cost; needs good temperature control |
| Multi-cavity / family | Several parts with the same material and similar size | Every cavity has to be balanced and maintained |
| Stack mould | Very high volume with limited machine tonnage | Complex mould base, careful maintenance |
| Two-shot / insert | Combined materials, or metal inserts inside plastic | Special machine and tooling, longer development |
How the tool type is decided
Part and function review
What the part has to do, which surfaces are visible and which tolerances really matter – that decides more than the drawing alone.
Volume and cycle time
The annual quantity sets the cavity count, the runner system and the steel choice. A tool bought for a low volume is not economical at a high one.
Material and shrinkage
Shrinkage, flow length and glass content decide gate position and cooling layout, and whether a hot runner is sensible.
Tool design approval
You receive the tool layout, gate and ejection plan and cooling design for approval before any steel is cut.
Build, trial and iterate
Machining, spotting, trial and corrections, documented at every stage, with samples until the part meets the drawing and the cosmetic requirement.
Frequently asked questions
How many cavities should a tool have?
It follows the annual volume and the machine that will run it. We normally compare two or three cavity layouts against cycle time and tool cost, and let you choose.
When is a hot runner worth the extra cost?
When cycle time, runner waste and cavity balance matter – usually at higher volumes or with many cavities. At low volume a cold runner is normally cheaper overall.
Can a tool be upgraded later?
Yes, and the design allows for it: inserts can be added to increase the cavity count, or a hot runner manifold can be planned in from the start so the change stays simple.
Do you also build die casting dies and prototype tools?
We build aluminium die casting dies and prototype or bridge tooling in the same workshop, which shortens the route from sample part to serial production.
Related pages
Explore the rest of our capabilities:
Not sure which tool type you need?
Send the part, the material and the annual quantity – we will recommend a tool type and explain the trade-offs before you commit.