Prototype-Plus™

What exactly is Prototype-Plus™?

Prototype-Plus™ is a low cost tooling solution that provides customers with the speed and cost of a prototype tool, at the quality level required for production.

Utilizing AIM’s Prototype-Plus™ process, the same tool that provides prototype samples for testing and validation can be used for the initial production run. In many short run and low-volume cases, the same tool can be used for the entire life cycle of the product providing an outstanding return on investment.

Customers often take advantage of the Prototype-Plus™ process by using it as a bridge that connects prototype activities with their regular production program. Customers not only achieve their prototype requirements, they are also able to provide product for their start of early or regular production while their intended production source comes up to speed.

AIM’s reputation and culture has been built around a system that streamlines tooling and molding practices. Innovative tooling options combined with a profound knowledge and history in molding prototypes, short runs and low-volume production products, allows AIM to deliver “production quality” parts in as little as 3 days to 4 weeks.

AIM is able to quickly complete and deliver finished products to satisfy a customer’s prototype and early production run needs.

AIMs’ innovative Prototype-Plus™ program and tooling options, such as AIM’s ‘Master Mold Frame’ system, provide customers with the most time and cost effective solutions to their rapid prototyping, short-run and low-volume production needs. Customers receive actual injection molded prototypes, often within…days not weeks!

Through Prototype-Plus™, AIM finds itself as an industry leader in the manufacturing of low cost aluminum, modular and hybrid mold fabrications. This is a very popular option for companies involved with new, innovative, product development and market entry projects. This option is equally popular with companies seeking cost effective solutions for their short-run and low volume production needs.
Rapid turnaround is achieved without compromise to intended design and part function nor are they subject to a limited offering of injection molding resins.

‘Master Mold Frame’ system:

When applicable, AIM offers modular tooling solutions that incorporate the use of a ‘Master Mold Frame’ allowing for the use of modular mold inserts (speed bases) and Master Unit Dies (MUD). These solutions significantly reduce both project cost and lead times.

The ‘Master Mold Frame’ include all the components of a typical mold base, less the cavity and core elements. These special bases incorporate features that accept, ‘part specific’, cavity and core inserts. By using these ‘off-the-shelf’ modular units, tool construction costs and lead times are thereby greatly reduced.

Advantages:

• Average times in as little as 3 days
• Ability to validate production intent products and processes
• Provides best solution to achieve both project cost and timing objectives
• Low set-up charges
• Customers receive actual injection molded prototypes, often within days not weeks
• Rapid turnaround is achieved without compromise to intended design and part function nor are they subject to a limited offering of injection molding resins
• Full 3D tool design with customer approval via glance or GoToMeeting session within 3 days

Disadvantages:

• When using the ‘Master Mold Frame’ scenario, customer only owns the cavity and core insert, not the ‘Master Mold Frame’.
• Part size is limited to approximately a 3 inch by 10 inch envelope or smaller