Choosing the right tooling strategy is critical for efficient and cost-effective manufacturing. Whether you’re producing a small batch of prototypes or scaling up to mass production, tooling manufacturers play a crucial role in determining quality, efficiency, and overall production costs.
At Hatch, we work with top-tier tooling manufacturers to provide the best solutions for low, medium, and high-volume production, ensuring that every product meets the highest standards.
Low-Volume Production: Flexibility & Speed
Low-volume production typically involves prototyping, early-stage product launches, and custom or niche-market products. Since the goal is to test and refine designs before committing to large-scale production, tooling strategies must be cost-effective and adaptable.
Tooling Options for Low-Volume Manufacturing:
- Soft tooling (urethane, aluminum molds, or 3D-printed molds): Cheaper and faster to produce, ideal for short production runs
- Rapid injection molding: Uses aluminum or hybrid molds for faster turnaround times
- CNC machining: Suitable for complex, high-precision parts without requiring expensive tooling
The benefits of these options are that there are lower initial costs, faster turnaround times, and greater flexibility for design changes. For companies looking for prototypes and low-volume manufacturing, Hatch can find a solution for a small-batch production run without excessive tooling costs.
Medium-Volume Production: Balancing Cost & Durability
Medium-volume production bridges the gap between small-run prototyping and full-scale manufacturing. This range typically includes pilot production runs, limited-edition products, or growing product lines that haven’t yet reached mass-market demand.
Tooling Options for Medium-Volume Manufacturing:
- Aluminum or hybrid molds: Stronger than soft tooling but more affordable than hardened steel
- Bridge tooling: Temporary solutions before committing to full-scale production molds
- Die casting and sheet metal forming: Used for mid-range quantities in industrial and consumer products
These options provide a balance between cost and durability and are ideal for refining designs before mass production.
High-Volume Production: Durability & Efficiency
High-volume production demands long-lasting, high-precision tooling that can withstand thousands or even millions of cycles. Tooling decisions at this stage have a direct impact on product cost, lead times, and overall manufacturing efficiency.
Tooling Options for High-Volume Manufacturing:
- Hardened steel molds: Designed for high wear resistance and longevity
- Multi-cavity and family molds: Increase efficiency by producing multiple parts at once
- Automated die casting and injection molding: Enables faster cycle times and consistent part quality.
These methods are cost-effective for large-scale production, provide high durability and minimal maintenance, and are optimized for efficiency and precision. Hatch works with tooling manufacturers to ensure our clients receive the highest quality, production-ready tooling. Our experience in contract manufacturing allows us to help businesses transition smoothly from mid-range to full-scale production.
Selecting the Right Strategy with Tooling Manufacturers for Every Stage of Production
Tooling manufacturers play a critical role in bringing products to market efficiently, whether you’re producing a small prototype batch, a limited run, or scaling to high-volume production. At Hatch, we ensure our clients get the right tooling solutions for their specific production needs, helping them achieve cost efficiency, quality, and scalability.
Are you in need of guidance on your tooling and production strategy? Get in touch with Hatch today to discuss your project.
