In vacuum forming, the mould tool is the foundation of everything. The quality of every part produced — its dimensional accuracy, surface finish, and consistency — is directly determined by the quality of the tool. At Jabro Games, we invest in producing tooling that delivers reliable, repeatable results across the entire production run.
What Happens With Poor-Quality Tooling?
Inadequately manufactured tooling can cause a range of problems: parts that release inconsistently, surface defects caused by tool imperfections, dimensional variation from part to part, and premature tool wear that necessitates early replacement. Any of these issues results in increased scrap rates, delays, and additional cost.
Material Choice for Tooling
The appropriate tooling material depends on the production volume and the precision required. Resin or polyurethane tools are cost-effective for prototypes and short runs but wear more quickly. Aluminium tooling offers excellent surface quality and longevity, making it the preferred choice for medium to long production runs. For very high volumes, machined aluminium tools deliver the best combination of quality and durability.
The Value of Experience
Experienced toolmakers anticipate the behaviour of the thermoplastic during forming and design tools that account for material spring-back, shrinkage, and the specific characteristics of the chosen material. This expertise reduces the likelihood of costly design iterations after tooling has been manufactured.
Tooling as an Investment
Quality tooling is an investment that pays dividends across every production run it enables. At Jabro Games, we take pride in the quality of our tooling and stand behind the parts it produces. Contact us at jabrogames.com to discuss your tooling requirements.