zTool  General Design Guideline & Technical Info  

Part Size

The recommended maximum size for the molds are 12” x  12” x  12” however larger parts can be made. These larger parts would have to be examined on a individual basic before we know that they can be produced.

Material & Mold Life

The zTool process can produce parts in ABS, nylon, polycarbonate, acrylic and a variety of other polymers. Different  polymers can affect the life of the mold cavity differently. The main factors to take into consideration is the abrasiveness of the material as well as the percentage filler that the mixture contains.

Tolerances

Tolerance can range from +/- 0.001 to +/- 0.010. This tolerance depends on the customer specifications. Some factors that affect the tolerance are as material choices, master pattern, specified critical areas, and geometry just to name a few.

Mold Making Process

The process begins with a master pattern, typical SLA or CNC, that will be finished to a mold level finish and inspected. The Master then goes through a proprietary modified RPM procedure to create the zTool. The tool is then post proceeded according to the customer specification.

Cost & Delivery

Typically we find that the cost is 20% to 50% less than a machines aluminum tool. Lead time is also significantly fast. It falls into the 10 to 14 day range depending on part geometry on mold complexity.

zTool  General Design Guideline & Technical Info  

Part Size

The recommended maximum size for the molds are 12” x  12” x  12” however larger parts can be made. These larger parts would have to be examined on a individual basic before we know that they can be produced.

Material & Mold Life

The zTool process can produce parts in ABS, nylon, polycarbonate, acrylic and a variety of other polymers. Different  polymers can affect the life of the mold cavity differently. The main factors to take into consideration is the abrasiveness of the material as well as the percentage filler that the mixture contains.

Tolerances

Tolerance can range from +/- 0.001 to +/- 0.010. This tolerance depends on the customer specifications. Some factors that affect the tolerance are as material choices, master pattern, specified critical areas, and geometry just to name a few.

Mold Making Process

The process begins with a master pattern, typical SLA or CNC, that will be finished to a mold level finish and inspected. The Master then goes through a proprietary modified RPM procedure to create the zTool. The tool is then post proceeded according to the customer specification.

Cost & Delivery

Typically we find that the cost is 20% to 50% less than a machines aluminum tool. Lead time is also significantly fast. It falls into the 10 to 14 day range depending on part geometry on mold complexity.