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OPUS PLASTICS

Custom Tooling

Creating a plastic injection moulding tool is a precise engineering process that turns a 3D part design into a functional metal mould. With over 30 years of toolmaking experience, here at Opus we can advise you to the highest level on part design, tool design and the type of mould required to meet your production requirement. We have a range of options that we are able to offer our customers as we understand how crucial moulds are and how essential it is to get the right one to meet your needs. At Opus Plastics we work with selected local, national and international partners that have all been visited and inspected by us. These companies are the best at what they do and have been carefully chosen for their commitment to supplying quality tools, at the right price, with on time deliveries.

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Choosing your mould production type:

Low Volume & Bridge Tooling

If you’re looking for a quick tooling solution, we’d recommend Aliminium Moulds. This is a softer material, meaning the tool is not as hard-wearing but offers a quick-to-machine, low cost option for short term, low volume projects. If you’d like to explore other options for prototyping, we can arrange 3D printing for prototypes or CNC milling to produce a proof in your chosen polymer.

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Low cost tooling

We can help you choose the right tooling option for your business model and expectations. Rather than over-investing upfront, bridge tooling offers a lower-cost way to start production and build your distribution network. As sales grow, profits can then be reinvested into more efficient tooling that maximises profitability and meets increased demand.

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Choosing your mould production type:

Production Tooling

  • Direct to Core – Impression Forms Machined Direct into Core and Cavity Plates. A low cost, quick-to-machine solution.
  • P20 Tool Steel Moulds – Semi-tough option, tough material but not hardened, good for non-abrasive materials e.g. poly-propylene.
  • Fully Hardened Long Life Production Moulds – These include 52-54 rockwell moulds with high toughness, thermal fatigue resistance, and strength at elevated temperatures. The recommended option for high volume production and projects that include abrasive materials.
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Types of tooling

Hot Runner Systems

A waste-reducing option compared to cold sprue feeds. Initial cost is higher but removing sprue production, optimises raw material utilisation, improving efficiency.

Multi-Impression Moulds

Designed with two or more identical cavities, producing multiple of the same parts in one molding run. Ideal for lowering cost-per-part.

Family Moulds

A multi-cavity mould that is designed to create multiple different parts of the same project. Meaning multiple parts for a component can be created in the same run.

Stack Moulds

Creates levels within the mould, increasing production output within the same space. Great for reducing cost-per-part, well-suited for parts that are flat or shallow.

Insert Moulds

Moulds that allow for a pre-manufactured component (usually metal e.g. brass threads) to be placed within the cavity, so plastic can be injected around it in a single shot.

Over Moulds

Moulds that allow for a pre-manufactured part to be placed within the cavity, so a secondary pliable material (often can be injected around it to create a multi-material part.

OPUS PLASTICS

Quality Control

A complete measurement inspection service

We offer a complete measurement inspection service, using traditional onsite measuring techniques through to full inspection reports carried out on a CMM. We inspect all critical measurements and can offer bespoke services e.g. an ISRI report for automotive parts. All of our inspection equipment is fully calibrated annually and certified by an external company to meet with our ISO9001 requirements a credited by the BSI. We also operate a preventative maintanence program to extend life of tooling which includes stripping and cleaning each mould after every production run.

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OPUS PLASTIC

Back to Britain

Tool Repatriation Programme

Opus has extensive experience in tool repatriation and runs an active programme to help bring production and tooling back to the UK. While overseas manufacturing can appear attractive, we believe we can offer a better balance of price, service and quality here in the UK. With polymer costs broadly similar worldwide, unusually low overseas prices can raise questions about material quality and compliance. By choosing a trusted UK partner, you gain certified polymers, reliable service and competitive pricing without unnecessary risk.

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Could your project be next?

We have experience managing every element of production and can meet you at whatever stage of your project you’re at.

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