Prior to cutting aluminum, Dordan generates 3D-printed molds to quickly form preliminary prototypes to evaluate packaging functionality.
With customer approval, Dordan proceeds to formal, CNC-machined prototyping. Thermoform prototypes are intended to demonstrate part form, fit, and function.
The same team of engineers that develop the thermoform design also produce the NX CAM/CNC machined prototype tooling.
Prototypes are a 1-up mold of the multiple-up, production thermoform tooling.
Upon prototype approval, the proved out tool-paths are replicated for machining the production tooling (step and repeat). This eliminates the potential for translation errors between the NX thermoform design and production tooling.
Prototyping is included in the cost of Dordan's thermoform tooling as it is a required step in the thermoform development process; it includes 6-8 thermoformed samples that are sent to the client to assess part performance. Should the prototypes not perform as intended, they will be revised accordingly until they meet our customers' expectations.
