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Expertise

Conception and tooling manufacture

Q: What is the difference between product design and tool design?

The Product conception defines the final geometry of the thermoformed part while the Tooling design consists of creating the moulds, templates and jigs required to manufacture this part.

Q: Are the tools reusable for multiple runs?

Yes, the thermoforming tools designed by RBL Plastiques are made for great durability and can be used for several series , subject to normal use and maintenance. This allows our customers to easily reproduce new plastic parts on demand according to their industrial needs.

The phase of tool design and manufacture aims to transform the elements modelled during the feasibility study into industrial tools capable of former, cut, control and assemble the thermoformed parts. It is preparing the transition to prototyping and the pre-series.

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Design & tooling manufacture

What does the design and manufacture of tooling at RBL Plastiques involve?

Plastic manufacturing requires high-precision tooling, as this dictates the quality of thermoforming, repeatability, dimensional stability, and production costs.

This strategic step ensures optimal production throughout the product's lifecycle. RBL Plastiques uses tools such as SolidWorks 3D and Mastercam for CAM, along with 3- and 5-axis machining centres, to design and manufacture industrial moulds. This in-house expertise guarantees the design and manufacture of custom tooling.

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Design high-performance tooling

To guarantee precise, stable, durable and optimised tooling for thermoforming.

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Securing industrial production

Reduce risks through enhanced validation phases.

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Ensure irreproachable repeatability

Ensuring essential consistency for industrial plastic series.

The 3 key stages to design and manufacture high-performance tooling

1 - Resumption of the approved room plan

The first step is to take up the approved part drawing during the Product design phase. The design office analyses the geometry, draughts, radii, release stresses, thicknesses and functional requirements in detail.

The room plan can thus be refined as needed to ensure a smooth transition to the Plastic fabrication.

2 - Tooling Design

Once the model is confirmed, our toolmakersand start the design of the different necessary equipment for production (thermoforming moulds, cutting jigs, drilling jigs, checking jigs and specific assembly tooling).

This design is achieved through the combination of CAO and of the For the attention of, with programming under Mastercam allowing for optimal accuracy during the’Machining.

3 - Fabrication and assembly

Once the design is finalised, the manufacturing stage is launched within the RBL Plastiques workshops. To do this, we mobilise our machining centres 3 and 5 axes, in order to produce the blocks of mussels, the Templates and the guiding elements.

In-house tooling manufacture allows us to ensure high-quality production that is faithful to the initial part drawing. During this stage, our technicians define the thermoforming parameters (temperatures, heating and cooling times, and cycle conditions). Once manufactured, the tools are then assembled, adjusted, inspected, and finalised. They will subsequently be used during the prototyping phase.

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Why call on RBL Plastiques for this expertise?

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Certified process

Certified ISO 9001 and 50001, we guarantee sustainable production that complies with industrial constraints.

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At the cutting edge of innovation

Through our research and development department, benefit from the latest innovations in thermoforming and plastic technology.

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A team of experts

We provide you with a team of experts and engineers from the design to the industrialization of your project.

# Product conception

$ Prototyping

We are replying to your questions

What is the difference between product design and tool design?

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The Product conception defines the final geometry of the thermoformed part while the Tooling design consists of creating the moulds, templates and jigs required to manufacture this part.

Can the client provide their own 3D plans?

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Certainly. The plans are integrated and adapted by the design office, provided they are workable and compatible with the constraints of thermoforming.

Are the tools reusable for multiple runs?

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Yes, the thermoforming tools designed by RBL Plastiques are made for great durability and can be used for several series, subject to normal use and maintenance. This allows our customers to easily reproduce new plastic parts on demand according to their industrial needs.

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