Custom Plastic Injection Molds
Built for Production Reality
From prototype tooling to multi-cavity production molds, YCS designs and builds injection molds that match your part geometry, resin, volume, and tolerance requirements.
×1000 mm
NAK80, H13, S136
We Know What Keeps Tooling Engineers Up at Night
Every challenge our clients face has a structured answer at YCS. Here's how we address the most common friction points in mold sourcing.
Unclear mold steel selection
Our engineers recommend steel grade based on resin type, production volume, and surface finish requirements -- documented in the DFM report.
Vague tolerance and mold life commitments
Contracts specify tolerance grade, target shot count, and warranty terms -- no ambiguity, no surprises.
Long T1 sampling cycles
DFM and Moldflow analysis are completed before steel is cut. T1 milestones are tracked per project schedule.
Slow communication with overseas suppliers
A dedicated tooling engineer handles your project directly. Technical questions receive a response within 48 hours.
CAD data security concerns
An NDA can be signed with your first inquiry email. We treat your design data as confidential from day one.
Missing material certifications
Full material traceability including mill certificates, hardness reports, and heat treatment records are provided with every mold.
What YCS Can -- and Cannot -- Build for You
What We Build
- Prototype molds, production molds, multi-cavity molds, family molds
- Hot runner and cold runner mold systems
- Slides, lifters, thread-unscrewing mechanisms, undercut features
- Common resins: PP, ABS, PC, PA, POM, TPE, and similar engineering plastics
- Single-cavity to 16+ cavity configurations
- Insert molds and overmolding tooling
Requires Individual Assessment
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Ultra-precision optical molds
Sub-micron surface requirements need separate feasibility review
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Very low volume runs
Projects below minimum economic order quantity may not be cost-effective
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Projects without complete 3D data
Full CAD files are required to proceed with DFM and quoting
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Exotic or specialty resins
Some filled or reactive materials require specific tooling considerations
Not sure if your project fits? Send us your 3D file and requirements -- we'll give you an honest feasibility answer within 48 hours.
In-House Equipment -- No Outsourcing
Every machining operation is performed in our own facility. Direct equipment ownership means tighter schedules, better quality control, and no markup from subcontractors.
Size & Capacity Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Max part size | ~500 × 400 × 300 mm |
| Min part size | ~5 × 5 × 2 mm |
| Max mold size | 800 × 1200 × 1000 mm |
| Max mold weight | ~8,000 kg |
| Wall thickness range | 0.8 - 6.0 mm (resin-dependent) |
| Press tonnage range | 50T - 650T |
| Cavity count | 1 - 16+ cavities |
In-House Equipment
5-axis and 3-axis, high-speed milling for cores, cavities, and electrode machining
Die-sinking for complex cavity profiles, deep ribs, and fine surface textures
Precision cutting for inserts, slides, and hardened steel components
Flatness and parallelism control for mold plates and components
50T - 650T trial presses for in-house T1 and T2 sampling
Coordinate measuring for cavity dimensions, component fit, and part verification
Steel Selection, Hot Runner Systems & Mold Structure
Mold Steel Reference Guide
| Steel Grade | Hardness (HRC) | Heat Treatment | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| P20 | 28-34 HRC | Pre-hardened | General purpose production molds, medium volume, good machinability |
| 718H | 33-38 HRC | Pre-hardened | Improved P20 variant; better polishability for appearance parts |
| NAK80 | 37-43 HRC | Pre-hardened | High-polish optical and cosmetic parts; excellent mirror finish |
| H13 | 44-52 HRC | Through-hardened | High-volume production, abrasive resins, die-casting tooling |
| S136 | 48-52 HRC | Through-hardened / ESR | Corrosive resins (PVC, FR materials), high-polish medical parts |
Mold Base Standards
HASCO, DME, LKM -- standard and custom configurations available to match customer press requirements.
Hot Runner Systems
Husky, Mold-Masters, Yudo. Valve gate and open gate options. Manifold design reviewed in DFM phase.
Cavity Configurations
Single to 16+ cavities. Family molds, balanced and unbalanced runners, sequential filling.
Action Mechanisms
Side actions, angle lifters, collapsible cores, thread-unscrewing units, hydraulic cylinders.
Tolerances, Surface Finish & Draft Angles
Machining & Molding Tolerances
- Mold cavity machining
- ±0.01 mm
- Part molding tolerance
- ±0.05 - ±0.1 mm (resin-dependent)
- Flatness / parallelism
- 0.01 mm / 100 mm
- Shrinkage compensation
- Applied per resin datasheet, verified at T1
SPI Surface Finish Grades
VDI texture standards also available. Specify in your RFQ.
Draft Angle Guidelines
Mold Life Classes & Warranty Terms
We build to SPI mold classification standards. Your contract specifies the target shot count and warranty coverage -- no guesswork.
Proof-of-concept only; no production intent
Low-volume production; non-abrasive resins
General production; standard engineering resins
High production; moderate abrasion resins
Maximum longevity; hardened steel throughout
Warranty Coverage
- Dimensional non-conformance against agreed drawing tolerances
- Structural defects in mold base, cavities, or core components
- Hot runner system failures under normal operating conditions
- Action mechanism (slide, lifter) wear within rated shot count
- Free engineering changes within agreed ECR process
Maintenance Recommendations
- Inspect and clean mold every 50,000 shots or per resin manufacturer guidance
- Lubricate guide pins, slides, and ejector pins per maintenance schedule
- Check cooling circuit flow rates and pressure drop quarterly
- Replace wear components (springs, seals) at recommended intervals
- YCS provides spare parts kits and remote maintenance guidance
From DFM to Delivery -- Every Step Documented
Our structured process eliminates surprises. Each phase has defined inputs, outputs, and approval gates before the next phase begins.
RFQ & CAD Review
Submit 3D files, resin, volume, and tolerance requirements. We confirm feasibility within 48 hours and issue a detailed quotation.
DFM Report
Written design-for-manufacturability analysis covering wall thickness, draft angles, gate locations, shrinkage, and potential risk areas.
Moldflow Analysis
Mold filling, packing, cooling, and warpage simulation to validate gate design and cooling layout before tooling begins.
Mold Design Approval
2D/3D mold design submitted for customer sign-off. All actions, hot runner layout, and steel grades confirmed.
CNC / EDM Machining
Cores, cavities, and components machined to drawing. CMM verification at each critical stage.
Mold Assembly
Components assembled, cooling circuits pressure-tested, hot runner wired and tested, ejection verified.
T1 Sampling & Report
First shots produced. Dimensional report, appearance evaluation, and short-shot/flash analysis issued to customer.
Engineering Changes
Customer reviews T1 report. Agreed changes documented in ECR and implemented with timeline commitment.
T2 Sampling & Approval
Revised mold re-sampled. Customer approves dimensional and appearance results. Golden samples archived.
Final Inspection & Delivery
Full inspection package: CMM report, material certs, maintenance guide, spare parts list. Export packed and shipped.
What Drives Mold Cost & Typical Lead Times
Primary Cost Drivers
Larger molds require more steel, more machining time, and larger presses. The single biggest cost variable.
Undercuts, thin walls, deep ribs, and tight tolerances increase machining and validation time.
Pre-hardened P20 vs. through-hardened H13 or corrosion-resistant S136 can double raw material cost.
Multi-cavity molds cost more upfront but reduce per-part cost significantly at volume.
Mirror polish (A1) requires additional hand-polishing hours vs. standard machined finish.
Hot runner manifold and nozzle selection adds cost but eliminates runner scrap and improves cycle time.
Typical Lead Times to T1
Aluminum or P20; limited shots; validation only
Standard geometry, P20 or 718H, cold runner
Balanced runner, standard actions
Hot runner, multiple actions, H13/S136
8+ cavities, custom hot runner, full validation
Impact of Engineering Changes
Design changes after mold steel is cut add cost and delay. Changes at DFM stage are low-cost. Changes after T1 sampling require ECR review and timeline adjustment. Freezing your design before DFM approval is the most effective way to control total project cost.
Your Mold, Your Data, Your Terms
We operate on a clear, customer-first ownership model. Your tooling investment belongs to you from day one.
Mold Ownership
The mold is your property. Upon full payment, YCS has no claim on the tooling. Ownership transfer documentation is provided with shipment.
NDA & CAD Security
NDA can be signed before you share any files. CAD data is stored on isolated servers, accessed only by the assigned project team.
Mold Storage Service
We offer secure, climate-controlled storage for molds not in active production. Periodic maintenance checks are included.
Export Packaging
Molds are cleaned, rust-proofed, and packed in custom wooden crates with foam protection. Compliant with international shipping standards.
Spare Parts Support
We supply wear components, spare inserts, and replacement parts. Part numbers and specifications are documented in the delivery package.
Mold Transfer Support
If you need to transfer the mold to another facility, we provide full documentation, 3D files, BOM, and remote technical guidance.
Recent Injection Mold Projects
Anonymized project summaries from production molds delivered to North American and European clients.
8-Cavity Connector Housing Mold
- Material
- 718H + H13 inserts
- Resin
- PA66-GF30
- T1 Cycle
- 6.5 weeks
- Tolerance Achieved
- ±0.05 mm
Result: T1 dimensional report passed first submission. Mold rated Class 102, target 800,000 shots.
4-Cavity Enclosure Mold -- Hot Runner
- Material
- NAK80 (mirror polish)
- Resin
- PC/ABS blend
- T1 Cycle
- 8 weeks
- Surface Finish
- SPI A2
Result: Zero weld lines on visible A-surface. Approved in T2 with no additional changes.
2-Cavity Valve Body -- Side Actions
- Material
- H13 through-hardened
- Resin
- POM (Delrin)
- T1 Cycle
- 9 weeks
- Mold Life Target
- 1.2M shots
Result: 4 side actions with hydraulic drive. Dimensional Cpk > 1.67 on all critical features at T2.
Frequently Asked Questions
What file formats do you accept for mold quoting?
We accept STEP (.stp/.step), IGES (.igs/.iges), Parasolid (.x_t), SolidWorks (.sldprt), and most major CAD formats. STEP is preferred for quoting. 2D drawings in PDF or DWG format are also required for toleranced features. If you only have a concept sketch, contact us -- we can discuss options.
What is the typical lead time for T1 sampling?
Lead time to T1 depends on mold complexity. Simple single-cavity molds typically reach T1 in 3-5 weeks. Multi-cavity or hot runner molds with complex actions typically take 7-10 weeks. We provide a project-specific timeline with each quotation.
How do you choose the right mold steel?
Steel selection depends on four factors: resin type (abrasive or corrosive resins require harder steel), production volume (Class 101 molds need H13 or equivalent), surface finish requirements (mirror polish needs NAK80 or S136), and budget. Our DFM report includes a steel recommendation with rationale.
Do you provide Moldflow analysis?
Yes. Moldflow simulation is included for all production mold projects. We analyze filling, packing, cooling, and warpage. The report is shared with the customer before mold design approval, and gate location or cooling changes can be made at zero cost at this stage.
What is included in your T1 report?
Our T1 report includes: dimensional measurement results vs. drawing (CMM or optical), appearance evaluation (weld lines, sink marks, flash, short shots), material shrinkage verification, gate and runner analysis, and a list of agreed engineering changes. The report is issued in PDF within 5 business days of sampling.
Do you sign NDAs?
Yes. We sign NDAs before you share any CAD files or project details. You can request our standard NDA template or provide your own. NDA signing typically takes less than 24 hours.
Can you support mold repair and spare parts?
Yes. We maintain records for all molds we build, including component drawings, BOM, and material specifications. We supply replacement inserts, cores, slides, and wear components. Remote technical support is available for molds operating at customer facilities.
Get an Injection Mold Quote
from YCS
Upload your 3D model, resin details, and annual volume. Our tooling engineers will respond within 24-48 hours.
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