Physical Product Designer Interview Question:

Explain me what type of tooling is needed around my design?

Submitted by: Muhammad

Years ago, a customer told me to “just deliver the 3D-files and the tooling people will figure out how to wrap the steel around it - if not I'll bang the table with my fist until they do”. That is not how it works. At the very least the parting line, draft directions and moving sliders should be considered in the 3D-geometry, ideally ejection and gating as well. It also helps if the dialogue with the tooling designer can be started at an early phase, something that is unfortunately seldom the case today. The understanding of the typical structure of an injection moulding tool, the ability to draw a cross-section of a part on a piece of paper, and some thinking is already a good start. Furthermore, if you have an idea of how the tooling is machined and built you can make the life of the tooling manufacturer much easier.
Submitted by: Muhammad