Page | 1 Empire Precision Plastics l www.empireprecision.

com l ISO 9001 / 13485

Six Steps to Tool Transfer Success
Empire Precision Plastics l www.empireprecision.com l ISO 9001 / 13485 Page | 2
When Its Time to Transfer Tools...
There are many reasons you might move a tool, such as consolidation of
the vendor base, or nancial or quality difculties experienced by the cur-
rent molder. Whatever the reason, it is important to choose the right injec-
tion molding partner to complete the transfer.
Every molder has their own way of handling and maintaining tooling.
Among other factors, an ideal molding partner can provide:
A dedicated team to coordinate the receiving and commissioning of tools
Effective diagnosis and correction of any current production problems
Journeyman toolmakers who have worked with your tool are often the only
ones who understand the technical challenges inherent in producing your
parts. The unknown introduces some element of risk in every tooling trans-
fer. This guide is intended to address these challenges and improve the
success of your transfer.
Get your project back on track with:
Six Keys to a Successful Tool Transfer Page 2
Knowledge for a Seamless Move Page 3
Tool Transfer Process Checklist Page 4
Six Keys to a Successful Tool Transfer
1. Create a basic plan of action. This plan should include an evaluation of
the current tool and processes, inventory management, and the search
for a new injection molder.
2. Diagnose current problems with production. The decision to transfer
tooling often involves a quality issue. The molder you are considering
for the transfer can help determine the cause of the issue by reviewing
the mold and scientic molding process.
3. Select a molder. Your new molding partner should have a proven track
record in transfer procedures, use scientic molding practices, have an
in-house tool room to expedite any mold improvements, and be able to
assign a team to coordinate your program.
4. Anticipate concerns and complications. Understand your expectations of
the tool transfer process and any problems that might arise, and propose
solutions that can be implemented in advance of the transfer.
5. Fill in the details. Propose specic actions and timelines as they relate to
your particular product and transfer situation.
6. Implement the plan. Follow through with the move. Provide your new
molder with information regarding inventory, timetable and documenta-
tion for the parts being transferred.
A capable injection molder will have a proven track
record in tooling transfers and a dedicated team to
coordinate the receiving and commissioning of tools.
Page | 3 Empire Precision Plastics l www.empireprecision.com l ISO 9001 / 13485
Troubleshoot Your Tooling
Empire has effectively transferred more than 1,500
tools, and we can help with yours.
Sign up for a free evaluation of your quality issue
by visiting injectionmolding.empireprecision.com/
troubleshoot-tooling
Knowledge for a Seamless Move
Your new supplier will need as much information as possible about the
project in order to perform an efcient tool transfer. These details include:
Applicable contract terms
Any available prints
Sample parts from each cavity for visual and dimensional evaluation
Required material and color specications
Type of runner system (valve gate, hot sprue, cold runner, etc.)
Type of mold frame (MUD base, full frame, 3 plate, etc.)
Any xtures or secondary tooling being transferred
Special packaging requirements
EAU
Release quantities
If possible, its also useful to obtain the following information from the
current supplier:
Current cycle time
Cavitation (single- or multi-cavity)
Any available quality rejections or dimensional performance reports
Any molded inserts or secondary assembly operations required
Allowable regrind percentage, part weight, runner weight, shot weight
Mold dimensions (width, height, stack height)
Press tonnage at current molder
Status and condition of any secondary operations equipment, gaging
and xtures, hand tools, or assembly aids and equipment*
Quality plan and any approval documents
*Secondary operations and other supplementary equipment are part of the tool transfer.
If required, your new molder will quote for the development of new equipment.
Empire Precision Plastics l www.empireprecision.com l ISO 9001 / 13485 Page | 4
Empire Precision Plastics
500 Lee Road
Rochester, NY 14606
585.454.4995
Connect with us.
Tool Transfer Process Checklist
Assemble a team. A designated Transfer Team will consist of members of
both yours and Empires engineering, quality, and purchasing teams.
Discuss design options and concerns. Empire will review the existing tool.
If possible, well visit the current molder to evaluate the condition of the
tool prior to shipping it to our facility. Well report to you with any design
problems that might prevent the project from being successful, along with
options to remedy the problems.
Understand the risks. Empire will assess the risk to you from your current
molder and assist in negotiating the transfer.
Conrm exactly what will be included with the transfer (support equip-
ment, cooling xtures, gaging and assembly equipment, tool drawings, etc.)
Identify any spare parts, components, and excess resin that you would like
to move to Empire. Under normal circumstances, Empire should only re-
ceive resin in unopened containers. If items are consigned, the quote will
need to be adjusted until the consigned materials are consumed.
Conrm the method of transport and packaging. If there is the potential for
tool damage during shipment, we may recommend that Empire have over-
sight of packaging and/or shipment of the tools and equipment.
Discuss options for streamlining the approval process. This might include
on-site customer approval or an open deviation for the rst run.
Identify any secondary operations equipment included in the program.
Empire will assess the condition of this equipment and determine what ser-
vices are needed for repairs, spare parts, or internal training.
Review the mold. Empire will clean, inspect, and verify mold function or
deciency.
Perform sampling. Empire will develop and optimize the scientic molding
process based on the dimensional requirements. Well work to resolve any
dimensional issues by comparing a rst round of samples to samples from
the previous supplier.
Approve tool changes needed to improve the part. Empire will identify and
explain any tool changes that are needed to correct the dimensional issues.
If needed, well provide you with a buffer inventory while tool changes are
being made.
Conrm the cost. Empire will explain any unexpected variances in the man-
ufacturing methods that might lead to adjustments in the pricing estimates.
Approve the start of full volume production. Once youve approved any
needed changes, youre ready to start receiving regular shipments.