Everything you need to know.
20 answers for global tooling & component buyers.
From custom mold building (SPI Class 101–105, up to 25 tons, 3,000T trials) and standard catalog parts to sub-micron tolerances, certified tool steels, and global export crating.
🛠️ Custom Mold Manufacturing & Tooling
What mold classifications (SPI Class 101–105) and tonnage capacities do you support?
We manufacture SPI Class 101 (1,000,000+ cycles high-production), Class 102 (medium-to-high production up to 1,000,000 cycles), Class 103 (under 500,000 cycles), and Class 104/105 prototype and bridge tooling. Our facility handles mold bases weighing up to 25 metric tons on our 5-axis gantry CNC milling center (3,200×2,200×1,000mm envelope), supported by in-house Haitian trial presses from 45T up to 3,000T.
What is the typical lead time from 3D CAD approval to T1 trial samples?
Rapid prototype and aluminum bridge tooling typically deliver initial T1 trial parts in 10 to 18 business days. High-precision multi-cavity production molds (hardened S136 ESR, H13, or 1.2343 ESR) require 25 to 45 business days, encompassing joint 3D DFM review, Moldflow simulation, CNC roughing, vacuum heat treatment, mirror EDM, precision spotting, and scientific trial sampling.
What is included in your complimentary 24-hour DFM analysis and Moldflow simulation?
Every RFQ submitted with 3D CAD files (STEP, IGES, X_T, DWG) receives a complimentary, engineering-grade DFM analysis within 24 hours. The report reviews draft angle adequacy, nominal wall thickness uniformity, parting line positioning, gate location optimization, weld line & air trap predictions, conformal cooling layout, and recommended tool steel grades before cutting steel.
What in-house trial press capabilities do you provide for mold sampling and FAT?
We operate a comprehensive in-house battery of Haitian servo-hydraulic and two-platen injection molding presses ranging from 45 tons up to 3,000 tons. We conduct scientific decoupled molding trials (RJG standards), delivering complete process setting sheets, T1 dimensional FAI inspection reports, high-definition trial video footage, and physical sample parts shipped via DHL/FedEx for customer sign-off.
How does your bundled wear-parts kit work with export molds?
To eliminate unexpected downtime when a mold arrives at an overseas production facility, every custom export mold built by Axiom Molds includes a bundled critical wear-parts kit at no extra charge: tailored replacement ejector pins, core pins, ejector sleeves, high-temp O-rings, copper cooling connectors, limit switches, and heating elements fully compatible with HASCO/DME standards.
📦 Component Ordering, Inventory & Lead Times
What is the typical lead time for standard vs. custom mold components?
In-stock standard catalog components (ejector pins, sleeves, sprue bushings, guide pins, mold springs) ship within 3 to 5 business days. Non-standard custom inserts, stepped punches, and core pins machined strictly to 2D/3D drawings have a standard production lead time of 7 to 15 working days. Emergency rush expedite orders can be accommodated upon request.
Is there a minimum order quantity (MOQ)? How do I request samples?
Standard catalog components have zero MOQ — single-piece orders are welcome. For custom non-standard CNC/EDM inserts, we support single prototype pieces through volume production runs in the tens of thousands. Sample costs can be fully credited against subsequent bulk production orders.
What file formats do you accept for technical drawings and CAD models?
We accept 3D CAD models in STEP (.stp), IGES (.igs), Parasolid (.x_t), and 2D engineering drawings in DWG, DXF, and PDF formats with detailed tolerance callouts, concentricity, and surface finish requirements.
Do you support reverse engineering and legacy tool component replacement?
Yes. If original CAD files are unavailable, you can ship physical worn or damaged sample parts to our facility. We perform 3D optical surface scanning and CMM probing to regenerate 3D CAD models and fabricate direct-fit replacement tooling components.
What are your standard payment terms and international shipping methods?
Default trade terms are FOB from a Chinese port, CIF, DDP, or EXW. Payments are processed in USD or EUR via T/T wire transfer and L/C. We ship globally via air express (DHL/FedEx/UPS, 3–5 days transit) for urgent tooling parts and sea freight (FCL/LCL) for heavy molds and bulk shipments.
🔬 Metrology Quality, Certified Steels & Tolerances
What machining tolerances and surface finishes can your shop achieve?
Utilizing Japanese Makino V33i high-speed CNCs, Sodick linear motor EDMs, and Wasino optical profile grinders (PG), our core machining tolerances reach ±0.002mm (±2μm). Surface finishes achieve optical mirror polish down to Ra 0.1μm (SPI A-1 / SPI A-2 grade).
How are tool steel grades certified and heat treatment controlled?
All raw materials (S136 ESR, 1.2343 ESR, SKD11, SKD61, DC53, NAK80, ASP-23 powder steel, and Tungsten Carbide) are sourced from certified primary mills with full chemical and mechanical Mill Test Reports (MTR). Heat treatment utilizes computer-controlled vacuum quenching and sub-zero cryogenic stabilization (-120°C) for uniform 52–60 HRC hardness and dimensional stability.
What quality inspection equipment and reports are provided with each order?
Our 20°C ±0.5°C climate-controlled metrology cleanroom is equipped with a German Zeiss ACCURA CMM (0.9μm volumetric accuracy), 3D optical blue-light scanners, and digital surface roughness testers. Every shipment includes a 100% full FAI (First Article Inspection) report, CMM point cloud CAD comparison, and material certification.
What international mold standards do your components match?
Our standard components feature 100% direct drop-in interchangeability with HASCO, DME, MISUMI, FIBRO, and PUNCH standards, allowing seamless replacement without modifying existing mold plates or tooling.
What international quality management certifications do you hold?
Axiom Molds operates under ISO 9001:2015 quality management, IATF 16949 automotive supply chain, ISO 13485 medical device, and ISO 14001 environmental management certifications. All products comply with RoHS and REACH standards.
🚢 Global Logistics, VCI Crating & After-Sales
How do you prevent corrosion and damage during international ocean transit?
Molds and steel components receive heavy anti-rust oil coating, multi-layer VCI gas-phase corrosion inhibitor wrapping, vacuum moisture-barrier heat-sealing, and desiccant packs. Heavy tooling is secured inside custom ISPM-15 compliant fumigated timber export crates with internal steel shock-absorption brackets.
What export customs documentation do you provide for seamless import clearance?
We supply complete commercial invoices, packing lists with net/gross weights, Bill of Lading, Certificate of Origin (CO / Form A / Form E), and HS-code classifications for simplified customs clearance in North America, Europe, Asia, and Latin America.
What is your warranty policy for custom molds and precision components?
Custom export molds include a 1,000,000-shot or 12-month full warranty, backed by lifetime tooling maintenance support and replacement wear parts. Precision components carry a 12-month standard defect replacement guarantee.
How do you handle technical support and quality claims for overseas customers?
We provide 7×24 bilingual (English/Chinese) remote engineering support via video conferencing, WhatsApp, and email for mold assembly, setup, and troubleshooting. If any component is found non-conforming to approved drawings, we expedite free remake and priority air-courier replacement within 3–5 days.
How do you protect customer intellectual property and proprietary 3D CAD files?
We execute strict bilateral Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs) prior to receiving drawings. CAD files are stored on isolated, encrypted internal servers accessible only to project-assigned engineers, ensuring zero unauthorized disclosure or replication.