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Ryan Kelly

Creating your own product is a rewarding experience, but it can be challenging to know where to start. Our Injection Mold Design Course is the perfect solution for anyone looking to learn how to create their own products without breaking the bank. This course covers everything you need to know about designing and creating injection moldable parts. With our course, you'll be able to create your very own products in no time - and at a fraction of the cost of hiring a consultant.

Who is this course for?

Read more

Creating your own product is a rewarding experience, but it can be challenging to know where to start. Our Injection Mold Design Course is the perfect solution for anyone looking to learn how to create their own products without breaking the bank. This course covers everything you need to know about designing and creating injection moldable parts. With our course, you'll be able to create your very own products in no time - and at a fraction of the cost of hiring a consultant.

Who is this course for?

Anyone with an idea for a hardgoods product. Typical success stories are individuals or small teams that want to sell somewhere between $10,000 and 10 M $ in product. Below 10k and you’re likely doing more custom/bespoke projects, above 10 M and you will likely need a larger team with their own experience and processes/systems. Solopreneur and small teams.

Inventor - An individual with a product idea they wish somebody would create and release to the market

Innovator - Someone who knows a product category and wants to create a custom solution to Serve that market

Business/sales - Someone who again realizes a markets need for a specific product and would like to better understand the process in going from an idea to a reality.

Licensor - Someone who needs a prototype to sell their concept to a larger company. Being informed about the process of product development. Showing up to a licensing agreement pitch with a wholistic understanding of how

Who is this course not for?

Drop Shippers/importers

-This course focuses on creating new products for new market opportunities.

Software products

-Software products have their own development pipelines and best practices. Some hardgoods products have software components, we will talk briefly about these but it will not be a focus

LARGE projects

-Many Inventors have project ambitions that require MANY key relationships to be established with large existing corporations. This course can help you create the necessary products but communicating with those big companies is hard.

Enroll now

What's inside

Learning objectives

  • The ability to create production ready cad for injection molded parts.
  • In depth knowledge of how injection molded parts get produced and the "rules of thumb" to succeed.
  • Understand the inner workings of an injection mold machine
  • Complete 4 real world case studies on injection mold designs

Syllabus

Gate Types
Surface Textures
Understand how injection molds work and the parameters mold makers use to make real world parts.
Course Introduction
Read more
Module Overview
Weld Lines
Injection & Clamping
Tool, Cooling, Part Ejection
Part (Sprue, Runner, Gate, Part)
Practical Mold Examples
Why do we Draft Parts
Why do parts need uniform Wall Thickness
What about undercuts
Mold Function Review
Aesthetic Considerations Overview
Mold Degredation
Part Count Planning
Mold Design Tools
CAD Modeling
Rotary Tool Housing
CAD Program Options
Draft and Parting Line
Shell
Ribs
Bosses
Shut offs
Threads
Living Hinges
Text/Decoration
Interfacing with External Parts
Undercuts
Snap Fits
Injection Mold Design Workflow
W.I.D.G.E.T. Checklist
Practical Examples
Measuring Cups
Fork
Steam Controller Review
Production
Design Checklist & Prototyping
Quoting
Cost Reduction Options
Mold Design & Pilot Run
Mold Modifications
Wrap Up
Wrapping things up

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Covers the injection mold design process from idea to production, which is valuable for entrepreneurs aiming to create and sell physical products
Explores mold design tools and CAD modeling, which are essential for innovators looking to create custom solutions in specific product categories
Teaches how to create production-ready CAD models for injection molded parts, which is a core skill for inventors seeking to bring their product ideas to life
Examines cost reduction options in mold design, which is helpful for small business owners aiming to optimize their production expenses
Includes a W.I.D.G.E.T. checklist, which is a practical tool for product designers to ensure comprehensive design considerations
Requires learners to have access to CAD software, which may require a subscription or purchase, adding to the overall cost of learning

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Reviews summary

Practical injection mold part design

According to learners, this course provides a highly practical and comprehensive introduction to designing parts for injection molding. Students appreciate the focus on real-world applications and the detailed explanations of manufacturing considerations like draft, wall thickness, and undercuts. Many found the section on CAD modeling techniques specifically tailored for moldable parts to be very useful. Reviewers consistently highlight the course's effectiveness in teaching the "rules of thumb" necessary for creating production-ready designs, although some note it might be basic for experienced engineers.
Real-world examples are beneficial
"The case studies helped solidify the concepts by showing them applied to actual products."
"Analyzing the measuring cups and steam controller design was very insightful."
"Provided concrete examples of how design choices impact manufacturability."
"Useful demonstrations of applying principles to various part complexities."
Excellent starting point for novices
"As someone new to injection molding, this course provided a perfect foundation."
"The concepts were explained clearly, making it accessible even without prior manufacturing background."
"Highly recommended for inventors or small businesses starting with product design."
"Didn't assume extensive prior knowledge, which was great for a beginner."
Specific CAD tips for molding
"Learned valuable CAD modeling techniques specifically for creating injection moldable parts."
"The guidance on features like ribs, bosses, and snap fits within CAD was exactly what I needed."
"Good overview of how to implement the design rules using CAD software."
"Provides useful workflows and checklists like the WIDGET checklist for CAD design."
Crucial details for manufacturability
"Understanding draft, wall thickness, and undercuts was made very clear. Essential knowledge for anyone doing this."
"The sections on gate types, weld lines, and cooling were surprisingly informative and relevant to design choices."
"Explains the 'why' behind design rules by showing how the mold and machine work."
"Gives a solid foundation on what mold makers need from your design."
Emphasizes real-world application
"The course content is very practical and directly applicable to real-world part design for manufacturing."
"I appreciated how the instructor always related the design principles back to the actual injection molding process."
"Focusing on practical examples and common pitfalls was extremely helpful for understanding the material."
"Excellent coverage of practical considerations needed when designing for manufacturing."
Moves quickly, may lack depth for experts
"While comprehensive for an intro, it moves pretty fast through some complex topics."
"Might be too basic for experienced mechanical engineers who already work with injection molding."
"Could benefit from more in-depth coverage of specific material properties or advanced mold concepts."
"Assumes familiarity with basic CAD operation, which is reasonable but worth noting."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Injection Mold Part Design with these activities:
Review CAD Modeling Fundamentals
Reviewing CAD modeling fundamentals will ensure a solid foundation for designing injection moldable parts.
Browse courses on CAD Modeling
Show steps
  • Review basic CAD concepts like sketching, extruding, and revolving.
  • Practice creating simple 3D models using a CAD software of your choice.
  • Familiarize yourself with CAD best practices for manufacturing.
Review 'Product Design for Manufacture and Assembly'
Reading this book will help you design parts that are easier and more cost-effective to manufacture.
Show steps
  • Focus on the chapters related to injection molding and design for assembly.
  • Identify key design rules and guidelines.
  • Consider how these principles apply to your own designs.
Review 'Injection Molding: Theory and Practice'
Studying this book will provide a deeper understanding of injection molding principles and best practices.
Show steps
  • Read the chapters related to mold design and material selection.
  • Take notes on key concepts and formulas.
  • Relate the book's content to the course modules.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Draft Angle Exercises
Practicing draft angle calculations and applications will improve your design accuracy.
Show steps
  • Find or create 3D models with various surfaces.
  • Determine the appropriate draft angle for each surface based on material and geometry.
  • Modify the CAD model to incorporate the calculated draft angles.
Design a Simple Injection Molded Enclosure
Designing a simple enclosure will allow you to apply the course concepts to a practical project.
Show steps
  • Choose a simple product enclosure to replicate or improve.
  • Create a CAD model of the enclosure, considering draft angles and wall thickness.
  • Design the mold layout, including gates, runners, and ejection mechanisms.
  • Review your design against the W.I.D.G.E.T. checklist.
Create a Presentation on Undercut Design
Creating a presentation on undercuts will help solidify your understanding of this challenging topic.
Show steps
  • Research different types of undercuts and their solutions.
  • Prepare slides with clear explanations and visuals.
  • Practice presenting the material to a friend or colleague.
Mold Cost Estimation Spreadsheet
Creating a cost estimation spreadsheet will help you understand the factors that influence mold costs.
Show steps
  • Research the various cost components of injection molds (material, machining, labor, etc.).
  • Create a spreadsheet with formulas to calculate each cost component.
  • Use the spreadsheet to estimate the cost of different mold designs.

Career center

Learners who complete Injection Mold Part Design will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Plastics Engineer
Plastics engineers specialize in the design, development, and manufacturing of plastic products. The Injection Mold Part Design course is essential, providing a comprehensive understanding of injection molding, a primary manufacturing method for plastic parts. A plastics engineer can leverage the course's content on material selection, wall thickness, undercuts, and surface textures to develop plastic products that meet performance and aesthetic requirements. The course’s focus on practical mold examples provides real-world insights into the challenges and solutions in plastic part design. You will also gain in depth knowledge of how injection molded parts get produced.
Product Development Engineer
Product development engineers oversee the entire process of bringing a new product to market, from concept to production. The Injection Mold Part Design course is an excellent resource, covering critical aspects of injection molding, a primary manufacturing method. A product development engineer can utilize the course's content on mold design, pilot runs, mold modifications, and cost reduction options to optimize the product development lifecycle. The W.I.D.G.E.T. checklist and practical examples help ensure new products are designed for efficient and cost-effective manufacturing. In addition to cost reduction tools, you gain the ability to create CAD for injection molded parts.
Product Designer
The role of a product designer involves creating and developing new products, ensuring they are functional, aesthetically pleasing, and meet the needs of the target market. This Injection Mold Part Design course provides a comprehensive understanding of how injection molded parts are produced, including the 'Rules of Thumb' for success. A product designer can leverage this knowledge to create innovative and cost-effective designs that are optimized for injection molding, reducing production costs and improving product quality. Through case studies on injection mold designs, you can gain practical experience. Also, the workflow and design checklist provided in this course build a foundation for your success as a product designer.
Design Engineer
Design engineers are responsible for creating and developing new product designs, often using computer aided design software. The Injection Mold Part Design course offers essential training, focusing on the practical aspects of designing parts for injection molding. A design engineer can leverage the course's modules on CAD modeling, draft angles, wall thickness, undercuts, and snap fits to create robust and manufacturable designs. The course’s focus on production and prototyping methodologies ensures that designs are viable for mass production. You will also become familiar with mold design tools.
Tooling Engineer
Tooling engineers design and oversee the creation of tools, dies, and molds used in manufacturing processes. The Injection Mold Part Design course is highly relevant, providing detailed insights into the design and function of injection molds. A tooling engineer can use the course's content on mold function review, cooling, part ejection, and mold degradation to optimize mold designs. Understanding the parameters mold makers use to create real world parts also ensures efficient and cost-effective tooling processes. This course may also help a tooling engineer understand part count planning.
Manufacturing Engineer
A manufacturing engineer focuses on improving manufacturing processes and ensuring efficient production. The Injection Mold Part Design course is highly relevant, as it dives deep into the intricacies of injection molding, a common manufacturing technique. This course enhances a manufacturing engineer's ability to optimize part designs for manufacturability, understand mold functions, and implement cost-effective production strategies. The course's modules on mold degradation, part count planning, and mold design tools equip future manufacturing engineers with the knowledge to streamline processes and improve overall efficiency. You will also understand parameters mold makers use to make real world parts.
Process Engineer
Process engineers focus on optimizing industrial processes to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance product quality. The Injection Mold Part Design course is relevant, providing in-depth knowledge of injection molding processes. A process engineer can leverage the course's content on injection and clamping, tool cooling, part ejection, and quoting to optimize the injection molding process. Studying mold design and pilot runs builds a foundation to improve overall manufacturing efficiency and reduce waste. Case studies help you gain real world knowledge.
CAD Designer
A CAD designer creates technical drawings and models using computer aided design software. The Injection Mold Part Design course provides valuable knowledge, focusing on the specific requirements for designing parts for injection molding. A CAD designer can enhance their skills by learning the nuances of draft, parting lines, ribs, bosses, and other features essential for injection molded parts. The course’s modules on various CAD programs provide practical knowledge that can be applied directly to design projects. You can use CAD modeling to create the rotary tool housing, measuring cups, and fork examples mentioned in the course syllabus.
Mechanical Engineer
Mechanical engineers design, develop, and test mechanical devices and systems. The Injection Mold Part Design course is directly applicable, as it provides detailed knowledge of designing parts specifically for injection molding. A mechanical engineer can leverage this course to understand the critical design considerations for injection molded parts, such as draft angles, wall thickness, undercuts, and material selection. By gaining a deep understanding of injection mold design workflow from this course, an aspiring mechanical engineer can design parts that are both functional and efficiently manufactured. This allows you to fully understand the design and production process.
Industrial Designer
Industrial designers blend aesthetics with functionality to create products that are both visually appealing and user-friendly. The Injection Mold Part Design course complements the skills of an industrial designer by providing insights into the practical aspects of manufacturing, specifically injection molding. An industrial designer can use the knowledge of injection mold parameters, surface textures, and aesthetic considerations covered in the course to create designs that are not only beautiful but also feasible to produce at scale. The modules on draft, parting lines, ribs, and bosses guide you in creating manufacturable designs. These design choices can allow for a high quality design.
Manufacturing Manager
A manufacturing manager oversees the production process, ensuring efficiency and quality. The Injection Mold Part Design course enhances a manufacturing manager's understanding of injection molding, a common manufacturing technique. A manufacturing manager can use the course's content on mold design, pilot runs, cost reduction options, and mold modifications to optimize production processes. The W.I.D.G.E.T. checklist and discussions of part count planning help ensure cost-effective and high-quality manufacturing. You will also understand how injection molds work.
Materials Scientist
Materials scientists research and develop new materials, focusing on their properties and applications. The Injection Mold Part Design course touches on material considerations relevant to injection molding, a widely used manufacturing process. While not a primary focus, understanding how different materials behave during injection molding helps materials scientists tailor their research and development efforts. The course may be useful in ensuring compatibility with manufacturing processes. You may also be able to come up with ideas to improve designs.
Product Manager
Product managers guide the development and launch of new products, ensuring they meet market needs and business goals. The Injection Mold Part Design course can be useful, offering insights into the manufacturing process that informs product development decisions. A product manager can use the knowledge of injection molding to assess the feasibility and cost-effectiveness of new product ideas. Understanding the design checklist and cost reduction options enables you to make informed decisions throughout the product lifecycle. You will also learn about production.
Quality Assurance Engineer
Quality assurance engineers are responsible for ensuring that products meet specific quality standards and customer expectations. This Injection Mold Part Design course provides valuable insights into the injection molding process, helping quality assurance engineers understand potential sources of defects and how to prevent them. With knowledge of drafting, wall thickness, undercuts, and surface textures, a quality assurance engineer can develop effective quality control procedures. You will also become familiar with mold degradation.
Supply Chain Analyst
The role of a supply chain analyst centers around optimizing the flow of goods and materials, reducing costs, and improving efficiency. The Injection Mold Part Design course helps supply chain analysts gain insights into the manufacturing process, specifically injection molding. This course equips the analyst with the knowledge needed to assess the manufacturability of designs, understand cost drivers, and optimize sourcing decisions. By understanding the nuances of injection molding, you can work to minimize waste, reduce lead times, and improve overall supply chain performance. You will also learn about cost reduction options.

Reading list

We've selected two books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Injection Mold Part Design.
Provides a comprehensive overview of injection molding processes, materials, and equipment. It valuable reference for understanding the theoretical and practical aspects of injection molding. It is commonly used as a textbook in academic institutions and by industry professionals. Reading this book will add depth to the course material.
Focuses on design principles that optimize manufacturability and assembly. It provides valuable insights into designing parts that are easy to mold and assemble. This book is more valuable as additional reading than it is as a current reference. It is commonly used by industry professionals.

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