Material
Shrinkage, stiffness, finish, flexibility, fibre, ageing or thermal response when they affect function.
Technical guide
Plastic part validation before production tooling
Validating a plastic part before production tooling means checking with data whether design, material and process meet the intended function. Correct shape is not enough: the part must measure, assemble and behave according to requirements.
Early validation avoids transferring uncertainty to the most expensive moment: definitive tooling, first production samples and approval.
Criteria
Material
Dimension
CTQ, critical tolerances, flatness, coaxiality, clearances, clips, sealing or assembly zones.
Process
Process window, repeatability, visible defects, weld lines, sink marks, warpage and packing.
Evidencia
Fit and assembly
Fit and assembly
Assembly with representative parts and clear acceptance criteria.
Dimensional report
Measurement of critical dimensions, observed spread and deviations from drawing.
Parameters and defects
Injection conditions, limits, adjustments made and defects observed.
Technical FAQ
Frequently asked questions about plastic part validation
What should be measured before production tooling?
Measure the characteristics that are critical to function: CTQ dimensions, assembly areas, flatness, deformation, sealing, clips or support surfaces.
Why is CAD validation not enough?
CAD does not reproduce shrinkage, cooling, fibre orientation, packing or process defects. Moulded parts provide physical evidence.
What should validation deliver?
It should deliver measured parts, acceptance criteria, process observations and clear decisions to correct the design or move to definitive tooling.