Glossary Term
Multi-Cavity Tooling
Definition
Multi-cavity tooling refers to a manufacturing process in which a single mold contains multiple cavities, allowing the simultaneous production of multiple identical parts in one cycle. This method is commonly used in injection molding for producing plastic components, including those for medical devices, at scale.
Relevance to the MedTech Industry
Multi-cavity tooling increases production efficiency, reduces per-part manufacturing costs, and ensures consistent quality for medical device components. It is particularly valuable for high-volume production of disposable or standardized parts, such as syringes, connectors, or housings for diagnostic devices.
Additional Information & Related Terms
Examples of Multi-Cavity Tooling Applications in MedTech
Disposable Components:
Producing high volumes of syringes, pipettes, or test tubes for diagnostics and drug delivery.
Housing and Enclosures:
Manufacturing plastic casings for devices like glucometers, inhalers, or handheld diagnostic tools.
Connectors and Fittings:
Creating standardized connectors for IV lines, catheters, or tubing systems.
Surgical Tools:
Producing disposable handles or attachments for laparoscopic or robotic surgical instruments.
Diagnostic Consumables:
Manufacturing cartridge components for point-of-care diagnostic devices.
Related Terms
Injection Molding: A manufacturing process where molten material is injected into a mold to produce parts.
Hot Runner System: A mold design feature that keeps the runner system heated to improve material flow and reduce waste.
Cold Runner System: A mold design where the runner system cools and solidifies with the parts, often resulting in material waste.
Single-Cavity Tooling: A simpler mold design with only one cavity, used for low-volume or prototyping production.
Cycle Time: The time required to complete one production cycle, including injection, cooling, and ejection of parts.