How does the Nordmould process work — from enquiry to delivered parts?
From sending a STEP file to receiving production parts, the Nordmould process has six defined stages. Every stage has a written output — a review note, a price, a sign-off document — so nothing moves forward without your explicit approval and you always know where the project stands.
What are the six stages of the Nordmould process?
| Stage | What happens | Typical duration |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Free DFM review | Nordmould reviews your geometry and returns a written manufacturability note | 1–3 business days |
| 2. Written quote | Fixed-price quote for tooling and per-part cost at your target volume | 1–2 business days after DFM |
| 3. Tooling fabrication | Mould design, CNC machining, EDM detail work, polishing and assembly | 3–8 weeks (aluminium) / 6–10 weeks (hardened steel) |
| 4. Trial shots and sign-off | First article parts produced, measured, shared with you for approval | 3–5 business days |
| 5. Series production | Full production run against your purchase order | 1–4 weeks depending on volume |
| 6. Delivery | Packaged parts shipped to your address within the Baltic & Nordic region | 1–5 business days |
Stage 1 — What does the free DFM review actually cover?
Nordmould reviews your part file for features that cause moulding problems or hidden cost: insufficient draft angles (which make parts stick in the tool), wall thickness variation (which causes sink marks or warp), undercuts (which require side-actions in the tool, raising cost), and gate placement (which affects weld-line location and cosmetic quality).
The output is a written note, not a phone call. You get something you can share with your engineering team and act on. The review is free and carries no obligation to proceed.
Stage 2 — How is the quote structured?
Nordmould's quotes separate tooling cost from per-part cost. Tooling starts from €3,000 for Rapid and Bridge tiers; the per-part price reflects your stated volume, material and number of cavities. Quotes are fixed-price — the number in the document is the number you pay, subject only to changes you initiate.
Response time from a complete STEP file is typically one to two business days after the DFM review is complete.
Stage 3 — What happens during tooling fabrication?
The mould is designed in CAD, machined from aluminium or hardened steel, and finished using EDM (electrical discharge machining), wire erosion, polishing and micro-TIG welding for fine detail. Insert moulding and over-moulding are set up at this stage if required.
Aluminium tooling for Bridge-tier projects takes roughly 3–8 weeks. Hardened-steel Production tooling takes 6–10 weeks. Nordmould gives you a milestone schedule at quote stage and flags any delays proactively.
Stage 4 — What is the first-article sign-off process?
Before any production run starts, Nordmould produces a first article batch — typically 5–20 parts — and carries out a dimensional check against your drawing tolerances. You receive the parts physically, along with a measurement report.
If any dimension is outside tolerance, Nordmould adjusts the tool and re-shoots. Production only begins after you have signed off in writing. This is a hard gate: no exceptions.
Stage 5 — How does series production work?
Once the tool is qualified, Nordmould schedules your production run against your purchase order. Shot parameters — melt temperature, injection speed, cooling time, clamp pressure — are locked to the approved settings from the first article to ensure consistency across the run.
Available materials for series production include ABS, PC, PMMA, PP, POM, TPE and TPU, as well as engineering grades on request. Surface finishes — matt, glossy or high-gloss — are applied according to your specification.
Stage 6 — How are parts packaged and delivered?
Finished parts are packaged to avoid transit damage and shipped within the 8 Baltic and Nordic countries Nordmould serves: Estonia, Finland, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Latvia, Lithuania and Iceland. Delivery terms (DAP or DDP) and carrier are confirmed at the quote stage. Delivery typically takes 1–5 business days depending on destination.
Because Nordmould's partners are located in the region, there are no customs procedures, import duties or long-sea-freight delays for buyers within the EU and EEA.
Frequently asked questions
How long does the whole process take from first contact to first parts? For Bridge (aluminium) tooling, typically 6–10 weeks from DFM sign-off to first production run. Production (hardened steel) tooling takes 10–15 weeks. Rapid soft-tool prototypes can deliver parts in as little as 2–3 weeks.
What file format should I send to start a quote? A STEP file is preferred for 3D geometry. A PDF drawing is useful alongside it for tolerances and surface-finish callouts. Nordmould accepts both; the DFM review is free regardless of which you send.
What is a DFM review and why is it free? DFM stands for Design for Manufacturability. Nordmould reviews your part geometry and flags any features — undercuts, wall-thickness issues, draft angles — that would cause moulding problems or cost increases before you commit to tooling.
Can I make design changes after tooling has started? Minor changes (adding steel to a cavity is straightforward; removing steel from the core is harder). Significant geometry changes after tooling sign-off typically require re-machining or new tooling inserts, which adds cost and time. Nordmould flags this risk upfront.
What happens during trial shots and sign-off? Nordmould produces a first article run — typically 5–20 parts — and shares dimensional reports and physical samples. You approve or request adjustments. Production only begins once you have signed off the first article.
What is the minimum order quantity for series production? Nordmould's minimum order quantity is 100 pieces. There is no upper limit; the same tooling can run into the hundreds of thousands of shots under the Production tier.
Does Nordmould handle delivery, or do I arrange my own logistics? Nordmould ships within the 8 Baltic and Nordic countries it serves. Delivery terms (DAP or DDP) and carrier are confirmed at the quote stage.
Start with a free DFM review — send your STEP file or PDF drawing to [email protected] and receive a written response within one to three business days.