u/Individual-Appeal451

My second go at creating a video just using AI - let me know your thoughts!

Hi everyone,

I’m looking for a US-based injection molding partner for a series of river sluices, but I’m hitting a wall with the quotes I’ve received so far.

The Problem: I keep getting quoted for high-volume steel molds ($25k–$100k+ / 100k+ shot life). I do not need that level of longevity yet. I anticipate making design iterations after the first few hundred units are sold, so I am specifically looking for cost savings through aluminum prototype/bridge tooling.

Project Overview: I have three sluice models optimized for high-volume gold recovery. They are designed for rugged, high-impact outdoor use.

• Large: 8" x 32" (Split design with slide connections for hiking & easy storage).
• Medium: 6" x 24"
• Small: 4" x 20"

What I Need:

1. Aluminum Tooling Quotes: Pricing for prototype/bridge molds for each design.
2. Tiered Production: Per-unit pricing for runs of 250, 500, and 1,000 units.
3. Material Advice: I need a high-impact, UV-resistant polymer (ABS, Polypropylene, or similar) that can handle river environments without becoming brittle.

Requirements:

• Domestic (US) Only.
• Must be willing to work with aluminum or soft-tooling options to keep initial CAPEX low.
• Ability to provide DFM feedback, especially regarding the connection point on the 32" model.

Who I have received quotes from: (so please don't suggest these!)

Fictiv, Quickparts, Xometry, First Mold, Protolabs, CatalystPDG (doesn't have the size requirements), a few companies from the Midwest, Orgeon, etc. but I find 90% never pick-up the phone or reply to contact forms...

If you run a shop that specializes in bridge tooling/short-runs or can recommend a "low-volume" specialist in the States, please reach out or comment below. I have CAD files ready for review.

Thanks!