{"id":22707,"date":"2021-07-23T08:43:00","date_gmt":"2021-07-23T12:43:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.teammax.com\/portal\/?p=22707"},"modified":"2021-09-01T11:02:56","modified_gmt":"2021-09-01T15:02:56","slug":"hard-tool-vs-soft-tool","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.teammax.com\/portal\/?p=22707","title":{"rendered":"Soft Tooling vs. Hard Tooling"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t<div data-elementor-type=\"wp-post\" data-elementor-id=\"22707\" class=\"elementor elementor-22707\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<header class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-21581aeb elementor-section-content-top she-header-yes elementor-section-full_width elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"21581aeb\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-e-type=\"section\" 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class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-button-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"elementor-button elementor-size-xs elementor-animation-grow\" role=\"button\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-button-content-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-button-text\">Contact Us<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/header>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-7bc619e6 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"7bc619e6\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-e-type=\"section\" data-settings=\"{&quot;background_background&quot;:&quot;classic&quot;,&quot;ekit_has_onepagescroll_dot&quot;:&quot;yes&quot;}\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-1c17b9e0\" data-id=\"1c17b9e0\" data-element_type=\"column\" data-e-type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-25cbbd3 pp-heading-fill-solid elementor-widget elementor-widget-pp-fancy-heading\" data-id=\"25cbbd3\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"pp-fancy-heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"pp-fancy-heading\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"pp-heading-text\">\n\t\t\t\t\tSoft Tooling vs. Hard Tooling\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-6f5aa98 elementor-widget elementor-widget-spacer\" data-id=\"6f5aa98\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"spacer.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer-inner\"><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-bed64db elementor-widget elementor-widget-theme-post-featured-image elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"bed64db\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"theme-post-featured-image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"640\" height=\"273\" src=\"https:\/\/www.teammax.com\/portal\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Soft-Tool-vs.-Hard-Tool-v006-1024x437.png\" class=\"attachment-large size-large wp-image-22864\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.teammax.com\/portal\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Soft-Tool-vs.-Hard-Tool-v006-1024x437.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.teammax.com\/portal\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Soft-Tool-vs.-Hard-Tool-v006-300x128.png 300w, https:\/\/www.teammax.com\/portal\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Soft-Tool-vs.-Hard-Tool-v006-768x328.png 768w, https:\/\/www.teammax.com\/portal\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Soft-Tool-vs.-Hard-Tool-v006-1536x656.png 1536w, https:\/\/www.teammax.com\/portal\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Soft-Tool-vs.-Hard-Tool-v006.png 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-18478a76 elementor-widget elementor-widget-spacer\" data-id=\"18478a76\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"spacer.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer-inner\"><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-94ae788 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"94ae788\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 Soft tooling and hard tooling are the two main fabrication methods for sheet metal parts. There are benefits and limitations for both. In this article, we describe each process then explain some key considerations when determining the best approach.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-8831075 elementor-widget elementor-widget-spacer\" data-id=\"8831075\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"spacer.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer-inner\"><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-c747965 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"c747965\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h4 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Soft Tooling<\/h4>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-3f0b7633 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"3f0b7633\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 Soft tooling involves different machines to form each type of feature. Those in the sheet metal industry often refer to soft tool production as <a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=Jq0gWjg2xNQ\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">\u201cNCT\u201d (Numerically Controlled Turret)<\/a>, the machine used to punch\/pierce the metal. Other frequently used equipment are the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=MXFhBrU7jt4\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">laser cutting<\/a> machine which cuts the metal and a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=aBckKuULSwM\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">press brake<\/a> for bending purposes. Soft Tooling is labor intensive because not only are different types of machines involved, but multiple steps and adjustments on each machine may be required to form the final product.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-57e9f8a elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"57e9f8a\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-e-type=\"section\" data-settings=\"{&quot;background_background&quot;:&quot;classic&quot;,&quot;ekit_has_onepagescroll_dot&quot;:&quot;yes&quot;}\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-33 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-4cdc6c3\" data-id=\"4cdc6c3\" data-element_type=\"column\" data-e-type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-33 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-5dde1a8\" data-id=\"5dde1a8\" data-element_type=\"column\" data-e-type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-cb854c8 elementor-pagination-position-inside elementor-arrows-position-outside elementor-widget elementor-widget-image-carousel\" data-id=\"cb854c8\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;slides_to_show&quot;:&quot;1&quot;,&quot;pause_on_hover&quot;:&quot;no&quot;,&quot;autoplay_speed&quot;:2500,&quot;navigation&quot;:&quot;both&quot;,&quot;autoplay&quot;:&quot;yes&quot;,&quot;pause_on_interaction&quot;:&quot;yes&quot;,&quot;infinite&quot;:&quot;yes&quot;,&quot;effect&quot;:&quot;slide&quot;,&quot;speed&quot;:500}\" data-widget_type=\"image-carousel.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-image-carousel-wrapper swiper\" role=\"region\" aria-roledescription=\"carousel\" aria-label=\"Image Carousel\" dir=\"ltr\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-image-carousel swiper-wrapper\" aria-live=\"off\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"swiper-slide\" role=\"group\" aria-roledescription=\"slide\" aria-label=\"1 of 3\"><figure class=\"swiper-slide-inner\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"swiper-slide-image\" src=\"https:\/\/www.teammax.com\/portal\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/DSC_6912_00001-768x513.jpg\" alt=\"AMADA\" \/><figcaption class=\"elementor-image-carousel-caption\">Soft Tool - NCT<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div><div class=\"swiper-slide\" role=\"group\" aria-roledescription=\"slide\" aria-label=\"2 of 3\"><figure class=\"swiper-slide-inner\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"swiper-slide-image\" src=\"https:\/\/www.teammax.com\/portal\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/Laser-cutting-768x512.png\" alt=\"Laser_01\" \/><figcaption class=\"elementor-image-carousel-caption\">Soft Tool - Laser Cutting<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div><div class=\"swiper-slide\" role=\"group\" aria-roledescription=\"slide\" aria-label=\"3 of 3\"><figure class=\"swiper-slide-inner\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"swiper-slide-image\" src=\"https:\/\/www.teammax.com\/portal\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/0707--768x549.jpg\" alt=\"Soft Tool - Press Brakes\" \/><figcaption class=\"elementor-image-carousel-caption\">Soft Tool - Press Brakes<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-swiper-button elementor-swiper-button-prev\" role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<i aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"eicon-chevron-left\"><\/i>\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-swiper-button elementor-swiper-button-next\" role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<i aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"eicon-chevron-right\"><\/i>\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"swiper-pagination\"><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-33 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-b3b3e94\" data-id=\"b3b3e94\" data-element_type=\"column\" data-e-type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-f1a7483 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"f1a7483\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-e-type=\"section\" data-settings=\"{&quot;background_background&quot;:&quot;classic&quot;,&quot;ekit_has_onepagescroll_dot&quot;:&quot;yes&quot;}\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-6e69f5f\" data-id=\"6e69f5f\" data-element_type=\"column\" data-e-type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-2e12c6c elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"2e12c6c\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h4 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Hard Tooling<\/h4>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-acae1ba elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"acae1ba\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 Hard tooling gets its name because parts are built using <em>hardened<\/em> steel dies known as \u201ctools.\u201d These custom tools are set up in heavy tonnage stamping presses. Unlike soft tooling, multiple features (e.g. piercings, cuts, and bends) can be formed at once in a stamping press. Some designs can even be built by <a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=V8BgRDwCew8\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">progressive die<\/a>, meaning multiple stages are set up in a single machine. However, complex parts like server chassis usually need to run through a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=Bg3kIoX5xsc\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">series of stamping press stages<\/a> to achieve all the necessary features. In general, hard tooling requires less labor because the presses are set up in a row, which makes the stamping easily <a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=YhOeVlQK4Zw\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">automated<\/a>.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-aec64f1 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"aec64f1\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-e-type=\"section\" data-settings=\"{&quot;background_background&quot;:&quot;classic&quot;,&quot;ekit_has_onepagescroll_dot&quot;:&quot;yes&quot;}\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-33 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-a17c221\" data-id=\"a17c221\" data-element_type=\"column\" data-e-type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-33 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-2a0fc24\" data-id=\"2a0fc24\" data-element_type=\"column\" data-e-type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-3c872c3 elementor-pagination-position-inside elementor-arrows-position-outside elementor-widget elementor-widget-image-carousel\" data-id=\"3c872c3\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;slides_to_show&quot;:&quot;1&quot;,&quot;pause_on_hover&quot;:&quot;no&quot;,&quot;autoplay_speed&quot;:2500,&quot;navigation&quot;:&quot;both&quot;,&quot;autoplay&quot;:&quot;yes&quot;,&quot;pause_on_interaction&quot;:&quot;yes&quot;,&quot;infinite&quot;:&quot;yes&quot;,&quot;effect&quot;:&quot;slide&quot;,&quot;speed&quot;:500}\" data-widget_type=\"image-carousel.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-image-carousel-wrapper swiper\" role=\"region\" aria-roledescription=\"carousel\" aria-label=\"Image Carousel\" dir=\"ltr\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-image-carousel swiper-wrapper\" aria-live=\"off\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"swiper-slide\" role=\"group\" aria-roledescription=\"slide\" aria-label=\"1 of 5\"><figure class=\"swiper-slide-inner\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"swiper-slide-image\" src=\"https:\/\/www.teammax.com\/portal\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/Hard-Tool-stamping-1-min-768x512.jpg\" alt=\"Hard Tool - 200 Ton Stamping Press\" \/><figcaption class=\"elementor-image-carousel-caption\">Hard Tool - 200 Ton Stamping Press<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div><div class=\"swiper-slide\" role=\"group\" aria-roledescription=\"slide\" aria-label=\"2 of 5\"><figure class=\"swiper-slide-inner\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"swiper-slide-image\" src=\"https:\/\/www.teammax.com\/portal\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/hard-tool-stamping-4-min-1-scaled-e1645810364541-768x687.jpg\" alt=\"Stamp_04\" \/><figcaption class=\"elementor-image-carousel-caption\">Hard Tool - 400 Ton Stamping Press<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div><div class=\"swiper-slide\" role=\"group\" aria-roledescription=\"slide\" aria-label=\"3 of 5\"><figure class=\"swiper-slide-inner\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"swiper-slide-image\" src=\"https:\/\/www.teammax.com\/portal\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/20210205_080913137_iOS-768x576.jpg\" alt=\"TOOLING\" \/><figcaption class=\"elementor-image-carousel-caption\">Hard Tool - Stamping Die<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div><div class=\"swiper-slide\" role=\"group\" aria-roledescription=\"slide\" aria-label=\"4 of 5\"><figure class=\"swiper-slide-inner\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"swiper-slide-image\" src=\"https:\/\/www.teammax.com\/portal\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/IMG_1904-768x465.jpg\" alt=\"TOOLING\" \/><figcaption class=\"elementor-image-carousel-caption\">Hard Tool - Stamping Die<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div><div class=\"swiper-slide\" role=\"group\" aria-roledescription=\"slide\" aria-label=\"5 of 5\"><figure class=\"swiper-slide-inner\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"swiper-slide-image\" src=\"https:\/\/www.teammax.com\/portal\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/IMG_20160314_095334-768x576.jpg\" alt=\"Die Cutting\" \/><figcaption class=\"elementor-image-carousel-caption\">Hard Tool - Progressive Die<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-swiper-button elementor-swiper-button-prev\" role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<i aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"eicon-chevron-left\"><\/i>\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-swiper-button elementor-swiper-button-next\" role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<i aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"eicon-chevron-right\"><\/i>\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"swiper-pagination\"><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-33 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-1873109\" data-id=\"1873109\" data-element_type=\"column\" data-e-type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-903d160 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"903d160\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-e-type=\"section\" data-settings=\"{&quot;background_background&quot;:&quot;classic&quot;,&quot;ekit_has_onepagescroll_dot&quot;:&quot;yes&quot;}\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-93095b4\" data-id=\"93095b4\" data-element_type=\"column\" data-e-type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-4fafba9 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"4fafba9\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h4 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Key Considerations<\/h4>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-593c450 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"593c450\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 The primary consideration for customers when it comes to soft tool vs. hard tool fabrication is the cost impact, which is closely tied to the overall demand volume. Soft tooling has a higher cost per piece because it is a labor-intensive process. However, the total cost may make sense if you are building prototypes or other low-volume parts, especially since little to no upfront investment is required to get a customized final product. As volumes increase, however, soft tooling becomes more expensive. Parts with high volumes are best built by hard tooling because the process may be automated so suppliers can offer a lower cost per piece. Though customers need to invest in customized tools, a typical return on investment in the sheet metal industry is only about 6 months.<\/p><p>\u00a0<\/p><p>\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 Another factor is the standard production lead time. Soft tooling is far quicker when building low volumes because different machines are run at different times. Therefore, production can start without waiting for all machines to be available to use. The set-up time to program those machines is relatively short as well. On the other hand, hard tooling requires a series of stamping presses to be available to use at the same time, so scheduling is more critical. Then, custom tools need to be set up on each stamping press. Once tools are up, however, the actual production run is quick and can efficiently stamp out high volumes.<\/p><p>\u00a0<\/p><p>\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 Production flexibility is also important to some customers. Soft tooling is the standard process for building prototypes, not only due to the low volume but also because the parts are still in development. That means changes may still be made before a design is finalized. Soft tooling is a more flexible fabrication process as custom features are formed by simply programming them into various machines before the build. This means changes can be made any time before production begins without extra expense. Whereas customizations in hard tooling are achieved through investments in custom made tools. Design changes that impact those physical tools would require tooling modifications and lead to additional costs, so hard tooling is best for building parts with firm designs.<\/p><p>\u00a0<\/p><p>\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 The final major difference between the two fabrication approaches is precision due to the fundamental nature of how the parts are built. Since soft tooling involves different types of machines and different operators, there can be more opportunities for inconsistencies. Therefore, it is important to work with an experienced supplier with a well-established quality control process in place. In contrast, hard tooling easily achieves tight, repeatable tolerances as the stamping process is more automated and runs relatively seamlessly from one press to the next.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-2a151a4 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"2a151a4\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-e-type=\"section\" data-settings=\"{&quot;background_background&quot;:&quot;classic&quot;,&quot;ekit_has_onepagescroll_dot&quot;:&quot;yes&quot;}\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-93e9b55\" data-id=\"93e9b55\" data-element_type=\"column\" data-e-type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-cf3482e elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"cf3482e\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h4 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Conclusion<\/h4>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-6005fe7 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"6005fe7\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 Whether to build by soft tool or hard tool is usually straightforward based on the overall cost, anticipated volume, and whether the part is still in development. There are times, however, when it is less clear cut. As experts in the sheet metal industry, we at the Cheng Fwa Group would be able to help find the best approach. Since we are capable of both types of production, we can offer cost-effective hybrid solutions for any demands that fall in between low and high-volume. We can also manage a seamless transition from prototyping to mass production, saving you further coordination.<\/p><p>\u00a0<\/p><p>\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 In general, sheet metal prototypes built by soft tool are produced within 48 hours to 4 weeks to ensure a competitive time to market for our clients. And our standard lead time for hard tooled parts is between 2 to 8 weeks. Cheng Fwa Group is an ISO certified supplier building quality sheet metal parts for Tier 1 customers for over 60 years. We have the experience and are well-equipped to support your needs. If you choose to work with us, we will make sure we understand your expectations and priorities to ensure your success.<\/p><p>\u00a0<\/p><p>Contact us today for a consultation!<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-7226053 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"7226053\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-e-type=\"section\" data-settings=\"{&quot;background_background&quot;:&quot;classic&quot;,&quot;ekit_has_onepagescroll_dot&quot;:&quot;yes&quot;}\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-33 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-451a2c9\" data-id=\"451a2c9\" data-element_type=\"column\" data-e-type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-33 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-f45d278\" data-id=\"f45d278\" data-element_type=\"column\" data-e-type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-0351aac elementor-widget elementor-widget-menu-anchor\" data-id=\"0351aac\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"menu-anchor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-menu-anchor\" id=\"ST_HT_Table\"><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-166d714 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"166d714\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h4 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Table Summary<\/h4>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-33 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-c7eda0d\" data-id=\"c7eda0d\" data-element_type=\"column\" data-e-type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-79b2243 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"79b2243\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-e-type=\"section\" data-settings=\"{&quot;background_background&quot;:&quot;classic&quot;,&quot;ekit_has_onepagescroll_dot&quot;:&quot;yes&quot;}\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-33 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-3e192b2\" data-id=\"3e192b2\" data-element_type=\"column\" data-e-type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-33 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-a6d44fc\" data-id=\"a6d44fc\" data-element_type=\"column\" data-e-type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-f4eb66d elementor-widget elementor-widget-elementskit-tablepress\" data-id=\"f4eb66d\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"elementskit-tablepress.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elemenetskit-tablepress ekit-wid-con\" id=\"ekit_tablepress_f4eb66d\">\n<table id=\"tablepress-13\" class=\"tablepress tablepress-id-13\">\n<thead>\n<tr class=\"row-1 odd\">\n\t<th class=\"column-1\">&nbsp;<\/th><th class=\"column-2\">Differences<\/th><th class=\"column-3\">Soft Tooling (ST)<\/th><th class=\"column-4\">Hard Tooling (HT)<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr class=\"row-2 even\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">1<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">Processing Method<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">Multiple types of machines required to form each feature<br \/>\nLabor intensive<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">Multiple features achieved with one type of machine<br \/>\nEasily automated<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-3 odd\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">2<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">Optimal Volume<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">Prototypes<br \/>\nLow-volume production       <\/td><td class=\"column-4\">High-volume production<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-4 even\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">3<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">Associated Costs<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">Higher cost\/piece<br \/>\nLittle to no upfront investment <\/td><td class=\"column-4\">Lower cost\/piece<br \/>\nUpfront investment for custom tooling required<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-5 odd\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">4<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">Standard Lead Time<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">Short production lead time (2 days-4 weeks)<br \/>\n<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">Long production lead time (2-8 weeks)<br \/>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-6 even\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">5<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">Flexibility<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">Flexible design changes<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">Firm design, no further changes<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-7 odd\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">6<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">Precision<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">More opportunities for dimensional variance<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">Repeatable, tight tolerances<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<!-- #tablepress-13 from cache --><\/div>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-33 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-99270f9\" data-id=\"99270f9\" data-element_type=\"column\" data-e-type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-75f75de6 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"75f75de6\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-e-type=\"section\" data-settings=\"{&quot;background_background&quot;:&quot;classic&quot;,&quot;ekit_has_onepagescroll_dot&quot;:&quot;yes&quot;}\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-25 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-275be61e\" data-id=\"275be61e\" data-element_type=\"column\" data-e-type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-25 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-67777526\" data-id=\"67777526\" data-element_type=\"column\" data-e-type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-28f6fae9 elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"28f6fae9\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"75\" src=\"https:\/\/www.teammax.com\/portal\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/TMX_blue_2-100-1-300x75.jpg\" class=\"attachment-medium size-medium wp-image-11485\" alt=\"TeamMax Corporation Footer Logo\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.teammax.com\/portal\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/TMX_blue_2-100-1-300x75.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.teammax.com\/portal\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/TMX_blue_2-100-1-600x149.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.teammax.com\/portal\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/TMX_blue_2-100-1-768x191.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.teammax.com\/portal\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/TMX_blue_2-100-1-228x57.jpg 228w, https:\/\/www.teammax.com\/portal\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/TMX_blue_2-100-1.jpg 978w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-32ac7e24 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"32ac7e24\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><strong><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">ADD:<\/span><\/strong>\u00a0 \u00a0282 Central Street Unit 6<\/p><p>\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 Hudson, Massachusetts<\/p><p>\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 United States, 01749<\/p><p><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><strong>TEL:\u00a0<\/strong> <\/span>\u00a0 978.293.3542<\/p><p><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><strong>FAX:<\/strong><\/span>\u00a0 \u00a0 978.293.3543<\/p><p><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><strong>EMAIL:<\/strong><\/span> Info@TeamMax.com<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-25 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-1a99fdd8\" data-id=\"1a99fdd8\" data-element_type=\"column\" data-e-type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-12337da6 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"12337da6\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Capabilities<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-44a1720c elementor-align-start elementor-icon-list--layout-traditional elementor-list-item-link-full_width elementor-widget elementor-widget-icon-list\" data-id=\"44a1720c\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"icon-list.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<ul class=\"elementor-icon-list-items\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"elementor-icon-list-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-icon-list-text\">Precision Metal Stamping \/ Fabrication<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"elementor-icon-list-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-icon-list-text\">Rapid Prototype \/ Soft Tool Production<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"elementor-icon-list-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-icon-list-text\">Tooling Development \/ Maintenance<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"elementor-icon-list-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-icon-list-text\">Plastic Injection<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"elementor-icon-list-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-icon-list-text\">Finishing Processes<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/ul>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-32058aba elementor-widget elementor-widget-spacer\" data-id=\"32058aba\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"spacer.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer\">\n\t\t\t<div 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data-element_type=\"column\" data-e-type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-2a263aa elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"2a263aa\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Company<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-360d64db elementor-align-start elementor-icon-list--layout-traditional elementor-list-item-link-full_width elementor-widget elementor-widget-icon-list\" data-id=\"360d64db\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"icon-list.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<ul class=\"elementor-icon-list-items\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li 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There are benefits and limitations for both. In this article, we describe each process then explain some key considerations when determining the best approach. Soft Tooling \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 Soft tooling involves different machines to form each type of feature. 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