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Tooling / Moulding & Test Shots for Toys
Tooling for toys typically takes 30-50 days because molds are precision machines that must be optimized. First test shots are rarely perfect; molds are tuned step-by-step (steel-safe edits, gate/runner/cooling adjustments, and side actions where needed) until parts hit finish and tolerance. For toys, DFM is usually handled at the factory and is straightforward. Textures are selected after the first shots—using a YC Mold Texture Book-and can take ~1-2 weeks to apply.
What this phase achieves
Finished tool + real test shots
Parts from the actual mold—no expectation of "perfect on the first try."
Fit, finish & tolerance tuned
Material truths respected (e.g., POM gearboxes vs ABS
housings) and tolerances.
Final Production samples
With final graphics applied, evaluated against the PRD before production planning.
Your deliverable: production samples
A concise document that captures what we are building and the constraints it must meet-used by design, engineering, sourcing, testing and production.
What we'll do
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Factory DFM review (draft, parting, ejectors, ribs/bosses, knit/flow)
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Part grouping by color & material to avoid costly partial tool closes
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Gate/runner/cooling strategy; side actions if required (e.g., internal thread)
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Tool steel guidance (e.g., P20/718H, 2738/738H, H13, S136) vs wear/clarity & lifetime
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Test-shot cycles with measurement notes and assembly fit checks
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Textures chosen after first shots (YC texture book) and applied (~1-2 weeks)
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PRD/BOM updates;
corrective-action log;maintenance notes with the toolmaker -
Tool files pack & ownership coordinated via your tooling agreement
What you'll provide
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Final colorways, logo/deco, and texture preferences
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Acceptance thresholds for key dimensions/fit and cosmetics
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Forecast volume (to inform cavity count) and any factory standards
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Shipping address(es) for test shots and production samples
What you'll get (PRD v1.0)
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Tool design overview (gating/cooling/steel-safe/side actions)
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Test-shot sets with process parameter snapshots
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Production samples with final graphics for PRD validation
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Corrective-action log and recommended next steps
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Tool ownership & maintenance terms aligned to your ToyLegal tooling agreement
From moulding to production samples
Mould carving on-going with a CNC machine in a factory, first step to get your mould ready.
Stash of moulds being stored in a Chinese factory.
Many Chinese factories have in-house injection moulding machines ready to produce all your parts.
Process & timeline (reference only)
⚠️ Reference only: timing varies with complexity, decision speed, and supplier calendars.
1
Day 0
Factory DFM sign-off; part grouping by
color/material agreed.
2
Days 1-30/50
Tool build: steel cut, inserts, polish; side actions as needed.
3
Test shots
Measure, assemble, review; steel-safe edits; gate/cooling tweaks; re-shots.
3
Texture & samples
Select YC texture; apply (~1-2 wks);
production samples with final graphics; PRD validation.
FAQs
Why does tooling take 30–50 days?
Why aren’t first test shots perfect?
Who does DFM?
How do color & material choices affect tooling?
When do we choose textures?
Who owns the mold?
What’s the exit criteria for this phase?