What quality standards and tolerances does Nordmould hold?
Nordmould holds quality at three distinct control points: a free DFM review before tooling begins, a T1 sample sign-off before any production quantity ships, and dimensional inspection against agreed tolerances. No production part leaves without passing all three.
What tolerances can injection moulding hold?
Standard injection moulding achieves tolerances down to ±0.05 mm on critical dimensions, depending on part geometry, wall thickness, and material choice. Looser tolerances — typically ±0.1–0.3 mm — apply to larger or less constrained features.
Shrinkage variation is the main driver of tolerance spread in injection moulding. Nordmould's DFM review identifies high-risk features — thin walls, long unsupported spans, areas prone to sink — and recommends geometry adjustments before tooling is cut. Fixing a design costs nothing; re-cutting a tool costs time and money.
| Feature type | Typical tolerance |
|---|---|
| Critical bore or snap fit | ±0.05 mm |
| General dimensional | ±0.1 mm |
| Large cosmetic surface | ±0.2–0.3 mm |
| Post-mould assembly datum | ±0.05 mm |
These figures are indicative. Achievable tolerance is confirmed in writing during the DFM review for every project.
What happens during the free DFM review?
Send Nordmould a STEP file or PDF drawing and receive a written manufacturability note within 2 working days. The review covers:
- Draft angles and demoulding risk
- Wall thickness uniformity and sink-mark exposure
- Gate location options and weld-line placement
- Undercuts requiring side actions or lifters
- Tolerance feasibility for critical features
The DFM review is free and carries no commitment. It is the most effective way to prevent expensive tool rework later.
How does the T1 sample sign-off work?
After tooling is complete, Nordmould produces a first-article run — the T1 sample set. You receive physical parts accompanied by a dimensional inspection report checked against your drawing.
Production does not start until you approve the T1 in writing. This is a hard gate, not a formality. If the T1 reveals a deviation, Nordmould adjusts the tool before any production quantity is cut. The T1 stage is included in every Bridge and Production tier project.
What certifications does the production partner network hold?
Nordmould's vetted manufacturing partners operate under documented quality management systems; ISO 9001:2015 certification status is confirmed per project at the quote stage. ISO 14001 environmental management certification varies by manufacturing partner and is available on request for projects requiring documented environmental compliance.
Certification documentation is available on request. For regulated industries — medical devices, automotive, consumer electronics — contact Nordmould to confirm which specific standard or audit documentation your project requires.
What surface finishes are available?
| Finish | Typical use |
|---|---|
| Matt (SPI B-3 / C-1) | Industrial housings, grip surfaces |
| Glossy (SPI A-3 / B-1) | Consumer products, visible panels |
| High-gloss (SPI A-1) | Optical covers, premium cosmetic parts |
| Custom texture | Brand-specific graining, anti-slip patterns |
Surface finish is locked at the tooling stage. Changes after tool-cut require re-polishing or re-texturing, which adds cost and lead time. Nordmould confirms your target finish during the DFM review.
Frequently asked questions
What tolerances can plastic injection moulding hold? Standard injection moulding achieves tolerances down to ±0.05 mm on critical features. Nordmould confirms achievable tolerances during the free DFM review before any tooling is cut.
Does Nordmould offer a sample before full production? Yes. Every production run at Nordmould includes a T1 sample stage. No production quantities ship until you have approved the first-off sample in writing.
What is a DFM review and is it really free? A DFM (Design for Manufacturability) review is a written assessment of your part design identifying issues that would cause defects, high scrap rates, or avoidable tooling cost. At Nordmould it is free — send a STEP or PDF and receive written feedback.
What certifications does Nordmould hold? Our production partner network operates under documented quality management systems. ISO 9001:2015 certification status is confirmed per project at the quote stage; documentation is available on request.
How does Nordmould inspect finished parts? Parts are inspected against agreed dimensions using agreed inspection methods (such as CMM or calliper measurement). A dimensional inspection report is included with T1 samples and available for production batches on request.
Can Nordmould hold tight tolerances on engineering plastics? Yes. Materials such as POM and PC are dimensionally stable and suit tight-tolerance applications. Nordmould reviews shrinkage and warpage risk for each material during the DFM stage.
What surface finish options are available? Nordmould offers matt, glossy, and high-gloss tooling finishes as standard. Custom textures and SPI finish grades are available on request and are confirmed during the DFM review.
Submit your STEP file or PDF for a free DFM review — Nordmould returns written feedback with no obligation.