Technical answers, straight to the point.
How to request a quote, what information to send and what to expect from each process: casting, machining, plastic molds and 3D printing.
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How we work and how to request a quote.
Q.01What does Fundimoldes do?+
Fundiciones Modelos y Moldes S.A.S. has designed and manufactured molds, tooling and industrial parts for more than 50 years. We integrate engineering, patternmaking, casting, CNC machining, EDM, welding, 3D printing, 3D scanning and maintenance in a single operation.
Q.02How do I request a quote?+
Through the quote form, on WhatsApp at +57 321 227 8823 or by email at hola@fundimoldes.com. We reply within 24 business hours.
Q.03What information should I send to get a project quoted?+
At a minimum: a description of the process or need, approximate dimensions, material, expected quantity and photos. For a more precise proposal, it helps to include the 2D drawing, the 3D model, a physical sample, functional tolerances, the required finish, operating conditions and the required date.
Q.04Do you make one-off parts or only production runs?+
Both. In addition to production runs, we develop special parts, spare parts and short runs, always subject to technical and economic feasibility.
Q.05Can you manufacture from a sample without drawings?+
Yes. We digitize the part through 3D scanning or reverse engineering, rebuild the CAD model and, from it, define the most suitable manufacturing route.
Q.06Are you quality certified?+
Yes, we operate under an ISO 9001:2015 certified quality management system.
Q.07How is the quality of each delivery controlled?+
Depending on the project scope, we apply visual inspection, dimensional inspection and comparative 3D scanning against the CAD model. Other specific tests are agreed upon and quoted separately.
Q.08Do you maintain existing molds and tooling?+
Yes, even if we didn’t make them. We assess their condition and carry out maintenance, repair, rebuilding or engineering changes. Learn about our maintenance and overhaul service.
Sand and permanent mold casting.
Q.09When is a permanent mold better than sand?+
When demand is recurring and the volume allows the tooling to be amortized. As a reference, a permanent mold starts to pay off in runs of hundreds or thousands of parts; for single units, spare parts or small batches, sand is usually cheaper and faster to set up.
Q.10Can you cast from an existing or damaged part?+
Yes. The part is captured through 3D scanning or reverse engineering, the CAD model is rebuilt to compensate for wear and shrinkage, and the patterns are made from it.
Q.11What tolerances can I expect on a cast part?+
The as-cast part is governed by casting tolerance grades that depend on the process and size. Surfaces that require fitting, sealing or mounting are CNC machined to final dimension.
Q.12Why does porosity appear in an aluminum part?+
Because of hydrogen dissolved in the molten metal or unfed shrinkage. The first is controlled with degassing and moisture control; the second with feeding design and uniform wall thicknesses.
Q.13Can the parts be heat treated?+
When the alloy allows it, such as A356 or AlSi10Mg. The required treatment is defined in the technical proposal along with the acceptance criteria.
Machining, EDM and welding.
Q.14What tolerances can you hold?+
It depends on size, material and geometry. General dimensions follow ISO 2768; functional fits are specified by IT grade or direct tolerance on the drawing and validated in the technical review.
Q.15Can you work hardened steels?+
Yes. Pre-hardened steels are machined directly, and features in hardened material are produced with EDM, which does not depend on the hardness of the steel.
Q.16When is EDM used instead of milling?+
When the geometry cannot be reached with a cutter: sharp inside corners, deep thin ribs, blind cavities or textures, or when the steel is already hardened. A graphite or copper electrode is made in the required shape and reproduced in the part through controlled electrical discharges.
Q.17Can you repair a damaged mold instead of making a new one?+
In many cases, yes: it is built up with weld compatible with the steel, re-machined and fitted. It usually costs a fraction of new tooling and reduces downtime.
Q.18What files should I send?+
Ideally a 3D model in STEP and a PDF drawing with tolerances, material, finishes and quantities. If you only have the physical part, we can capture it with 3D scanning.
Molds for injection, blow molding, rotational molding and more.
Q.19Which process is right for my part?+
It depends on the geometry (solid, hollow or open), size, material and annual volume. In the technical review we compare the viable alternatives and their impact on mold cost and cost per part.
Q.20How many cavities should my mold have?+
It is calculated from the annual volume, the expected cycle time and the capacity of the machine it will run on. More cavities lower the cost per part but raise the investment and the balancing requirements.
Q.21Steel or aluminum mold?+
Aluminum is faster to machine and cools better, ideal for prototypes, short runs and low-pressure processes. Steel is the choice for high-volume injection and abrasive materials.
Q.22Is a hot runner worth it?+
At high volumes, yes: it eliminates runner waste and shortens the cycle. For short runs or heat-sensitive materials, a cold runner is usually more convenient.
Q.23What do I need to get a mold quoted?+
A 3D model of the part or a sample, material, annual volume, the machine it will be used on and finish requirements. With that information we define the process, mold class and scope.
Prototyping and 3D printing.
Q.24FDM or SLA for my prototype?+
If you need strength, size or low cost, FDM. If you need fine detail, a smooth surface or a small high-precision part, SLA. In the technical review we recommend the technology based on what the prototype needs to prove.
Q.25Can the prototype be used for functional testing?+
It can validate form, fit, assembly and moderate loads. Its properties are not identical to those of the injection-molded or cast part, so final material validation is done with parts from the production process.
Q.26What if my part is larger than the build volume?+
It is split into sections with joints designed for assembly and bonding, making sure the seams do not affect critical areas.
Q.27Does the prototype replace the mold trial?+
No. It reduces the risk of reaching the mold stage with design errors, but the mold sample is still the validation of the actual process.