Welcome to the Cullen Tooling page
Here you will find a brief overview which we hope will give an insight into the functions/processes involved in taking your approved CAD design from concept to prototype, then from sample pulp part to finished production pulp part.
The 3 stages we normally go through consist of Rapid Prototyping, Sample Tooling and Production Tooling. Each stage serves a specific function in the product approval process.
Once the 3D model has been converted to the appropriate file type, the latest 3D sintering technology is then applied and solid sample models can be made in a matter of hours. The produced model is ideal for checking the fit and functionality of the prototype with existing customer parts and packaging.
This process is tooling free thus provides an inexpensive method of prototyping without the additional cost of tool production, thereby accelerating product development.
Sample Tooling & Pulp Prototyping
CNC technology allows us to maintain dimensional accuracy from the original CAD design giving continuity to the process. Into this master mould the porous mixture is then cast and left to harden.
Once de-moulded the sample tool is then mounted on our dedicated pulp sample machine and prototypes produced. These samples are representative of final production line parts and can be used for trial runs, product development and testing.
The final stage in our tooling process is production tooling. Production tooling at Cullen Packaging is manufactured from only the highest quality materials.
Stainless steel, aluminium and epoxy resins are the chosen materials as they offer the optimum performance in both strength and durability.
Again, CNC machining is used to produce the tooling for accurate repeatability and efficiency.
Our in-house toolmakers then construct and assemble the tooling as per the product design and production machine requirements.
The finish of the tooling is to the highest standards with utmost attention to detail at all times. The first run of production tooling is supervised by the toolmaking staff in conjunction with our ISO 9001 quality assurance system.
