Michigan Manufacturers Speed Up EV Mold Production
New 3D-printed mold inserts cut prototype lead times by 30 percent, accelerating the launch of electric vehicle components.
Updated on Oct. 26, 2026 in Electric Vehicles
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Michigan manufacturers Elite Mold and Engineering and PCS Company have successfully produced a hybrid EV bridge mold using 3D-printed inserts. This innovation enabled the delivery of a prototype harness component mold in just three weeks.
Why it matters
Reducing lead times is critical for the rapid pace of electric vehicle production, where prototype components must be validated quickly. This hybrid manufacturing approach helps suppliers meet tight deadlines for new vehicle launches.
The hybrid mold measures 12 by 12 inches with 4 by 6-inch printed inserts, achieving a 30% reduction in lead time. The process was necessitated by a three-week delivery window for an EV harness component.
The players
Elite Mold and Engineering
A Shelby Township-based firm specializing in custom mold design and engineering for the automotive industry.
PCS Company
A Fraser-based manufacturer and distributor of mold components and tooling supplies for the plastic injection molding sector.
The details
Engineers used CAD software and Mantle technology to create precise tool paths for additive and subtractive manufacturing. By incorporating 3D-printed H13 steel inserts with internal conformal cooling channels, the team bypassed the need for traditional EDM electrodes. This allows for the creation of deep, narrow rib features that are otherwise difficult to machine in high-glass-filled nylon molds.
Timeline
October 26, 2026: Article publication date.
The Home Front
This development represents a departure from traditional, electrode-intensive steel machining in automotive tool design. It follows a broader industry trend of adopting additive manufacturing to shorten the development cycle for new electric vehicle components.
While this innovation benefits industrial suppliers, it illustrates how rapid prototyping is speeding up the arrival of new vehicle models to your local dealership. Homeowners interested in EV advancements can monitor how these manufacturing efficiencies eventually lower the production costs of new car features.
The takeaway
Hybrid mold manufacturing significantly cuts the wait time for critical automotive parts by utilizing advanced 3D-printed steel inserts. Keep an eye on how these shortened development cycles influence the availability and cost of new vehicle technologies in the coming years.
Further reading
For more on how new manufacturing technologies are shaping the future of transportation, visit our Electric Vehicles section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by MoldMakingTechnology.
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