Rigs in Injection Molding: Why They Matter for Precision and Quality
Injection molding is all about consistency. Behind every consistent part lies one of the process’s most overlooked tools: the rig.
Whether you’re prototyping a new design or running full-scale production, rigs play a crucial role in stabilizing parts, controlling tolerances, and ensuring the overall success of your molding operation.
What Are Rigs in Injection Molding?
Rigs are support structures or fixtures used during the injection molding process to hold components in precise alignment. They can stabilise inserts, support overhangs, ensure mould halves close perfectly, or help parts cool in a controlled shape.
Without the proper rigging, even the best-designed molds can lead to inconsistent results.
Think of rigs as the physical backbone of precision: They keep everything in place under pressure and heat, ensuring that each cycle delivers repeatable outcomes.
Why Rigs Are Critical for Engineers
For engineers, precision is non-negotiable. Poor alignment or instability can lead to a wide range of part defects:
Flashing due to mold misalignment
Warping from uneven cooling
Inconsistent wall thickness
Misplaced inserts in overmolded parts
Rigs help eliminate these risks. They:
Secure inserts exactly where they’re needed
Maintain geometric integrity during cooling
Minimize variation across production runs
Speed up setup and changeovers for prototyping
In short: if you care about tolerance and efficiency, you need the right rig.
Start Your Manufacturing Project with MakerVerse
MakerVerse is a platform for sourcing industrial parts. It provides instant access to a vetted supply chain and a full range of manufacturing technologies. With AI-powered quoting, order management, and fulfilment, MakerVerse helps with everything from initial prototypes to full-scale production.
Common Types of Rigs in Injection Molding
Here are some of the most commonly used rig types and what they do:
Insert Holding Fixtures
Used to keep metal or plastic inserts in exact positions before and during overmolding.
Cooling Rigs
Support delicate parts immediately after ejection to maintain shape and prevent warping.
Alignment Jigs
Ensure mold halves or external parts align with high precision.
Multi-Cavity Support Systems
Distribute clamping force evenly across multiple cavities to produce uniform parts.
Key Design Considerations for Rigging
When designing or selecting a rig, engineers need to evaluate several factors:
Material durability: Rigs must resist wear, heat, and pressure without deforming.
Ease of handling: Quick setup and teardown improve turnaround time.
Fit to tolerance: The tighter the spec, the more accurate the rig must be.
Adaptability: Complex parts may require custom rigs with support for undercuts, inserts, or fragile features.
Custom rig design is often a balancing act between speed, cost, and precision.
How Rigging Affects Production Performance
A well-rigged process isn’t just more accurate. It’s more efficient. The right rig can:
Reduce scrap rates and rework
Shorten cycle times
Improve the mechanical reliability of parts
Lower overall production cost
On the flip side, poor rigging leads to inconsistent quality, higher downtime, and troubleshooting headaches.
In high-mix or high-volume manufacturing, that’s a risk most teams can’t afford.
Rigs and Custom Tooling Solutions at MakerVerse
At MakerVerse, we partner with experienced manufacturers who understand that tooling and rigging aren’t side details — they’re central to getting high-quality parts.
Whether you need basic alignment fixtures or custom solutions for overmolded assemblies, our network ensures you get expert input from the start. Our platform helps engineers upload their part designs, receive instant quotes, and connect with partners who can handle even the most complex fixturing needs.
The result? Faster, more reliable production with fewer surprises.
Looking for support with a complex injection molding project?
Try MakerVerse today and experience the power of reliable tooling from day one.
