3-Day Expedited Rapid Tooling Delivery Commitment
Lead times associated with conventional tooling schedules can cause severe delays during the initial prototyping stage or early product development. The Better Edge Rapid Edge Program provides a cost effective alternative to conventional tooling by delivering high-performance custom solid carbide cutters in just 3 business days. Engineered to support both production and prototyping requirements, our rapid tooling process eliminates spindle downtime when high-priority custom cutters are needed fast.
Rapid Edge Program Qualifying Parameters:
- Eligible Tool Types: Single and 2-step drills, solid carbide end mills, and custom reamers.
- Substrate Material: Limited to standard in-stock solid carbide blanks.
- Tool Diameter Range: 3mm to 20mm (.118″ to .750″).
- Maximum Tool Length: 10 inches overall length (OAL).
- Order Quantity: Minimum 3 pieces, maximum 12 pieces for small batches and short run orders.
- Turnaround Guarantee: Guaranteed 3-day shipment after Order Confirmation, PO#, and Print Approval.
Urgent Reconditioning Note & Forms:
If you are expediting an urgent reconditioning request instead of new prototype tooling, please download and fill out our solid carbide endmill reconditioning form to submit with your request.
Request a Rapid Production Tooling Quote
Submit your specifications below for a guaranteed quote response within a few hours. Whether you require soft tooling concepts or quick-turn production tooling, our engineering team will review your application requirements immediately.
Rapid Edge Program Quote Form Details:
- Order Quantity Range: 3 to 12 pieces.
- Workpiece Material Options: Steel, Stainless Steel, Aluminum, Superalloy, Cast Iron, or Other.
- Drawing Submissions: Send engineering drawings directly to our technical team (bill or brian @better-edge.com).
Interested in PVD Coating Options for Rapid Tooling?
Enhance your rapid production tooling with our in-house PVD coating options to maximize wear resistance and tool life across high-speed setups. Contact us today for a free quote.
Frequently Asked Questions About Rapid Tooling
What is rapid tooling in CNC cutting tool manufacturing?
In CNC cutting tool manufacturing, rapid tooling refers to an expedited design and production service that delivers custom solid carbide tools—such as drills, step drills, end mills, and reamers—on an accelerated lead time compared to conventional tooling to solve emergency spindle downtime or tight production deadlines.
What is prototype tooling for custom carbide specials?
Prototype tooling involves low-quantity manufacturing (typically 3 to 12 pieces) of custom cutting tools designed for small batches or short run setups to test and prove out a new machining process during the prototyping stage of product development before committing to full-scale production tooling.
How fast is the delivery turnaround for the Rapid Edge rapid tooling program?
The Rapid Edge Program provides a guaranteed 3-day shipment commitment for rapid production tooling following order confirmation, PO submission, and print approval. Quote responses for rapid tooling requests are guaranteed within a few business hours.
What tool parameters must be met to qualify for 3-day rapid tooling?
To qualify for 3-day rapid tooling delivery, the custom tools must utilize stock blanks, fall within a 3mm to 20mm (.118″ to .750″) diameter range, have a maximum overall length (OAL) of 10 inches, and have an order quantity between 3 and 12 pieces for production and prototyping applications.
What cutting tool styles and PVD coatings are available for rapid production tooling?
The Rapid Edge Program covers custom solid carbide drills, 1-step and 2-step drills, end mills, and reamers as a cost effective alternative to standard lead times. Tools can be supplied uncoated or coated with high-performance PVD coatings—including TiN, AlTiN, TiB2, or proprietary Kabrlyn PVD—engineered for your specific workpiece material.
