Tooling is a set of instruments and tools that optimize the performance of the operations of a manufacturing process, through the positioning and fastening of a part or set of parts to a reference system, in order to execute operations of various kinds.

The application of the tools allows:

We can make a generic classification according to its:.

The standard tooling allows us a low volume of production work and is more generic and flexible, as for example occurs with jaws, flanges, claw plates, etc.

Dedicated allow specific operations and components in high production volumes, designed under specifications according to process planning. And finally the flexible ones that combine the advantage of the flexibility of standard tooling with the productivity of dedicated tooling.

If we look at the manufacturing process, we must take into account the type of mold, whether open-closed, male-female..., the curing temperature, desired precision and accessories. On the other hand and also important, the structural requirements, if operations are to be carried out at high temperatures, we have to take into account the expansion characteristics of the tooling itself.

The most common materials for the manufacture of tooling, taking into account density, specific heat capacity, thermal conductivity, limit temperature and cost, we can highlight Invar, Steel, Aluminum, Electroformed nickel, composite materials (CFRP, Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer and CFRP, Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer), ceramics and silicones, although the latter has an exclusive use as auxiliary tooling for complex geometries and interior parts.