Plastic flow simulation can help manage the complexity of plastic injection molding when an experienced engineer performs and interprets the analysis. Proper analysis can eliminate unplanned costs. Plastic injection molding is much more complicated than it appears to the untrained eye. The resin choice, mold design, process parameters, and part design must work harmoniously to…
Many Factors Impact Mold Longevity Injection molding can be a cost-effective way to make your product idea a reality. However, it requires upfront tooling costs that can be in the tens of thousands of dollars or more, depending on the complexity of the mold and materials used. When making a sizable investment into your product,…
Reshoring is Gaining Momentum In the past, many companies moved their manufacturing operations to foreign countries — a practice also known as “offshoring.” In these foreign countries, U.S.-based companies took advantage of lower wages along with relaxed environmental and tax regulation. Now, companies are looking to bring their manufacturing back to the U.S. in an…
Have you ever picked up an injection molded part and seen what appear to be faint lines in the part, or maybe they were cracks? Most likely they were just knit lines caused by the molding process. If you’re unfamiliar with what causes them, and ways to avoid them, we’ll dive into the subject of…
When you start on a new project, and more specifically are looking for a new injection molding partner, your design team will need to understand how large of a machine will be required to make your new product. The calculation to determine the right press tonnage size isn’t complicated, but it does require a few…
Should You Repair or Replace Your Injection Mold? Injection molding is one of the most commonly used manufacturing processes for mass-producing plastic parts. Once you’ve perfected the mold for your part, it can make thousands to millions of pieces before undergoing the injection mold repair process. Creating custom molds can be expensive, so you’ll want…
If you’ve ever picked up an injection molded part, you can find a line around the circumference of the part. Why is it there, and how is it created as the part is molded? It’s a simple answer, but it can be quite complicated to explain. Let us give it a try… What is the…
There are many ways to learn new skills and knowledge. Some learn best from watching, but many retain the most skill and knowledge from hands-on learning and experience. If that’s the case, National Apprenticeship Week is the perfect opportunity to learn more about industries and gain valuable insight into what makes things happen. Matt Poischbeg,…
Time is money in the global economy. Finding every way to save investment money and reduce project time is one way to stay ahead in business. There are many ways to reduce costs, and often the lure of sending your business overseas to China looks very tempting. If you’ve thought of sending your injection molding…
If you go into hospitals and care clinics across the country one thing you will notice is consistency of the products used. If you’re not an avid traveler, look at medical documentaries or even the news. You’ll find the same consistency between products and appliance used. Why do you think that is? Standardization allows for…