Every year plastic injection molding becomes more complicated with designs that were not possible a decade ago. New resin formulations are developed every year to increase strength, decrease weight, and add a level of product durability that makes injection molding the new standard option for the latest products in several industries. With new resins and designs comes technology to support the latest innovations also. At SEA-LECT Plastics, we strive to stay on top of the newest technology available, to support environmentally sustainable manufacturing, and offer turn-key solutions that bring new products to market quickly and efficiently. Here’s how we are staying a leader in injection molding and manufacturing:
New Technology for Plastic Injection Molding
In the past, making adjustments on injection molding machines and production assembly equipment meant a person had to be at the machines pushing buttons. The latest technology incorporated Bluetooth wireless technologies and networking that allows for remote viewing. We can monitor process parameters, make adjustments as needed throughout the process, and also statistically monitor outputs. This allows us to stay connected with the process results to keep products at their best.
The development of engineered resins over the last few decades have brought new opportunities for plastic injection molding to become a dominant material choice for manufacturing in many industries. Many parts that were only designed for metal are now a feasible option for injection molding. Companies that have made a change in materials from metal to plastic have found a cost savings of 25 % – 50% through the manufacturing process. Some of the benefits beyond cost reduction include reduced tooling investment, more design possibilities, inherent corrosion resistance, and potential regulatory compliance due to the elimination of secondary coatings.
Environmentally Sustainable Manufacturing
Every day at SEA-LECT Plastics we consciously focus on running a sustainable operation that produces as little waste as possible. That mindset allows us to produce designs that reduce landfill waste and offer an opportunity for maximum recycling. There are seven main resins that are recycled under the Resin Identification Code (RIC), and many of our designs follow this guide to allow options to recycle plastics once they are used. We grind our process extras, such as sprues and molded gates to reuse for later injection molding. In the cases that the plastic does not have a feasible recycling option, we have partner companies that buy our plastics to reuse in other methods to keep it from entering the landfill.
Injection molding uses a lot of power to run the molding machines and automation to make world-class products. We utilize a power strategy to reduce demand when machines are initially started up and schedule our power usage to reduce overall demand and power usage. Beyond the machines we have efficient lighting throughout our facility, and utilize low-watt fixtures in as many places as possible.
Logistics is a growing segment of our business, and with shipping comes packaging. Products coming in require boxes, bags, and containers. Assembled products require similar packaging leaving our facility. We utilize reusable containers and shipping materials when available to reduce the waste, and choose options that don’t require extra handling or recycling by our customers. When new technology is available to increase our sustainability in logistics, we incorporate that technology throughout our processes.
Turn-Key Solutions
Bringing products to market is a complex process involving many factors. The global economy is fast-paced, and doing everything yourself is most likely not a viable option. You need to stay focused on the market, not buried in details and coordinating materials for manufacturing. SEA-LECT Plastics is a turn-key supplier that can handle the intricate details, and we have ten areas that we focus on:
- Design Capability
- Tooling Manufacturing
- Elite Manufacturing Process
- Secondary Processes
- Additional Labeling
- Packing
- Logistics
- Material Coordination and Inventory Management
- Communication
- Billing and Invoice Management
A recent trend has been to bring back production and tooling from overseas. In an effort to reduce costs, many companies have partnered with offshoring businesses to mold their components and assemble their products. Tariffs and global logistics have disrupted the supply chain and made offshoring less affordable than ever before. If you have molds, assembly tooling, or anything else overseas, you may find that bringing your business back to the United States makes more sense. If you need help reshoring your business, SEA-LECT Plastics offers a recovery service that can bring your tools and equipment home.
SEA-LECT Plastics is a leader in plastic injection molding with options for assembly and logistics. We can aid with resin selection on a new product, offer turn-key assembly options, and program management to see the complete development cycle through with success. Give us a call at (425) 339-0288 or email us at mattp@sealectplastics.mystagingwebsite.com. We can offer you advice on the best technology to use, the best materials to meet your product demands, and how to navigate through each development stage. At SEA-LECT Plastics, we specialize in military product applications, outdoor adventure gear, musical instruments, supporting the medical and consumer product industries. Our goal is to make your project efficient and cost-effective to manufacture, assemble, and ship no matter how complicated your concept is.
Matthias Poischbeg was born and raised in Hamburg, Germany. Matt moved to Everett, Wash., after finishing his bachelor’s degree in business in 1995 to work for Sea-Dog Corporation, a manufacturer, and distributor of marine and rigging hardware established in 1923.
In 1999, Matt took over the reins at Sea-Lect Plastics Corporation, a sister company of Sea-Dog and a manufacturer of plastic injection molded products with an in-house tool & die shop. Matthias Poischbeg is also a contributor to Grit Daily.