The development of engineered resins over the last decade has brought new opportunities for plastic injection molding to become a dominant manufacturing process for many industries. Every year plastic injection molding becomes more complicated with designs that were not possible previously. New resin formulations are developed every year to increase strength, decrease weight, and add…
You’ve probably seen or heard the word ‘quality’ used in slogans and advertising over and over again. “Quality is Job 1” is one that comes to mind pretty quickly. The question isn’t if quality control is important, but really what does using the term ‘quality control’ mean? It starts with the specifications, and then the…
You have most likely seen something that was made with plastic injection molding. Remote controls, scale model kits, numerous children’s toys, appliances, and many parts of a vehicle interior. Have you ever wondered how they were made? Have you wondered why so many products and parts are made with plastic injection molding instead of another…
As the holiday season approaches, you can expect that the weather will get colder for most of us above the equator. That means snow, ice, freezing rain, and subsequent delays on holiday orders. While the weather is always a concern as a manufacturer, three other looming problems may affect deliveries around the country and exporting…
You have come up with the product that is going to shake up the market, and be a best seller in the next fiscal year. The problem is that you only have a drawing available. Not just a simple sketch, but you’ve developed the 3D model of your new product. You think you’re ready to…
You may not realize it, but many of the products you purchase at retail stores or online aren’t made by the brands you cherish. Many of the largest companies only focus on their sales, marketing, and advertising. That means someone else does the manufacturing and assembly for them. Those selected partners are called contract manufacturers,…
Early on in manufacturing, it was common to produce an injection mold for every single component required for a plastic assembly. Products were designed without the thought of crossover, and the idea of using the same component in multiple products wasn’t commonplace. Over time, and especially in the current global production environment, it’s easy to…
Having the next big idea is just the beginning of the development cycle. A napkin doodle, a 3D model rendering, or just some great sketches can get the juices flowing, but you have to have a plan to get from that excitement to the market. Cost is always a factor in development, whether that pertains…
When you think of construction, the first thing you may think of metal or wood. Metal for girders, earth movers, bulldozers, and equipment. Wood still dominates the housing market for siding, wall construction, and trim. Plastic may not be your first thought when the subject of construction comes up. Over the last decade, plastic has…
The big trade shows of the year are in the planning stages and will be here this year before you know it. CES (Consumer Electronics Show), SEMA (Specialty Equipment Manufacturer Association), and PRI (Performance Racing Industry) are just a handful of the big trade shows held every year to display your next new product. The…