Over the last decade the manufacturing options for plastic products has evolved from simple plastic injection molding being the only option available. 3D printing has become very common, and in some cases, it is a better option to choose. The hardest part is deciding what components should be injection molded, while the rest can be…
If you’ve asked for a quote for a new injection molding project, there is mostly likely a category on the quote for manufacturing and maintenance. Injection molds require preventative maintenance as most mechanical equipment does. While the category is there, do you know what is included in that maintenance? If not, we’ll explain what injection…
You may not realize how many options there are for injecting molten plastic into an injection mold. There are six primary types of injection molding gates, and all have specific benefits that make them the best choice for your new project. If you haven’t heard of the different types, or don’t know which type would…
If you’re familiar with injection molding, you can envision the molding machine running. It opens, ejects a formed part, closes the mold, then makes another part. I bet you’re seeing the mold open horizontally, parallel to the floor. If you see that in your mind, you’re only seeing half of the potential picture. Injection molding…
When it comes to injection molding, there are many ways to lower injection molding costs that can be monitored with a strategic plan and a good quality system. That starts with a good injection mold design, through the daily operations of the molding process, adding in secondary manufacturing, and logistical shipping to the customer. …
In the world of resins and injection molding, there are thousands of options available. Some resins offer strength, thermal stability and chemical resistance, and yet others offer electrical resistance and ease of printing. Perusing several online databases, such as the UL Prospector (formerly IDES), MAT Web, and The British Plastics Federation, can offer a starting point, but…
There is no doubt that the forecasts and expected trends for 2020 were upended in the first quarter of the year. We’ve been in the plastic injection molding business for nearly 30 years, and our expectations for 2020 didn’t go exactly as planned. We expected recycling to become a big issue, and it did. We…
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…
Over the last five years, raw material prices have gone up and down. Steel has increased over 30% from this same time five years ago. Crude oil has decreased approximately 20% in that same time period. Manufacturers are looking for ways to decrease the volatility of their raw materials, while still making elite quality products. …
You have a great idea for a new product based on the demand of your current lineup. It’s going to be a low volume idea, but it should be great for high profits. When you approach your injection mold maker with the idea, you ask if the tooling can be ready any sooner than the…