Earlier this year, we began injection molding for Outdoor Ukulele™. We were immediately intrigued by the opportunity of making professional Instruments and started with two models, the Tenor and the Soprano. Our customer had been testing different versions of glass filled Polycarbonate with other molders, without satisfactory results. We were able to meet our customer’s expectation by utilizing our 2 brand new Milacron molding machines and our superior relationships with our material and color suppliers.
Starting up new injection molds always requires a skilled plastics process technician and as much material and process data as possible. Working with a customer who is genuinely interested in the manufacturing of his product was a bonus. Naturally, every new molding job has a learning curve and after a few rounds of testing, we were able to produce marvelous ukulele tops and bottoms.
Our customer had promised to give us the “real” instruments after he fulfilled all his orders. Yesterday, they arrived. Ian, who had been the lead on this project from the beginning, had the honor to unbox them. To our surprise, he began playing right away. Both ukuleles look rugged, yet exquisite. Thank you, Outdoor Ukulele™, for partnering with us!
Recently, some overseas manufacturers began using the Outdoor Ukulele™ name on their plastic ukuleles. Some have even advertised using “Composite Polycarbonate” construction. These instruments are actually made from ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene), and have not the resonance or temperature durability of the real Outdoor Ukulele™.
To discuss your plastic injection molding projects contact us @ (425)-339-0288 or email info@sealectplastics.com