SEA-LECT Plastics is an industry leading plastic injection mold and design company. In addition to the engineering and production of products and molds, SEA-LECT Plastics pioneered INJECTION MOLD RESCUE™, in which we are experts in the recovery of injection molds for US based manufacturers that are currently trapped in overseas manufacturing facilities.
Plastic Injection Molding
In the injection molding process, we use molten plastic; it is forced into a mold, then cooled to form a solid part before removal from the mold. At SEA-LECT Plastics, we utilize plastic injection molding to manufacture products for many industries including outdoor recreation, military applications, marine industry and even musical instruments. The most common plastics used for injection molding are:
- Acrylonitryl Butadiene Styrene: Used for applications that need a tough exterior and thermal stability.
- Nylon: Used for fabric applications and food packaging.
- Polypropylene: Used for applications that require flexibility, insulation, and chemical resistance.
- High Impact Polystyrene: Can be printed on and can be glued together.
- Polycarbonate: Great option for safety wear, bullet proof glass, and medical uses such as beakers, test tubes, and pipettes.
Due to the wide range of products plastic injection molding can offer, the possibilities for parts and products are endless. But the initial cost for the preparation of mold and tool and die-kit is comparatively high.
Plastic Fabrication
There are many plastic fabrication methods such as welding, compounding, lamination, molding, extrusion, thermoforming, die cutting, pultrusion, forging and vacuum casting. We have many types of plastic molding methods and injection molding is one of the most versatile molding methods known today. In Injection molding, molten plastic is injected into a mold and then cooled to obtain the molded products.
It can be used to make large parts such as automotive parts and also small products such as surgical equipment. This process has a high overhead cost, but this can be overcome by using this process for mass production.
Many businesses had shifted their production into China for mass production and thereby to reduce the cost. The main problems of this outsourcing were the logistical challenges and chances of our expensive dies getting stuck in China. At SEA-LECT, we help our clients to rescue the molds that are stuck in China back into United States and restore the production.
Outsourcing of the Business
For most businesses, outsourcing has become a large part of reducing costs for manufactured goods. For the business of plastic injection molding, the design is engineered and sketches and drawings are made in the United States, then they are outsourced or off-shored to China for the final manufacturing. The expensive mold is set up in China and molded goods are shipped to the United States. The shipping time and charges often vary subject to the political climate between the two countries.
Logistical Challenges of Outsourced Businesses
Outsourcing in China might bring low priced goods, but China does not always follow the same work standards or use the same high quality materials to ensure high quality products. The most common problems we face when producing in China are:
- Receiving false answers from a vendor that simply wants your business.
- Final amount does not match with the initial quote.
- Your Injection mold gives below average products.
- is unpredictable.
- Your outsourcing partner refuses to give your tools back to you.
The current political tensions between the countries and trade related rifts are causing businesses to rethink the profitability of doing business off-shore.
Reshoring of the Businesses
International trade is becoming more difficult, raw materials are becoming harder to import, and the low costs of goods are not what they used to be. Overseas production is no longer dependable because of things like communication difficulties and shipping delays. If you off-shored molding dies, manufacturing, or assembly to China in the past, you may be ready to re-shore your manufacturing.
The US government has considered a fund to support businesses in bringing their tools back from China. SEA-LECT plastics can help with the recovery of your tooling and assembly equipment should you need support in China.
INJECTION MOLD RESCUE™ Recovery Service
With the help of SEA-LECT’s trademarked Mold Rescue, we can assist with the recovery of injection molds so you can take back control of your production of plastic injection molds. Once production is back in the US, you will be able to achieve consistent quality and better shipping times. We have done the difficult work of navigating tariffs, red-tape, and suppliers reluctant to release the tooling. We have knowledgeable people in China to overcome these hurdles.
Our full service mold rescue team handles more than getting your mold back. Most of the time, we find the molds are worn-out, dirty, and incapable of holding the high tolerances expected in production. At SEA-LECT, we can take care of any repairs or restoration required for your mold, so production can begin as soon as possible.
As a proudly American Company, SEA-LECT Plastic provides innovative solutions through skilled employees, improved processes, and strong customer relationships. Visit our website to learn more about our wide range of products and services. For further inquiries do not hesitate to contact us.
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.
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[…] off-shored molding dies, manufacturing, or assembly to China in the past, you may be ready to re-shore your manufacturing. The U.S. government has proposed a fund to support businesses with bringing their tools back from […]