When you entrust your injection molding production to a manufacturer, you’re entering a partnership. Justifiably, you want your manufacturing vendor to consistently meet your expectations, provide timely output, and add value to your projects. However, if you’ve found yourself in a lopsided partnership that has eroded your confidence in them – through poor-quality part production, unfulfilled orders, or other unsavory activities – it’s time you seek a business elsewhere. But first, you need to know what to look for in injection molding manufacturers.
[Read more…] about 4 Things to Look for in Injection Molding ManufacturersRapid Part Prototyping: Why to Include Manufacturers During Design
The act of prototyping is typically performed to test various part designs to create the best product, and sometimes it’s required to show multiple design elements to prospective investors. Regardless, prototype development is integral to the plastic injection molding process, as the final product should mirror the designer’s image. However, there are often time constraints on part manufacturing, so individually prototyping different molds can be wasteful. That’s where rapid part prototyping comes in to play.
[Read more…] about Rapid Part Prototyping: Why to Include Manufacturers During DesignMulti-Cavity Molds vs. Family Molds: Which Best Serves Your Needs?
The process of injection molding involves plastic being inserted into a hollow mold cavity. The finalized product takes on the shape of the desired part. However, what if your project requires multiple plastic parts? Designing and building several molds is expensive and time-consuming, which is where multi-cavity molds and family molds come into play. In this blog, we will discuss the difference between the two and how to determine the best option for your needs.
[Read more…] about Multi-Cavity Molds vs. Family Molds: Which Best Serves Your Needs?Injection Molding and the Reshoring Index
While the US-China trade war certainly presented a major disruption of imports, COVID-19 is putting a strain on the global economy that’s forcing many companies to rethink their sourcing strategies. These shifts in imported vs. domestic manufacturing have generated overarching implications for US-based industries. In particular, the injection molding industry has begun to witness companies favoring plastic parts produced locally over outsourced products. These changes are further explained in an annual analysis known as the Reshoring Index.
[Read more…] about Injection Molding and the Reshoring IndexWhat’s the Best Transparent Plastic for Injection Molding?
Molding clear parts – such as water bottles or food-grade storage items – requires more focused attention to detail and stricter processing controls compared to non-transparent injection molding. Each transparent polymer has varying properties that can influence a company’s decision, including differing levels of strength needs, temperature requirements, and chemical resistance. Even environmental factors such as UV radiation can cause degradation in outdoor equipment utilizing clear plastics. That’s why it’s important to familiarize yourself with the best transparent plastic for your needs.
[Read more…] about What’s the Best Transparent Plastic for Injection Molding?Plastic Molding Methods: Compression vs. Injection
Plastics are used to make everything from children’s toys to critical medical components. However, the process by which these products are made is determined by your industry’s specifications. There are several plastic molding options available for this very reason, each capable of adhering to specific requirements. Determining your parts’ needs and conditions is essential when it comes to deciding the best option for you. In this blog, we will discuss the two most common options – compression molding and injection molding – and characterize their applications.