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1. Should You Source Your Injection Molds from China or the USA?

   April 5, 2024 5:56 pm Leave a Comment

   

   Injection molding dies, or injection molds, are the heart of molding process. It’s crucial for buyers to source them from reliable, trusted, quality-driven suppliers. They have a big decision to make: to build their molds in China, or closer to home in the USA. Often, this leads to questions about quality versus cost and delivery. This requires closer consideration, as each option has its own features, benefits, and disadvantages. Let’s explore insourced vs outsourced injection mold die production.

   Advantages of Building Injection Molds in China

   

   There are several benefits to working with China for your mold production needs. It should come as no surprise the biggest reason manufacturers choose China is cost savings. China’s lower labor costs and favorable material prices can significantly reduce mold development expenses. Another factor is China’s large manufacturing base – it’s no secret that China boasts a large fabrication industry, which includes injection molding. This gives access to a vast network of molding suppliers with rapid production capabilities. Further, many Chinese mold manufacturers can handle high-volume orders and tighter timelines.

   Disadvantages of Building Injection Molds in China

   The benefits of cost savings and other advantages we discussed do come at a price. One big challenge is the communication barrier, due to language and cultural differences. This barrier could lead to misunderstandings and project delays. Also, concerns still linger about quality and consistency, which could lead to rework and revisions. This all adds up to unwanted delays and cost increases. Also, as with outsourcing anything, there are intellectual property (IP) risks. IP protection in China can be less robust, increasing the risk of unauthorized duplication or use of your designs. Violations also harder to litigate should something go very wrong. Finally, shipping from overseas adds additional time, expense, and the increased risk of logistical disruptions.

   Advantages of Building Injection Molds in the USA

   

   There are many reasons to have your molds made in the USA. Quality is the big one. As a rule, US-based mold manufacturers often follow stringent quality control standards and processes, reducing the likelihood of defects, and associated delays. Another considerable advantage is that overall collaboration is easier, despite potential time-zone differences. Domestic production allows for much better communication and collaboration overall with the mold maker, simplifying iterations. As for intellectual property concerns, the USA provides stronger legal frameworks to protect your IP and designs. Another obvious advantage is that domestic suppliers tend to offer quicker lead times with relatively simple logistics when compared to overseas options.

   Disadvantages of Building Injection Molds in the USA

   Well, you already know the big one: higher total cost. There’s no need to elaborate on that one any further. Also, while there are many established and capable mold makers here in the States, some may have less capacity for larger-scale orders, which could affect lead times.

   So, Which Is the Right Choice?

   The decision depends on your company’s priorities, production needs, and project specifics. Ultimately, it all boils down to considering cost vs. quality, complexity, and IP sensitivity. Your goal is to find a good shop that will do the job on time, within (or close to) budget, while fully respecting your IP requirements.

   Generally speaking, it is cheaper to produce molds overseas, and quality has come up over the years. Also, you can consider a hybrid approach: have the die made overseas, but use a local die maker for any required modifications or fixes. We encourage you to keep an open mind when evaluating and making the choice.

   Regardless of where you decide to have your injection molding dies made, there are a few things we strongly recommend that you always do:

   • Communicate your needs and expectations very clearly. it’s better to over-explain, than underexplain. Don’t leave room for the supplier to make assumptions.
   • Obtain and actually check references. It’s important to vet your suppliers as well, overseas or domestic. Get references. Follow up on them. Talk to the mold-makers customers. Conduct online research on the brand and its reputation. A little effort here could go a long way at minimizing the risk of working with a new mold maker.
   • Show up! For larger jobs or longer term engagements, consider a visit and walkthrough of the manufacturer’s facility. Pay attention, and ask questions while you are there.

   Injection molds are crucial investments. Be sure to carefully weigh the pros and cons against your specific requirements to help ensure a successful outcome.

2. Five Reasons to Use Mold Flow Simulation Software for Injection Molding

   February 7, 2024 8:43 am Leave a Comment

   
   Are you leveraging mold flow simulation software to optimize your molds and injection molding process? You should be. Here’s why: injection molding is a complex process, and is subject to threats such as warping, uneven cooling, material defects, and much more. Historically, these challenges were only discovered through trial and error, leading to costly mold reworks, part design changes, and process modifications; all resulting in frustrating production delays. Wouldn’t it be great if you could foresee and resolve these problems before they occur? You can thanks to plastic mold flow simulation software.

   This technology has been hailed as a game-changer for the injection molding industry. This powerful software allows users to virtually replicate the entire molding process, from filling the mold cavity to the final cooled part. This enables designers and engineers to optimize material choice, process settings, cooling efficiency, and other critical production aspects. There are many benefits to leveraging this technology, including:

   1. Reduced Development Time and Costs ­– by identifying issues in the design phase, prior to production, you can avoid mold revisions and production delays. The process allows you to optimize your molds for efficient filling, consistent part quality, and minimal material waste before the mold is even made. A good mold is expensive, so you need to get it right the first time!
   2. Improved Part Quality – the software helps predict and prevent common defects such as warpage, shrinkage, and air traps. By solving these issues on screen, you’ll get parts that have consistent dimensional accuracy and aesthetics with superior mechanical strength.
   3. Easier Design Optimization – simulation software provides the ability to optimize part design beyond simply preventing defects. It helps achieve better part functionality. By visualizing flow within the mold, you can optimize gate location and size for balanced filling. It also allows you to predict warpage and shrinkage when cooling, so the design or mold dimensions can be adjusted to help assure that the final part meets functional tolerances and dimensions when cooled.
   4. Enhanced Innovation – if you’ve ever wanted to improve your part design, you already know the factor that slows you down: fear! Will the proposed new material work? Will modifications to part geometry disrupt the process? These questions and more can be answered with simulations. They give you the freedom and flexibility to optimize process factors, without the fear of failing.
   5. Improved Production Efficiency – by maximizing your mold design and process considerations through simulation, you can benefit from faster cycle times, and higher yields, along with reduced energy consumption, defective parts, and waste. Keep in mind that in addition to geometry and material, the software takes many other factors into account such as pressure and flow rate.

   Wait – This Sounds Too Good to be True!

   It’s true: mold flow and process simulation has indeed been a game changer. But, as will all technological innovation, it’s not perfect. It’s software. One drawback is that it assumes that everything is perfect such as the mold, the machine, the material, and environmental conditions. In reality, these things are subject to imperfection and variation. For instance, materials can have viscosity issues, which will change the flow properties. A brand new machine will function much better than say a twenty- or thirty-year-old machine. Another key factor is heat, which plays a huge role in part cooling and mold design. While the software may consider certain thermal factors, it doesn’t know all of them. The bottom line here is that there are real-world drawbacks, and it’s up to the manufacturer to be aware of these and to compensate for them accordingly.

   If you are not employing this impressive cost-saving technology yet, why wait? If budget is a concern, you can simply work with a plastic injection molding shop, such as PDI, that includes simulation as a value-added service. In doing so, you’ll optimize your part quality and consistency, while reducing mold and material costs and waste. All adding up to reliable components and a healthier bottom line.

   Have a question about mold flow simulation or want to see how you can benefit? Contact us today.

   Image Source: autodesk.com

3. The Importance of Surface Finish, Texture, and Draft Angles in Injection Molded Part Design

   January 18, 2024 11:32 am Leave a Comment

   There are three aspects of plastic part design that are often overlooked, but crucial for manufacturing success: surface finish, texture, and draft angles. Understanding and optimizing each is critical for fabricating consistent, high quality plastic components efficiently.

   The first question that comes to mind: if these are so important, why are they often overlooked? We’re glad you asked! The reason is that these attributes are a function of the fabrication process, rather than the end product’s design and function. They fall under the umbrella of designing for manufacturability. So, it’s easy to see why these can be underappreciated by design engineers. But by doing so, they risk having issues and inefficiencies with part production. All of which leads to waste, extended turn-times, premature mold wear, and part quality issues.

   Let’s take a look at surface finish, texture, and draft angles more closely, and how they relate to each other:

   Surface Finish – refers to the finish of the part’s surface. Finishes fall into categories: smooth or textured. Smooth finishes may be either glossy or matte, and provide a clean elegant look. Textured finishes include grain finishes, stippled finishes, or others that provide grip, hide imperfections, or produce a certain aesthetic.

   Surface finish is influenced by several factors including mold material, processing parameters, part material, and ejection mechanisms. Molds made from polished steel yield smoother finishes, while textured molds create specific surface patterns. Mold temperature, injection pressure, and cooling time can impact surface quality. As for the part material, different plastics have varying gloss levels, shrinkage rates, and flow properties, all of which affect the final finish. Finally, ejector pins and core pulls can leave marks if not designed optimally.

   Texture – helps enhance the look, functionality, and performance of the finished component. Common options include leather-like, pebble/sandblasted, geometric patterns, and micro textures. Leather-like finishes enhance aesthetics, functionality, and performance. Pebble or sandblasted textures are durable and hide scratches. Geometric patterns provide functional grip, but may also be used for decorative purposes. Finally, micro-textures are ideal for parts where glare reduction or wear resistance is desired. Note that fine textures might require more intricate mold designs. One last thought on texture: textured molds can be more expensive to manufacture.

   Draft Angles – often referred to as just “draft”, these are tapers in the mold that help release the part without damaging it. Optimizing draft is important for many reasons. Failure to do so could lead to visible scratches or steps on the finished component, which ruins the desired finish. It’s important to understand that surface finish and texture directly affect the required draft angles. Deeper textures require larger draft angles to avoid surface tearing during part removal.

   Designing for Success

   Remember, just because your plastic part looks perfect on screen, doesn’t mean it’s ready for optimal production. The key is to balance functionality and aesthetics by selecting surface finishes and textures that complement the product’s function and desired look while considering their impact on draft angles. Collaborate closely with mold designers and part fabricators to ensure optimal draft angles for achieving the desired surface finish within budget and feasibility constraints. Don’t hesitate to prototype and test parts to verify draft angles and surface finish quality before committing to full-scale production. The added cost will be worth it in the long run.

   By understanding the intricate relationship between surface finish, texture, and draft angles, you can design and efficiently manufacture high-quality plastic parts that meet functional, aesthetic, and quality requirements.

   Have questions about designing your parts for optimal manufacturability?

   Contact us, we’re happy to help!

4. The Importance of Injection Mold Maintenance, and How To Do It

   December 7, 2023 4:11 pm Leave a Comment

   Keeping your plastic injection molds properly maintained is crucial to the long-term success of any molding program. When doing so, you will drive down costs, reduce downtime, and keep deliveries on schedule, all leading to better profitability. Today, we’ll take a deeper look at the benefits of proper mold maintenance, and dive into some tips on how to keep your injection molds properly maintained and functioning.

   Benefits of Proper Mold Maintenance

   • Improved Quality – Proper mold maintenance will lead to higher quality products by preventing defects such as flash, sink marks, and warpage.
   • Increased Lifespan – A well-maintained mold can last for many years, saving money on replacement costs.
   • Reduced Downtime – Mold breakdowns can cause significant downtime, depending on the extent of the damage. Turn times could be substantially extended as a result, leading to weeks or even months in the event a new mold may be required. Preventing mold breakdowns with a solid maintenance program will help keep production running smoothly and on schedule.
   • Improved Efficiency – A well-maintained mold will operate more efficiently, leading to faster cycle times and increased production output. As an added bonus, scrap rates will be reduced as well. This is good for your bottom line, and the environment.

   Tips for Maintaining Your Plastic Injection Molds

   Before we jump in, let’s keep in mind that in almost all contract molding arrangements, the molding facility is responsible for maintaining and storing the injection molds. Since you are ultimately at their mercy, it’s important to make sure they have proven (and well- documented) maintenance procedures in place.

   Maintenance broadly fits into three categories as follows:

   • Preventative Maintenance – is performed on a regular schedule to help prevent problems before they occur. This typically includes cleaning, lubrication, and inspection of the mold. More on that in a minute.
   • Corrective Maintenance – is done to repair problems that have already occurred. This usually consists of repairing damaged parts, replacing worn components, and adjusting mold settings.
   • Predictive Maintenance – uses technology to monitor mold performance and identify potential problems before they occur. This can help to prevent costly repairs, unplanned downtime, and extend the lifespan of the mold.

   We recommend performing preventive maintenance on a monthly or quarterly basis, depending on the types of mold, material, and production schedule. This should include:

   • Cleaning the mold regularly to remove debris and buildup.
   • Lubricating the mold to help prevent wear and tear on the moving parts.
   • Inspecting the mold for damage. The idea is to catch small problems before they turn into much bigger ones.
   • Keeping a maintenance log that tracks the mold’s history and to help identify trends that may indicate potential problems.

   At PDI, we inspect every mold for wear and damage after each run, regardless of run time. The maintenance plan is dictated by how many cycles it has endured. For instance, if the run was short, it will undergo a simple cleaning and greasing. Longer runs will undergo a complete cleaning, including disassembly and sonic cleaning. More complex molds that have endured higher runs will go through this as well, but may also have components such as gears changed.

   Proper storage is as important as a good maintenance program. Molds should be stored in dry, climate-controlled environments. Remember, moisture and steel don’t mix!

   Let’s face it: plastic injection molds are costly investments. So, just as you would do with you car, or any other big-ticket mechanical item, make sure injection molds are properly maintained and stored. Be sure to work with a shop that’s protecting your investment. Doing so will lead to improved efficiency, predictable delivery times, fewer headaches, and the best part: increased profits.

5. Choosing the Right Material for Injection Molding Molds: Aluminum vs. Soft Steel (P20)

   October 30, 2023 11:09 am Leave a Comment

   When it comes to creating prototype molds for injection molding, choosing the right material is crucial. Two common options for prototype mold construction are aluminum and soft steel (P20). Today, we’ll compare these two materials to help you make an informed decision. For the purposes of today’s discussion, we’ll be talking about “late stage” prototype molds. These are molds that are likely to be used for medium to high volume production runs, not just to knock out a few early-stage prototypes.

   Durability/Production Life – P20 steel, although a soft steel, is stronger and more durable than aluminum. It will certainly endure a higher number of injection cycles as result. Further, steel’s strength means better mold integrity over time. Since aluminum is softer, molds made from it are more likely to deform eventually, requiring either repair or replacement, depending on how severe the deformity is.

   Heat Conduction – aluminum dissipates heat quickly and efficiently, meaning reduced cooling time during the injection molding process. Steel holds heat longer, leading to extended cooling times, which could lengthen production time. Also consider the required melting point of the material being molded. For those that require higher values, steel is the way to go.

   Machinability – since aluminum is a softer material, it’s generally easier to machine than steel. This is particularly useful if changes still need to be made to the mold before putting it to work on longer production runs. However, when it comes to high precision, steel would be the better choice.

   Part Geometry/Size – since steel can be more easily machined to high precision, and is durable, it works much better for parts with complex geometries, especially over longer runs.

   Cost – we saved the best for last. In fact, if we started with the cost aspects, you might not have read this all the way through! As you could probably guess, a domestically sourced aluminum mold is going to be less expensive than a steel mold. No doubt about that. But I’m going to share a valuable secret with you: if you source a mold from a quality oversees mold maker in China, there is little difference in the cost between an aluminum and steel mold. This is simply since labor costs are much lower. While there is still a difference in the cost of the material itself, and it takes longer to machine P20 steel, the differences become negligible when considering the final cost of the mold.

   I know what you’re thinking – what about shipping and tariffs? Don’t they wipe out the reduced labor cost advantage? The answer is no. In fact, molds sourced overseas still typically cost about half, saving tens-of-thousands of dollars, even after the extras are added to the price. They are also able to produce them quickly, negating the longer shipping distance. And quality? That’s always going to be a concern. No matter where you source from, you’ll still need to do your homework to make sure you are working with a reputable supplier that has a documented quality program in place.

   Who Wins, Aluminum or Steel?

   So, what to choose? In most cases, an outsourced mold made from P20 steel will be your best decision. When price is essentially off the table, why wouldn’t you want a mold that’s more durable, will maintain its integrity, and can handle considerably more injection molding cycles? Sure, there are exceptions where locally sourced aluminum molds are a better choice, such as earlier stage prototyping. For some jobs where there are ITAR or other domestic sourcing mandates at play, there’s no choice. Otherwise, if you’re getting ready for mid-high volume/repeat production runs, we recommend an outsourced P20 steel mold. It will last longer, and have a lower lifetime cost.

   Not sure which material is best for your mold?

   Contact us, we’re happy to help you make the right selection!

6. Self-Contained Molds vs. Modular Insert Molds

   October 5, 2023 2:34 pm Leave a Comment

   With plastic injection molding, there are two types of mold configurations that may be used: standard self-contained molds and modular insert molds. Today, we’ll compare the key aspects of both types.

   Self-Contained and Modular Insert Molds – Defined

   

   Let’s start with a definition for each. Self-contained molds consist of all components integrated into a singular unit or a mold frame. These include the core, cavity, and other necessary components within a single base. Conversely, a modular insert mold is comprised of separate interchangeable components. The primary parts are the frame and the mold itself, which gets inserted into that frame.

   Part Complexity

   Self-contained molds are custom-made and, therefore can facilitate more complex part designs. When compared to modular insert molds, self-contained ones allow for intricate cavities, cores, and cooling channels.

   There are some limits to what modular insert molds can handle. They can’t facilitate complex
   operations involving for example gear assemblies. However, some insert molds can support
   cam actions (side action).

   Tooling Lead Times

   Since self-contained molds are typically designed and fabricated from scratch, they take longer to produce. Conversely, insert mold frames are readily available, and while the insert itself does take some time to make, it’s much less than what’s required to build an entire self-contained mold from scratch.

   Longevity

   In the world of injection molding, longevity translates to cycles. In other words, how many impressions can be made in that mold before it needs to be replaced? Note that, regardless of configuration, longevity also depends on various factors including material and maintenance. Self-contained molds tend to outlive insert molds, as they are usually comprised of higher-quality materials.

   Cost

   Conversations around cost are rarely simple these days, and this topic is no exception. Let’s start here: self-contained molds have higher tooling costs due to their custom nature. Modular insert molds are lower in cost since they have interchangeable inserts, thus reducing the need for mold frames. Remember, with insert molds, you are essentially paying for the “guts” of the mold, and not the entire assembly including the frame, helping to keep a lid on tooling costs.

   If design changes are made, insert molds win again. However, keep in mind that self-contained molds generally last longer, and the lifetime cost may be lower than an insert mold. Similarly, if only specific hi-wear components of the tooling need to be replaced over time, insert molds offer more flexibility since the entire tool doesn’t need to be rebuilt.

   Before we wrap up, we need to talk about part volume. Let’s put tooling costs aside for a
   moment. If the injected component is a high-run part, in the hundreds of thousands, then the
   price of the components themselves will be lower with a multi-cavity self-contained mold. This
   allows for multiple pieces to be made at one time, which significantly reduces cycle time and its
   associated costs.

   Which is Best?

   So, what will it be, self-contained mold or modular insert? It depends. For instance, we have a customer who supports the aviation market, but their parts are simple and are ordered in short runs. Perfect for modular insert molds. Conversely, we have an automotive customer with an uncomplicated part, but we use a self-contained mold. If you’ve read this far, you know why – it’s a high-volume run (500,000+) produced with a multi-cavity mold.

   While some jobs may use either, in the end, the decision will rely on the requirements of the job, including volume, complexity, frequency of design changes, and related considerations.

7. Benefits of Recycling Plastic for Sustainable Injection Molding

   August 1, 2023 2:37 pm Leave a Comment

   Scientists estimate that there are 5 trillion tons of plastic in the world’s oceans. FIVE TRILLION!* It’s hard to wrap your head around that number, isn’t it? Couple that with the ever-increasing global demand for plastic, and the oil it is derived from, and you have a perfect storm. Thankfully, plastic is recyclable. Today we’ll look at some approaches to plastic recycling, and dive into the benefits of sustainable injection molding.

   First, let’s consider the use of plastics during the plastic injection molding process. For parts to be formed, molten material must travel through channels known as runners into the mold’s cavities. Once the parts have set, the plastic strip-like pieces formed within the runners, ironically also known as runners, have served their purpose. This excess plastic may be as much as 50% of the job’s material usage! That creates a tremendous amount of plastic that’s ripe for recycling.  

   How Do Injection Molders Recycle Plastic?

   

   A robotic arm picks up the runners, and feeds them into the grinder for in-line recycling.

   There are several ways a manufacturer can handle this excess material. In many cases, they will simply collect it, and send it out for recycling. A third party will take the plastic, which will eventually be recycled. To complete the cycle, the fabricator may buy recycled plastic to use as raw material for production. While this does help conserve resources, the processes to properly recycle plastic are complex, costly and demand more natural resources.

   Alternatively, plastic shops may recycle in-house. There are two main methods of doing this: 

   1. They collect the excess material during production, then send it to another part of the facility for regrind and reuse. 
   2. In modern automated shops, like Plastic Design, the material is collected, reground and reused in-line, as part of an extremely efficient plastic injection process.

   So, why go through all this effort to recycle plastic?

   Resource Conservation 

   It’s pretty simple. Using recycled material helps conserve valuable natural resources such as oil. By keeping waste out of landfills, the manufacturer is contributing to a circular economy, giving materials a second life. 

   Waste Reduction

   Keep in mind that about half of the material used in the plastic injection molding process doesn’t make it into the finished components. By capturing and recycling this plastic, significant amounts of waste are avoided, along with the costs it takes to handle, store and dispose of it. Putting less waste into the environment results in a much more sustainable manufacturing process. 

   Cost Reduction

   While recycled plastic tends to cost more than virgin material, utilizing an optimal in-line recycling process actually drives material costs down. This is due to the many operational efficiencies it brings, across many departments. Think about it for a moment – it costs nothing to ship material that’s already in the building. There’s less handling required on the shop floor, thanks to automation. Since little disposal is required, associated fees are greatly reduced as well. The purchasing team also has less buying to do. There’s less raw material to stock, which means lower carrying costs. 

   Most industries can benefit from working with injection molders that are committed to a sensible recycling program. There are certainly some exceptions, such as the medical field or others that have strict requirements aimed at avoiding contamination. Otherwise, recycling plastics within the injection molding process brings many benefits to manufacturers, the environment, and, yes, the bottom line.

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   Can You Benefit from Using Recycled Plastics?

   We’ve helped lots of brands reduce their carbon footprint and help keep plastic injection molding prices in check. Contact us now to see how we can assist you.

   *SOURCE: National Geographic

8. 5 Ways to Reduce Plastic Injection Molded Part Costs

   July 7, 2023 7:40 am Leave a Comment

   There’s one question that comes up in practically every call we have with prospects and customers lately. You’ve probably guessed it already: “How can we reduce cost?”

   It’s a fact. Every buyer wants to pay less for their injection molded parts, but without sacrificing quality. Thankfully, for many jobs, this is achievable if you know where to look. But you must be careful to preserve the part’s quality and integrity in the process, otherwise it could cost you in the long run. As the old saying goes, don’t be penny wise but pound-foolish.

   There are several areas worth examining to help reduce injection molded part costs. These include part and tooling design, material, and manufacturing process considerations. Let’s take a look at these to see how successful cost reduction can be achieved:

   Part and Tooling Design

   The first place to start is with part design. Ultimately, your goal is to simplify the part wherever possible, Or, as we say here in the shop, KISS, or keep it super simple. Technically speaking, this translates to simplifying the geometry, minimizing undercuts, and eliminating unneeded features. When design is properly optimized, less material will be consumed and cycle time reduced. Less design complexity leads to lower tooling costs.

   Additional cost saving opportunities may be found in the tool design and construction. Optimizing cooling channels, or conducting a mold flow analysis to identify areas for improvement. You should also consider options for using standardized mold components. By optimizing the gating system and cooling channels, you may be able to further cut cycle time and reduce material waste.

   Are You Using the Best Material?

   Material selection presents another potentially large opportunity for cost reduction. In our experience, the material is often over-spec’d. For instance, it is not unusual to see a job that calls for a resin that is say $10 or $20/lbs., when it could be made from a commodity material costing just a few dollars per pound. For medium and larger runs, this adds up to significant savings. Of course, you must be certain that the new material still meets the required specifications and operating conditions for the part. But there is no benefit in over specifying, it is sort of like installing stainless steel muffler on the Yugo.

   Process Considerations

   To keep production costs in check, it is critical to be sure that the process is optimized during process development stage. Reducing cycle time has a major impact on part cost. It is also a good idea to routinely revisit and verify that your process is at its optimum, study quality data, and eliminate any sources of waste or defects.

   Automation and Robotics to the Rescue!

   Another cost-saving process enhancement is to utilize automation and robotics when possible. As we explored in our previous blog, automation brings many cost-cutting benefits. It is especially useful when complex assemblies may be faithfully produced with the help of reliable automation. This reduces labor costs, material waste and cycle time.

   Don’t Forgot About the Economies of Scale!

   When practical, consider ordering in larger volumes. It is a simple principle. As run size increases, unit cost decreases. When coupled with reliable forecasting, this could lead to healthy savings. Don’t have a lot of space to store components that you don’t need yet? Many shops will offer stocking programs to help with warehousing. Though do keep in mind that carrying inventory is not free, so consider these costs when weighing against the benefits of longer production runs.

   As you can see, there are plenty of ways to reduce injection molded part costs. It all comes down to reducing labor costs and cycle time while increasing process efficiency. As we mentioned earlier though, please be cautious. While saving money is certainly a good thing, you don’t want to sacrifice the part’s required properties in the process, especially for mission or safety-critical applications.

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   Want to see if we can help you reduce molded part costs?

   Give us a call, tell us about your part, or send a drawing. We’ll be happy to review it and let you know what find!

9. Benefits of Injection Molded Automated Assembly

   May 11, 2023 12:31 pm Leave a Comment

   As demand continues to grow for plastic injection molded parts and components, so does their complexity. To help keep up with this demand and competition, automation has become an integral player in the injection molding process. Automation is particularly beneficial for customers requiring plastic molded assemblies. Traditionally, assemblies have been put together by hand, requiring deep pools of skilled labor. While this approach may be sensible for smaller orders, automation for larger assembly runs is a must. Let’s take a look at the benefits that automation provides:

   Reduced Cost

   Perhaps the most celebrated benefit is the smaller price tag that comes with automated assembly jobs. The primary reason: reduced labor costs. The math is fairly simple. Once configured, automated processes require minimal labor to stay up and running. Fully automated assembly can faithfully handle all the tasks including loading, cleaning, flashing, cutting, milling, and more. While the up-front costs may be considerable, their impact is reduced with larger or more complex runs that require costly skilled labor.

   Improved Quality

   Automation processes are tightly controlled, leaving little room for very little, if any deviation. This translates to improved quality, uniformity, and consistency across an entire run. This also leads to fewer rejects and less resulting waste, which further contributes to cost savings. As an added bonus, less waste makes the process more environmentally friendly too.

   Decreased Lead Time

   Strategically implemented automation brings efficiency to any manufacturing process that benefits from it. Why? It’s no secret, machines can often outperform humans for repeatable tasks. They can do them consistently and more efficiently. Machines can also run uninterrupted for extended periods of time, without breaks, even overnight. The result? Jobs are turned around much quicker.

   Enhanced Traceability

   Traceability, or the ability to track the history of a manufactured component including its materials and process, has been a mandatory requirement for automotive and military applications for quite some time. It’s now moving to other industries as well, despite its complexity. Traceability requires a lot: excellent record-keeping, precise data collection, identification, documentation/reporting, and so much more. While automation can’t eliminate the paperwork, it can do something extremely helpful: serialize every part. Having the ability to uniquely identify a specific component, rather than just what lot it came from, is invaluable. Why? When coupled with other technology, such as machine vision inspection, the source of a defect can be quickly identified and remedied.

   Not every injection molding assembly project can benefit from automation. Keep in mind, start-up costs are involved, and they can get pretty hefty. These include tooling, programming, machinery investments and other factors, So for lower runs of moderate complexity, generally around 10,000 pieces or so, people still will likely outperform the robots. That’s good. In the end, the goal is to be sure the customer has the best quality parts, on time, and at a reasonable cost.

10. How to Calculate the Right Press Size for Injection Molding

    September 18, 2020 1:04 pm Leave a Comment

    To accomplish the highly technical process of injection molding plastic components, injection molding machines exert an extreme amount of pressure. The mold is subjected to two strong opposing forces, holding the mold open and forcing it closed. The pressure that pushes the mold together is called the clamping force, which is measured by tonnage. The strong opposing pressures are needed to keep the mold together during and after the molding material is inserted, while the opening pressure needs to be strong enough to hold the mold open while injecting the molding material. Each of these pressure types must be exerted to a specific factor, which needs to be carefully calculated before the injection process begins.

    What Is Tonnage?
    The tonnage of an injection molding machine refers to the clamping force rate of the injection mold machine. For example, a 50-ton machine can produce a clamping force that is equivalent to 50 tons. Size is also important in injection-molded machines, as the larger the tonnage rate, the larger the machine. Tonnage is also determined in ton per square inch, and usually ranges from a 2 to 8-ton factor. It is extremely important to understand the required tonnage needed for a mold, which can be determined by a series of formulas.

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    Calculating Tonnage for Injection Molding

    To calculate the correct tonnage for injection molding, there are three critical steps: surface area, melt flow, and part depth dimension. Finding the correct tonnage is critical in the molding manufacturing process, as using the wrong machine and clamp rate can damage the final part or product.

    • Surface area: The first step to calculate the tonnage is to determine the surface area. This is done by measuring the length and width of the mold’s cavity, and multiplying the two together. If there are multiple cavities of the same size in the mold, multiply the number of cavities by the number of cavities. After the surface area is found, the tonnage factor is multiplied to the area. For precaution, a 10% safety factor should be included, to ensure that the pressure is not too strong.
    • Melt flow: After finding the surface area, the next step is to calculate the melt flow, by using the Melt Flow Index (MFI). The MFI rates material’s viscosity rate, which has an inverse relationship with the MFI. The higher the viscosity, the lower the flow rate, and the lower the viscosity, the higher the flow rate.
    • Part depth dimension: The final step to determine the correct tonnage is the depth of the part. If the dimension of a part is one inch, a factor of 10% clamping force must be added. An additional 10% is added for every inch about the initial one inch.

    

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    Dangers of Excess Tonnage

    Using an injection molding machine that exceeds the pressure rate that is required can be dangerous to the product, machine, and mold. Excess tonnage can result in the problems of viscosity and flash. Injection molds need to have a very specific viscosity, as too thick or thin flow can result in an inoperable part. Flashing can also occur when the wrong tonnage pressure is applied, which results in an unwanted excess of material on the edges of the part. Using too little clamping force can also cause production problems, but an excess tonnage has the potential to be more destructive.

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    Contact Plastic Design International Inc. for Your Injection Molding Needs

    At Plastic Design International Inc., we specialize in the production of a wide range of products, many of which are produced by our accurate and reliable injection molding machines. Our dedicated and knowledgeable staff has the expertise to produce our clients required part requirements, manufactured with the correct clamp force to ensure the highest quality possible. Request a quote to begin the process of receiving your expertly crafted injection mold product. Contact us with any further questions about the injection molding process, and how it can benefit your company today.