5 Ways to Get Better Plastic Parts Without Rebuilding Your Mold

If you’re seeing a decline in the quality of your manufactured plastic parts, one of the most common reasons brought up by plastic injection producers is a bad or deteriorating mold. But that’s not always the case. Today, we will look at solutions that can improve the plastic part quality, lessen defects, and improve delivery times, all without rebuilding your mold. Because sometimes it’s not the mold that needs changing—it’s your plastic injection molding manufacturer.

1. Better Quality Assurance

Having superior quality assurance or quality control measures in place is more than just avoiding defective parts ending up in your products: it’s the first step in correcting the issues. At Midstate Mold, we pride ourselves on our superior focus on quality assurance with the certifications to back it up. If your current manufacturer is missing essential and optional certifications and training, then the part defects will pile up and lead to higher costs and even defective products downstream.

2. Using Machine Learning AI

A new development in Industry 4.0 for manufacturing is the use of machine learning and robotics to create more efficient production chains that lower costs while increasing quantity control. These technologies can be rolled out in both the control of the injection machines to troubleshoot QA issues and in robotic systems for better part separation and multi-material insert molding.

3. Mold Maintenance & Repair

While rebuilding or replacing a mold is a lengthy and costly process, having regular mold maintenance can significantly increase the lifespan of a mold. Having a manufacturer who also specializes in mold care will also allow for recalibration and care of the mold, which in turn can help with better injection and fewer part defects. Learn more about tool maintenance here.

4. Utilizing Push-Pull System Logistics

Not only do you want your parts to be of high quality and defect-free, you also want them to be available when you need them most. Logistics are an often-overlooked part of the manufacturing process, but not at Midstate Mold. We utilize the Push-Pull System to make sure the correct amount of plastic parts is produced ahead of time so that when you’re ready to place the next order, the parts are already available to be shipped.

5. Reshoring Your Mold to the US

If you’re currently utilizing offshore manufacturing for your plastic injection mold, there can be hidden costs. That lower price point could be contributing to part and mold issues, and you can have long wait times for shipping parts to your US-based business. Having your manufacturing here in the USA speeds up delivery and avoids PR issues. Learn how to reshore your tools quickly and easily with our blog, What Does It Take to Relocate an Injection Molding Tool?

We pride ourselves in being able to deliver the best in mold design and build, plastic parts manufacturing, and mold care, all at one location here in the USA. Midstate Mold has over 60 years in the plastic injection industry but also utilizes the latest in AI learning, networked systems, and robotics. From the QA and tolerances needed for medical and life science-grade parts to small-batch manufacturing that arrives just in time, contact us today to get your mold a new lease on life and start producing better plastic parts.