If your company exports or imports, you’re already aware of the trade war between China and the United States. We’ve had current and potential clients reach out to us about their concerns about how current or proposed tariffs (or the simple threat of tariffs) are hurting their production. If your business currently has a mold in China producing parts for import into the US and is being hurt by time or cost increases from the ongoing tariffs, it’s important to learn about your options – namely tool relocation. [Read more…] about US-China Trade War: Relocating Injection Mold Tools to Avoid Tariffs
Hot Runners or Cold Runners for Your Injection Mold?
Plastic injection molding is a great choice for manufacturing parts. However, contains some concepts and mechanics that prospective users should understand when it comes to the designing and building of molds. Molds have many parts and options for parts, and it’s important to understand how the various options contribute to the performance, cost, and complexity of a mold. In this article we look at the runner systems found in injection tools and how selecting hot or cold runners will impact the final product. [Read more…] about Hot Runners or Cold Runners for Your Injection Mold?
Why We Use SolidWorks CAD for Injection Mold Design
The great idea for your product or part might start on a piece of paper or even a cocktail napkin – but before it gets to your parts manufacture, it needs to undergo a transformation. In this article, we’re going to look at why you and your plastic injection mold designer should be using SolidWorks CAD for all steps of the part and mold designing process, and why it delivers not only a better product but also a smoother process with less time and money spent. [Read more…] about Why We Use SolidWorks CAD for Injection Mold Design
Comparing Plastic Injection Molding and CNC Machining
When it comes to designing and manufacturing the plastic parts for your products, you’ve got several manufacturing methods at your fingertips. Before you get started prototyping your part and committing to how your plastic parts will be produced, it’s important to explore your options and find out which method will work best for your needs, from material selection to the speed and scale of parts production. In this comparison, we explore two methods: plastic injection molding and CNC machining. [Read more…] about Comparing Plastic Injection Molding and CNC Machining
What Causes Splay on Plastic Injection Molding Parts?
Just like in all manufacturing, plastic injection molding brings with it their own kinds of defects that can mar or damage parts. It’s critical to work with parts manufacturers who both understand and have the quality control and troubleshooting skills needed to avoid them hurting your bottom line. Not all defects are created equal, and it’s important for you as a client to understand what they are and their causes. Today we’re looking at “splay,” a typically cosmetic defect that might point at issues with your resin or manufacturing process. [Read more…] about What Causes Splay on Plastic Injection Molding Parts?
Injection Molding Plastic: Thermoplastic vs. Thermoset
When it comes to injection molding, a common request we receive is advice on the right plastics to use in their projects. While we can only provide suggestions, one common point of confusion for our clients is the difference between thermoplastic and thermoset resins. As part of the injection process, both plastics are subjected to heat during the process, and it is in this difference (which you may have guessed to the thermo prefix) that truly separates these two types of plastics and give them their unique qualities. [Read more…] about Injection Molding Plastic: Thermoplastic vs. Thermoset
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