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Midstate Mold & Engineering

Precision Plastic Injection Molders

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Quick Response Manufacturing: QRM in Plastic Injection Molding

A close-up shot of a stopwatch meant to signify quick response manufacturing in plastic injection molding.

The increasingly competitive global workforce has challenged every industry. However, with new advancements in automation, machinery, and material handling, along with the innovative process known as Quick Response Manufacturing (QRM), plastic injection molders in the United States have been able to match overseas pricing. Not only that, but local manufacturers are even outpacing the competition in part design, execution, and lead times. Let’s discuss how manufacturers are exceeding their customers’ expectations by integrating QRM in plastic injection molding.

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The Top Impact-Resistant Thermoplastics for Injection Molding

A large parasol in a park made of an impact-resistant thermoplastic called polycarbonate.

Many plastic parts – such as construction materials, outdoor equipment, and prosthetics – must withstand high, repetitious impact and bear significant loads of force. Not using a material that has proven toughness can run the risk of your part breaking, resulting in severe or sometimes life-threatening consequences. Choosing an impact-resistant polymer means finding the right balance between toughness and pliability. We’re here to help you by highlighting the top-impact resistant thermoplastic for injection molding. 

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How to Design Plastic Parts Right for Injection Molding

An engineer at a desk looking at a CAD program on a computer monitor trying to design plastic parts right for injection molding.

The first stage of creating a successful product is to design parts specifically made for plastic injection molding. The design criteria of a plastic injection molded part are essential to creating a durable product with little risk of defects. It’s important to perfect the design from the start – using prototyping methods and tweaking part features – because, during the development phase, design changes or corrections cannot be made unless you’re willing to significantly add to your manufacturing costs. Let’s review how you can design plastic parts right for injection molding to avoid unnecessary spending.

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Plastic Injection Molding Misconceptions: Five Common Myths

Two test tubes lying on a white surface, one spilling yellow plastic resin and one spilling blue plastic resin.

Plastic injection molding has quickly become the most efficient and cost-effective process for mass-manufacturing plastic parts. It’s a process that’s been around for a century and a half, but despite its longevity, there are still many myths and misconceptions surrounding injection molding. As a company that entrusts its production to a manufacturer, it’s important you understand how the manufacturing process works. To ensure you’re well informed, let’s discuss some of the most common plastic injection molding misconceptions.

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The Increasing Trend of Biopolymers in Food Packaging

A chef wearing a black apron and black gloves packing food into biopolymer food packaging.

From distribution to storage, packaging materials play a vital role in keeping food fresh and safe for consumption. Plastic packaging is designed to safeguard, contain, and handle ready-to-eat food products. However, to the eco-conscious mind, all this plastic use may seem harmful to the environment. While that is true, the introduction of biopolymers has generated an eco-friendly method of preserving food while protecting the environment. Let’s review the increasing trend of biopolymers in food packaging and how this renewable plastic protects both your food and the ecosystem.

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What are the Best Thermoplastics for Heat-Resistant Parts?

A car engine with numerous heat-resistant plastic parts.

When considering options for heat-resistant parts, the first material that usually comes to mind is metal. Alloys tend to have high heat resistance, but the versatility of metals is limited. That’s why an increasing number of engineers are turning to heat-resistant plastics to fill roles in complex, high-performance applications. Heat-resistant thermoplastics also tend to have other beneficial characteristics that lend themselves to an extended lifespan beyond that of metal. Let’s take a look at some of the best thermoplastics for heat-resistant parts and their unique attributes.

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