Design engineers have various options when choosing a plastic injection molding process to best suit their specific application. Each of the three primary methods — hydraulic, electric, and hybrid — feature unique benefits and drawbacks. To make the right selection for your project, it’s important to have a full understanding of how these methods differ and what they can offer you.
How often do you source an injection molder? If you are like most companies and project managers, not very often. The good news is, once you have selected an injection molder to work with you are likely to stay with them for a long time as long as they keep producing quality plastic parts.
One of the most common questions for those looking to source a plastic injection molder is “How much will a plastic injection mold cost?” It's one of the most important questions, since the actual mold represents the most significant expense in upfront production costs. That being said, many factors go into determining the full cost. With any custom injection molding project, your injection molder should be able to give you the final price tag. In this article, we will review the variables that can impact the cost so that you can be better informed when making a mold purchasing decision.
The Merits of Building a Mold in the U.S.
The Rodon Group has been in this business long enough to have worked with, or attempted to work with, molds that were created in Asia (most often, China). Many of these molds are not built to meet strict tolerances, since they don’t have to be. As labor costs rise in China, this no longer becomes an affordable manufacturing process. In addition, molds made in other countries are made from lesser quality steel or aluminum. Again, this causes quality issues and shortens the life of the mold. Most high-production molders in this country use only the best stainless steel available for the mold base and cavities. They utilize the latest technology in CNC machining and have seasoned tool makers who know how to create molds that meet the highest performance standards. When sourcing companies, be sure to look for U.S. based manufacturers.
Ever since its introduction in the late 19th century, plastic injection molding has revolutionized the way we create plastic products. Although the technology has evolved significantly over the years, many injection molds today still fall into two main categories: hot runner and cold runner systems. Each of these systems has their own benefits and limitations which make them better suited for specific applications.
Understanding the differences between these technologies can help you have a more productive and informed discussion with your plastic injection specialist to determine the most feasible option for your unique application.
Custom plastic injection molding of close-tolerance, small parts is an ideal solution for many industries that are looking to produce a high volume of precision quality parts.
Injection molding is by far the most versatile of all molding techniques. The presses used in this process vary in size and are rated based on pressure or tonnage. Larger machines can injection mold car parts. Smaller machines can produce very precise plastic parts for surgical applications. In addition, there are many types of plastic resins and additives that can be used in the injection molding process, increasing its flexibility for designers and engineers.
When looking for a manufacturer that will provide you with quality, savings, and a quick turnaround, it’s essential to consider the location of your facility. While many companies are moving overseas in search of cheaper production and labor costs, it often pays to keep your company based right here in the United States. In fact, there are numerous benefits to choosing a manufacturer based in the United States over those found abroad––, especially in the long run. Below, we discuss seven of the main advantages.
Like many companies, The Rodon Group recognizes our customers are our most valuable asset. We pride ourselves on the ability to develop turnkey manufacturing solutions that meet their demands on time, every time.
So it is no surprise that we utilize an ERP system (Enterprise Resource Planning system) to improve our efficiency and our customer’s bottom line. This tool allows the manufacturing team at Rodon to monitor jobs from the minute they are initiated to the time they are delivered including all of the downstream impacts. According to VP of Manufacturing, Tom Moore “The team manages to our customer's requirements. By monitoring production runs throughout the day, we can ensure the needs of the customers are met. We manage the efficiency of each job. These measures ensure we always have the materials and products required.”
Given the high quality and quick turnaround most organizations require when producing custom plastic components, it’s best to consider working with a full team of injection molding experts. Tackling the challenge in-house often leads to inefficiencies and can result in costly, time-consuming issues despite best efforts to streamline processes.
With hundreds of commodity and engineering resins available on today’s market, the material selection process for plastic injection molding may seem daunting at first.
At The Rodon Group, we understand the unique benefits and properties offered by different types of plastics, and work closely with clients to find the best fit for their project.
Below are some of the most popular materials used in plastic injection molding: