Molding 14943
June 17, 2004
Originally Published MPMN June 2004
OutsourcingOutlook
Molding
Precision Cleanroom Molder Expands Its Manufacturing Facility
An additional 60,000 sq ft of capacity, including a certified Class 100,000 cleanroom, was added to a scientific molder's facility in Irvine, CA. The company now operates more than 50 molding machines at two sites with room to increase its medical business while pursuing new customers. Its recently developed product realization package (PRP) offers flexible, custom-tailored process optimization, which touches on details associated with part, mold, process, and quality data. The PRP program complements ISO 9000:2000 and expedites the approval of a qualification protocol by OEMs. The company's capabilities encompass two tooling facilities, two molding operations, assembly services, and a partnership with a contract manufacturer to deliver a single-sourced molding and manufacturing solution.C. Brewer Co., Anaheim, CA www.cbrewer.com
Contract Firm Specializes in Thermoplastic Materials
With a specialty in molding engineering-grade thermoplastic and elastomeric materials, a supplier offers micromolding, machined metal-component fabrication, and liquid-silicone injection molding. The company's capabilities include complete design and engineering services, in-house CAD- and CAM-based tooling design and fabrication, insert molding, overmolding, and cleanroom molding. In addition to Class 10,000 and Class 100,000 cleanroom assembly, contract manufacturing services are available for machining, welding, and packaging.Donatelle Plastics, New Brighton, MN www.donatelleplastics.com
Pressure Forming Produces Detailed Parts
Pressure forming produces sharp details, precise surface textures, and tight radii, previously possible only through plastic injection molding, according to a thermoforming firm. In conventional vacuum forming, pressure up to 22.5 psi draws heated plastic into the cavities of the mold. In pressure forming, positive air pressure up to 100 psi pushes the back surface of the material into the recesses of the mold. This combination of negative vacuum pressure and positive air pressure produces crisp details. Pneumatically activated molds feature movable sections to facilitate the removal of parts with deep undercuts from the mold. Grained or textured surfaces, logos, and insignias can be formed into the exterior of the pressure-formed parts.Kintz Plastics Inc., Howes Cave, NY www.kintz.com
Supplier of Injection Molding Services Offers Automated Assembly
A single-source supplier of cleanroom injection-molded products and services also provides full-service secondary operations and automated assembly. Mold design and fabrication capabilities include multicavity, hot-runner, and high-speed tooling. Scientific cleanroom molding is performed on all-electric, servo-driven machines with routine production tolerances of ±0.0005 in. The company also specializes in biosorbable polymer and Teflon products.Infinity Plastics, Ventura, CA www.infinitymolding.com
Precision Techniques Complement Injection Molding
A company's molding capabilities include small shot sizes, fast cycle times, and the processing of either virgin or reground material. Operating under Class 100,000 cleanroom conditions, the company works with conventional thermoplastics, high-temperature glass-filled polymers, ceramic, ferrite, and stainless steel, and most metals. Two standard mold frames offer platen areas of 1¼2 and 3¼4 in. square. Sprue sizes down to 0.020 -in.-diam help to reduce material usage.Picomolding, Tyngsboro, MA www.piconics.com
Closed-Loop Process Minimizes Micromolding Lead Time
A process for small-part micromolding minimizes time to market, according to an injection molding and mold-making company. A closed-loop manufacturing process conveys raw material to molding machines via a miniature material-handling system. Mold changes can be performed in less than 10 minutes, and part runners and residual regrind are eliminated. With a force of 14 to 30 tn, the machines are suitable for medium to large quantities with shot sizes ranging from 0.33 to 1.31 oz. In addition to micromolded parts, the company provides functional prototypes and production of midsized parts on larger molding machines with from 90- to 500-tn clamping forces. The company's in-house tooling operation includes the experience of 30 toolmakers, standard mold bases, and unit-mold frames.PTI Engineered Plastics Inc., Clinton Township, MI www.teampti.com
Vertical and Horizontal Molding Machines Produce Mechanical Components
With more than 20 vertical and horizontal molding machines, a contract manufacturer produces molded mechanical and electromechanical components and assemblies. The company's production capabilities include injection molding, insert molding, cable extrusion, precision electromechanical system and subsystem assembly, and surface-mount-technology PCB assembly. Additional services include wire crimping and terminating, ultrasonic welding, solvent and adhesive bonding, UV curing, pad printing, and bar code labeling.Sanbor Medical, Allentown, PA www.sanbor.com
Manufacturer Develops Molds for Product Designs
A manufacturer produces medical devices and develops molds for product designs. With the ability to mold flexible and rigid polyurethanes, urethane elastomers, and self-skinning foams, the company's specialty department supports customers from the design to the finished product. High-impact prosthesis parts, instrument and electronics casings, device holders, medical pads, and rehabilitation equipment are on a list of items that the company has provided to customers.FMS, Cerritos, CA www.foammolders.com
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