In the bustling world of plastic injection molding, savvy purchasers are zeroing in on more than price tags. They’re focusing on efficiency and innovation.
One such quality that sets premier manufacturers apart is years of experience. Those with a deep bench of expertise can quickly respond to supply chain challenges, reducing lead times and ensuring on-time deliveries.
Experience
A premier injection mold manufacturer has years of experience in the industry. This translates to knowledge of the product, market, and resins. It also helps with design and manufacturing stages.
An experienced company will know how to scale with your projected demand. This will save you money in production, lead time, and shipping costs.
In addition, mold manufacturers specialize in creating precision molds used in various industries, employing advanced techniques and materials to produce high-quality and accurate molds for manufacturing purposes.
For example, some companies have been in business for 19 years, and their engineers have over 125 years in the field. They are well-versed in various industries, including consumer, healthcare, pet, and promotional products.
They also have expertise in two-shot injection molding, which involves using different materials in the same cavity and succession. This is a good choice for higher-volume, more durable, and harder-to-form parts.
Customer Satisfaction
Customer satisfaction is a critical metric that impacts many teams in an organization, including sales and marketing. Happy customers are more likely to buy again and refer new businesses.
Choosing an injection molding partner who prioritizes customer satisfaction is critical. It’s a quality that translates to on-time deliveries and addressing manufacturing issues promptly when they arise.
For example, a company that offers multi-cavity tooling allows you to double your annual production capacity by using one injection mold design for multiple parts. This saves you money by allowing your team to meet demand without spending more on additional equipment. It also helps you avoid costly delays due to outgrowing a single tool and the need to source a second one. Lastly, it supports your supply chain by keeping jobs local.
Competitive Pricing
When you work with an injection molding CM, you want to know that your company’s product development process is in good hands. You can do this by considering how many years the company has been in business and how many engineers and designers it has under its belt.
Complex products require a sophisticated mold. This can add up to a high tooling cost, translating to higher part production costs. You can reduce these costs by focusing on design for manufacturability during the CAD stage.
Similarly, secondary services like surface finishing and assembly can increase production costs. Look for a plastic injection manufacturer who offers these services in-house to lower the costs of your finished product. These savings translate to greater profitability for your product.
Technology
A premier injection manufacturer will have advanced technology to help market your products faster. They should also be able to meet your deadlines and provide quality parts when needed.
Injection molding is relatively fast and can produce complex, accurate plastic parts. It uses less energy and is more environmentally friendly than other processes.
However, the process produces toxic fumes that can harm the health of workers who operate the machines. These fumes include hydrogen chloride, acrolein, butadiene, and formaldehyde. This makes it essential for a premier injection molder to have sophisticated control systems that monitor and optimize energy usage in production. This may include things like reducing energy use at times of peak demand.
Innovation
Injection molding is a highly efficient manufacturing process that offers high accuracy and reduces production time. It can create various plastic parts and components across virtually all industries.
Choosing an injection mold manufacturer who can offer you the flexibility of a wide range of molding methods and materials is crucial. They should also be able to provide you with feedback and assistance regarding design for manufacturability (DFM).
Look for a US silicone injection manufacturer who prioritizes top-notch quality and precision. Look at how long they have been in business and how many years their engineers have under their belts. The more experience they have, the better their understanding of your industry and the products you manufacture.