There are a certain set of rules and understandings of the molding process at the macro level that simply don’t work at the micro level. The flow of molten plastic, it's cooling, warpage, necessary venting and gating … are all different when molding … [Read more...] about Micro molding – The need for collaboration and DfM
Rapid Injection Molding
Advances in vertical injection molding make medical device design easier
By John Schmitz, President of Aberdeen Technologies, Inc. The medical sector has embraced the high standards that plastic injection molding can offer. Insert molding, especially on a vertical molding press, can hold tight tolerances while also … [Read more...] about Advances in vertical injection molding make medical device design easier
Tips on working with gates in micro-molded parts
By Scott Byal, Sr. Project Engineer, Accumold As technology shrinks, previously overlooked aspects of injection molded parts are causing significant challenges and problems. With larger injection molded parts, the gate, where polymer enters the … [Read more...] about Tips on working with gates in micro-molded parts
Custom color and complete parts made easy
Color can play an important role in product design. Achieving the right color, however, has usually been a challenge. It can take weeks to get the color right. Noted Joel Matthews, Global Product Manager – Secondary Operations at Protolabs, a typical … [Read more...] about Custom color and complete parts made easy
Injection molding helps inventors meet accelerated timeline
A Minneapolis-based startup has developed a “personal malt-house” for those who enjoy home brewing beer. This personal malt-house, the Acro, is from Sprowt Labs. Home and craft brewers have not had a large assortment of home breweries to choose … [Read more...] about Injection molding helps inventors meet accelerated timeline
The difference between traditional and rapid molding
The “digitization” of nearly every process to make products continues. The latest industry to experience this shift is molding. Here’s a look at how digitization may affect traditional molding service providers. Pierre Viaud-Murat | Senior Vice … [Read more...] about The difference between traditional and rapid molding
A guide to using thermoforming, injection molding, or reaction injection molding
When it comes to plastic parts, is thermoforming, injection molding or reaction injection molding better? Each of these methods of plastics manufacturing has its benefits; and the ideal one for a given product depends on a number of factors, … [Read more...] about A guide to using thermoforming, injection molding, or reaction injection molding
How a music tech startup conquered the production challenge
Driven by a successful Kickstarter campaign, Boulder, Colorado-based, connected-musical applications company Specdrums had a challenge on its hands. With orders in the queue, the growing company needed production help – they needed it fast, and in a … [Read more...] about How a music tech startup conquered the production challenge
How to build a robotic exoskeleton with digital manufacturing
When Parker Hannifin CEO Don Washkewicz challenged his team to explore the future of the company seven years ago, the team explored robotic devices, such as a robotic exoskeleton, for medical applications. Parker has key core competencies in motion … [Read more...] about How to build a robotic exoskeleton with digital manufacturing
For prototyping and production, you have choices with injection molding
Rapid injection molding works best for on-demand production, bridge tooling, pilot runs, and functional prototyping. There are several options for injection molding, with aluminum a popular choice as a material for the molds. Probably one of the … [Read more...] about For prototyping and production, you have choices with injection molding
