Author: Chris Williams

How To Use DFM To Improve Plastic Injection Molding

We’ve written elsewhere about the importance of design for manufacturing (DFM) analysis in manufacturing. No matter the size of the project, we always recommend using DFM discipline to save time and money while preserving quality. A complete DFM review covers all aspects of product development. In this study, we are going to concentrate specifically on […]

Understanding multi-cavity designs for injection molding efficiency

There are three general categories of plastic injection mold tools that product designers can consider when making finished parts. They each have advantages, largely depending on the intended volumes. Let’s take a closer look at which type might be best for your project. A single cavity plastic injection mold tool is the most basic form […]

Manufacturing Tooling Design Fundamentals

There are many types of specialized tools used in manufacturing to make every imaginable kind of product, from shoes to submarines and everything in between. Because their variety and application are so broad, we’d like to focus our attention on forming tools, and we’ll explain how they differ from other tools found on the factory […]

A Complete Guide to Overmolding vs Insert Molding

In this article, we discuss insert molding and overmolding, the advantages of each, and the applications they’re best suited for. We hope these manufacturing insights, along with useful design tips, will help you get great results on your next plastic injection molding project. Navigate to these sections in the article: What is Overmolding? What is […]

Rapid Prototyping With Polyurethane Vacuum Casting

Many plastic injection molding projects start off by first making a series of rapid prototypes. These are used to further refine the look and feel of the part, to test its functionality, and to improve the design before investing in steel injection mold tools. In this video, Gordon Styles explains why rapid prototyping using the […]

Manufacturing Cycle Times and How To Improve Them

Every business has a vested interest in carefully monitoring its productivity, especially in a manufacturing environment where repetitive tasks can be standardized and optimized.  The most common metrics used for this purpose are manufacturing cycle times, lead times, and takt times. Progressive companies try to control these factors in order to save money, conserve valuable […]