Improved cargo transportation and better international trade laws have made global sourcing a popular procurement strategy across the industry. There was a time when only multinational corporations would source products and services from the global market. Today, even enterprises without a worldwide footprint are also embracing global sourcing to improve their business outlook. However, it [...]
Overmolding is an injection molding process used to mold one plastic (commonly a rubber-like plastic called TPE) over top of another component (substrate). The substrate is usually an injection-molded plastic part, but it could also be made from various other materials. Overmolding is used across several industries and serves a wide array of purposes. Below [...]
Here are five considerations that a hot runner supplier and a moldmaker/molder should discuss when using fiber-reinforced materials, such as those with glass filler, wood fibers (lignite in biomaterials) and wool fibers: 1) Tip selection: The key with tip selection is maintaining appropriate heat as close to the gate as possible, while maintaining a reasonable [...]
Industrial designers working on public transport interiors were historically held back with some unique design constraints. The brief usually includes making sure the part fits into the available space, keeping it functional but lightweight, and only then start considering the aesthetics. As manufacturers produce lower volumes of these parts, injection molding isn’t really an option [...]
Over the past decade, soft-touch overmolding has radically changed the look, feel, and function of a broad range of consumer products. Abundant new color, texture, and tactile options are available in such products as toothbrushes, razors, power tools, cameras, kitchen items, hand-held electronics, and auto-interior parts. Driving this change is the increasingly diverse range of [...]
Today, there are many innovations in cutting tool technology. Whether a seasoned pro or novice, these technologies are new for everyone. New edge preps, coatings, cutting materials, digital capabilities and application methods are differentiators that help shops remain competitive if their moldmakers know how to use them properly. While moldmakers who are entering the field [...]
By now, it should be obvious who would benefit from a sourcing agent and their services and why it makes sense to use a sourcing service. Many people are not completely convinced and think they can save money working directly with manufacturers. However, it is important to consider a sourcing agent for the following reasons. [...]
What does sourcing and purchasing from China look like during the COVID-19 pandemic, travel restrictions, lack of components, and logistics crisis? For some companies, it looks like business as usual. It is still necessary to do background checks and verify the capabilities of suppliers so that you know who you are dealing with and that [...]
China has emerged as a leading manufacturing hub of the world. From electronic goods to plastic products- the country has it all. It should come as no surprise that more and more companies are now sourcing products from China. When it comes to variety, quality, and pricing, very few countries can compete with China. Whether [...]
Traditionally drawings have been an indispensable and unambiguous definition of the finished product—a vital part of the service agreement between the customer and those responsible for tooling and inspection. Unfortunately, for many shops, 3D models are still only a supplement to the official authority of the drawing. However, a growing number of companies involved in [...]