Because many molds are built directly off a 3-D surface file there may not be clear dimensions, especially if the schedule is compressed. Always make sure you let consultants know of dimensional risks. […]
Designers sometimes address this issue last, after the entire design is completed, assuming the moldmaker and/or molder will figure out the best gate and ejection. This is where you can really differentiate your services and help the design consultant. […]
The design consultant and client often work together to select the moldmaker and/or molder. Each project is different, so you should be direct in your discussions with design consultants. Ask who is going to make the final decision. If it is the client, […]
Design consultant engineers carefully select materials to meet stringent regula-tory and performance specifications, […]
Many projects require an integrated manufacturing solution, which means molded parts and molds may be moved to a contract manufacturer after initial pilot production, and that could be anywhere in the world. […]
Compare Part for ChangesWhen the design model changes, you need to know what changed. Look for tools that make it easy to detect what is different in a part; […]
Power to Handle Complex GeometryFor the software to be usable for plastic part design, it must be powerful enough to handle the complex geometry. The system must possess round, draft and complex surfacing capabilities. […]
Whether designing the mold for an iPod or a refrigerator door, moldmakers are always looking for faster methods to help them produce molds. […]
In recent years a new generation of specialized mold design CAD systems has begun to appear. By automating the tedious parts of the mold design process, […]
When plastics were first gaining popularity, parts were simple. Most products were designed on a drawing board, so it was natural that the tooling was designed that way as well. […]