If you’re a manufacturer of products that utilise plastic parts or you’re in the process of becoming a manufacturer, it’s likely you’ve considered getting a quote for injection moulding. As injection moulders, we are known for our ability to help product engineers get their item to market efficiently and cost-effectively.
Obtaining an injection moulding quote for your project is the first step in determining which company is the best fit for your required part and its unique specification. To make the process more accurate and efficient, you should consider the five questions below before requesting a quote for your part design, development and production.
1. Do You Have CAD Drawings or Samples of Your Part?
Ideally, you should be able to provide your injection moulder/s with a detailed dimensional drawing (CAD drawings) of your part. This will ensure that they have clear information about the size and complexity of a part they’re being asked to produce. Additionally, supplying a sample or prototype will help an injection moulder discover the strengths and weaknesses of your part early in the process. This will positively impact the overall manufacturability.
There are many important factors to consider when turning your idea into a manufacturable product, and furthermore a working part at the end of the process. Many manufacturers agree that the design stage is the most vital of the overall process because, if not done properly, it is prone to creating cost and time inefficiencies in the injection moulding Brisbane process.
2. What Is the Intended Use for Your Plastic Part?
You should have a clear and well-thought-out purpose that your product will serve as a finished part. If your injection moulder knows the intended end-use for your product then they can determine the appropriate design tweaks, material and recommendations for part improvements. This information will also provide an idea of what wear and tear a product will be exposed to over time, and whether any chemical or environmental factors may contribute to a part deteriorating.
3. What Quantity of Parts Do You Require?
Determining the amount of parts or products you require is an important factor to provide your manufacturer with. This helps to determine if they can or are willing to run your part and affects other factors of the manufacturing process. For example, for a shorter production run an aluminium mould would most likely be recommended but for large quantities over time or multiple runs over time, a hardened steel mould would be the best choice.
4. What Is the Size and Complexity Of Your Part?
Simply put, parts with more intricate designs require elaborate mould designs, which generally increases the tool cost. Alternatively, simple designs require less complex mould designs, which lowers the cost of the tool. Understanding the size of your part will also help to determine material quantity estimations.
Working alongside a knowledgeable injection moulder with design engineer capabilities early in your production process will help you find efficiencies across every stage of your project.
5. What Type of Material or Resin Is Required for Your Part?
Choosing the right material or resin for your project is one of the most important factors in creating the perfect part. Having a basic understanding of the materials available and knowing how each one will react in your product’s operating environment will help give you a starting point in choosing the best material. Your injection moulder should have experience with and a detailed understanding of a variety of materials and resins. They should be able to confidently provide you with a material that best suits your unique needs and cost requirements for your production part.
While you don’t need to know all the ins and outs regarding the design, development, tool transfer and production process prior to obtaining a quote for an injection moulded part – it’s always good to be prepared with the details related to your specific part’s needs.
If you find yourself confused or overwhelmed by any part of the process, particularly the design, Dienamics offers an end-to-end approach for manufacturing your part called OneSource solution. As the only player in the product design game with a true in-house, end-to-end service, we can offer you peace of mind every step of the way. Contact us today to tell us about your project and we’ll get in touch with you.
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