ISO Registration Benefits Automotive Mold Maker

There are many benefits to working with an ISO Registered mold making facility, including quality product and cost savings to the buyer.  ISO quality standards are recognized internationally as the set of quality standards for various industries worldwide to measure performance in their processes, which encompasses all business processes whether they be service or production related.   Most suppliers to the Automotive industry must be registered to either ISO9001 or ISO/TS16949, providing uniform measurements to rate suppliers in a global economy.   

Globally recognized quality standards give Automakers around the globe consistent quality procedures and standards to measure the performance of their suppliers, in quality and service.  This makes the job of the purchasing agent more streamlined in choosing suppliers, and takes some of the burden off when qualifying suppliers to their supply chain.  Most suppliers, even 2nd and 3rd tier suppliers, must be registered to ISO standards and provide a Certificate of Conformance.  This gives peace of mind to Automakers around the world that their suppliers are adhering to their Quality Policy and performing continual improvement in all processes to remain competitive.  Continual improvement projects that focus on increased cycle times, or reduced purchasing costs can be passed on to the Automotive customer, providing even more value as an ISO registered mold shop.  

Michiana Global Mold is an ISO Registered mold making shop, practicing continual improvement with top down management.  We combine the latest in technology with our vast experience to provide the best options for injection molds, beginning with a detailed and thorough injection mold design.  Our design engineers are the best in the business, with extensive experience using our CAD/CAM software and equipment.  

Our journeymen mold makers are accustomed to constructing complex injection molds for high volume, custom injection molding.  We build the challenging tools that other mold makers shy away from.  Michiana Global Mold is experienced with all types of molds, including insert cavities, cold and hot runner tools, shuttle molds, three-plate tools and any other mold type required.  We meet tight tolerances and even tighter deadlines with quality injection molds, built right the first time.  We provide sample parts and reports, and all required tool status reports.  

Michiana Global Mold offers discounts with our off-shore injection mold making partner, rebate programs for high-volume tool requirements, and FREE design consultations.

Contact Michiana Global Mold today to speak with one of our skilled mold designers and learn how we can assist you with your next injection mold making project.  We are an ISO9001:2015 Registered mold making facility with vast experience building custom, precision injection molds for demanding industries including Automotive.  

Mold Design Consideration for Automated Molding

Injection molders today are using sophisticated, automated equipment aimed at molding high quality products with lean processes.  Automated auxiliary equipment is used to provide consistency in a process while reducing cycle times.  Each injection molder’s shop environment is different, and some equipment must be custom designed to work together.

An injection mold designer must be aware of the molding environment in which the mold will run, which includes the type of press, any auxiliary equipment used in the molding process and the location of tie bars and cooling lines.  This information is vital to a proper mold design to ensure that nothing will interfere with installation or operation of the mold.

Some Automated equipment that injection molders use are vacuum conveying systems, sprue pickers, robotic arms and conveyors, computerized quality inspection and rejection procedures, and automated packing procedures.

As any molder knows, reducing cycle time provides cost saving efficiencies that equate to increased profits to the bottom line.  Be sure to share with your mold designer any custom design requirements unique to your molding situation.  

Michiana Global Mold is experienced with the most challenging of mold designs requiring tight geometric tolerances with critical dimensions.  We construct molds used for any environment, with custom designed solutions provided with Unigraphics CAD/CAM Software, and Mold Flow Analysis if required.  

We are an ISO Registered mold making facility following a strict quality policy in all aspects of injection mold design and construction.  Michiana Global Mold has been a valuable supplier to many supply chains including to the Automotive industry for over 50 years.  We employ a highly knowledgeable and experienced staff, with skilled designers and journeyman mold makers.

Michiana Global Mold has in-depth knowledge designing and manufacturing injection molds that meet tight geometric tolerances.  Contact us today for a FREE design consultation and to learn how we can assist with all of your injection mold requirements.  

Advantages of Prototype Injection Molds

Constructing a prototype injection mold has many advantages to a successful launch of an injection molding program.  Prototype tools give a molder a chance to try out a new design, prior to investing in a large multi-cavity full size injection mold.  Some prototype tools are even constructed with just a prototype cavity, allowing for additional cavities to be developed later after perfection of the prototype.  

Prototype tools are advantageous when using a new thermoplastic resin that the molder may not be familiar with.  A prototype gives the advantage of learning how a new material will melt, flow and fill critical dimensional areas.

A prototype also gives a molder a chance to try out a new design for a part that may have to fit into another larger assembly.  Constructing a prototype tool will give the molder a chance to produce a prototype part to test out functionality, either in larger assemblies or even on an automated assembly line.  

Constructing a prototype tool is a very inexpensive way to test out new parts without an initial major outlay of cash.   Prototype tools are typically constructed with less expensive material than a production tools, therefore are not made to stand up to high volume production but rather a few short production lots for sample testing.  

While production tools must be constructed with hardened steel, a prototype can be made of P20 or non-hardened steel, or even aluminum, as this is adequate to produce sample parts for testing purposes.  Prototypes are used in many industries where an initial small investment into a mold for testing purposes is well worth it prior to constructing a high-volume production mold.  

Michiana Global Mold has vast experience assisting engineers and designers to achieve their dimensional goals with design assistance and Prototype Mold Construction.  Contact us today for a FREE design consultation and to see how we can assist you with your project development goals.  

Injection Mold Design for Engineering Resins

Thermoplastic engineering resins are the most common type of plastic resins used in the injection molding process.  With many different types of plastic resins each with their own unique properties, it takes great care and consideration to properly design and construct a mold for use with thermoplastic resins.   These highly useful polymer resins have varying properties of elasticity, resistance to temperature, corrosives, shrinkage and right down to the exterior finish such as a matte or a glossy finish.  

Shrink rate is a very important property of thermoplastic engineering resins used in injection molding, as the cavities must be carved out to accommodate to this shrink rate.  If shrink rate is not accounted for properly, a part may shrink too much after cooling and deviate from customer requirements. Knowing the cooling and shrink rate of the polymer resin used for any molding process is of the utmost important to the journeymen mold makers constructing the tool.  

Cooling rate is also important for the part to become completely solidified prior to ejection.  Cooling rate must be configured into the injection molding cycle time, to ensure proper cooling and ejection without damaging the part.  

Each polymer resin will have a MSD sheet, Material Safety Data sheet along with material specifications clearly defined in each numbered lot of all thermoplastic resins.  If working with a new material, a mold designer may prefer to use Mold Flow Analysis, for a computer simulated demonstration of how the plastic material will melt, flow and fill.   Predicting the flow of thermoplastic resins prior to cutting steel is vital for accurate geometrical tolerances in the final product.  

Even with a material spec sheet which is necessary, nothing helps a skilled mold designer more than experience.  Skilled mold design engineers are very familiar with the various properties of engineering resins allowing for precise mold construction with even the most specialty of molding resins.  

Michiana Global Mold is an experienced mold design and construction company, with vast experience with various thermoplastic resins used in injection molding.  We employ highly skilled journeymen mold makers and expert design engineers to satisfy even the most demanding of customer requirements.  We tackle the complex mold designs that other companies shy away from.  For complex, precision molds that must meet tight tolerances, contact Michiana Global Mold today for superior mold design and mold making services.

Contact Michiana Global Mold today to speak with one of our skilled mold designers and learn how we can assist you with your next injection mold making project.  We are an ISO9001:2015 Registered mold making company with vast experience constructing custom, precision injection molds using various thermoplastic engineering resins.  

Maintain Molding Specs with Preventive Mold Maintenance

The cost of an injection mold is usually the largest part of an investment into a plastic molding process with the exception of the molding press itself.   Capital equipment requires maintenance, with a preventive maintenance plan typically in place for all equipment to keep machinery and equipment running at optimum performance levels and to avoid costly repairs.  

The injection mold itself is no different, operating at optimum performance when a regular preventive mold maintenance routine is performed.

Each injection mold is unique to a particular program, and may be either a cold or hot runner tool, with single or multi cavities.  Some injection molds run only a few times a year to produce a production run then store for a while before it is needed again, and some molds supporting high-volume requirements run continuously in the press.  

Performing preventive maintenance on these high-volume molds is critical to consistent part production within customer specification.  The material the used in the molding process has great impact on the steel mold.  A glass filled nylon, for example, will put a lot of wear and tear on the steel vs. a simple polypropylene material.

Take the time to determine at which cycle intervals your mold requires cleaning, and you will continue to produce high quality parts without mold breakdown.  Some preventive mold maintenance can actually be performed right there at the press, while other PM intervals require a full break-down and thorough mold cleaning.

Preventive maintenance is vital for mold performance, and to meet production requirements.  Take the time to determine the optimum mold maintenance regimen for your injection molds, and provide consistently molded parts within customer specifications.  

Michiana Global Mold is a a valuable supplier to the automotive industry, providing complex, precision molds with our ISO9001 Quality Management System.  Contact us today to learn about our rebate program and to how we can save you money on your injection mold requirements.  

Domestic Mold Maker with Offshore Mold Capabilities

Buyers of injection molded components are continuously faced with pricing challenges, they must provide to their customers the absolute lowest cost for injection molded components, and that begins with the cost of the tool.  Investment into the plastic injection mold is often the largest up-front costs injection molders face, and this price can make or break a contract with an OEM seeking the lowest cost world-wide.  

Today’s global economy is far different than two and especially three decades ago, prior to NAFTA and the mass sourcing of manufactured parts to overseas companies.  The cost difference is not as steep as it used to be with offshore companies rising to the occasion, improving their supply chains and quality systems and their overhead along with it.  There are still some attractive cost strategies to be used, however, if you have the right connection and know how to go about sourcing with offshore companies.  

Where to Begin Sourcing an Off-Shore Injection Mold Maker

It can be overwhelming trying to figure out how to get started working with an offshore company, specifically a mold making company in China.  Without proper planning and implementation, the endeavor can end up costing you more than it should.  

You are sourcing overseas to save money that you can pass on to your customers, you surely don’t want to invest more into it that you will get in return.  In many cases, having an overseas source for molds determines whether you get the contract or not.  It is not an option of whether you have a mold maker in China, it is a necessity and the only question is how to go about it.  

Domestic Sourcing Provides Return on Investment

Rather than try to contact a Chinese company directly, or use a broker to help you, working with a domestic mold maker with partnering companies in China gives you quick return on your investment.  With a domestic provider, you do not have to worry about the language barrier, currency conversions, lead times and most importantly – the quality of the tools you are sourcing.  

Michiana Global Mold is a domestic mold making company with a partnership in China, providing full-service overseas injection molds, headache and hassle-free to you.  We take care of everything from the language barrier, quality concerns and lead times, giving you one point of contact in our US location to fully coordinate all aspects of your tool build.  

Both of our mold making facilities in the US and in China are registered to ISO 9001, following a strict quality policy to provide tools to your specification.  We use only North American or German steel, and provide sample parts and all final inspections from our US location.  

We have vast experience with all types of tools including prototypes, insert cavities, three-plate tools, hot-runner tools and shuttle molds.   Download our FREE Guide to Sourcing Your Tools in China, and let Michiana Global Mold provide you with domestic support and offshore pricing.  

Michiana Global Mold is a leader in plastic injection mold making, serving the Automotive and various industries since 1964.  We offer high-quality, precision tooling from our domestic or overseas location, on time and to your specifications.  Contact us today to learn more about our offshore mold making capabilities.  

Injection Mold Makers for Precision Parts Manufacturing

Injection molding companies that manufacture precision parts are often in need of a precision injection mold making company to add to their preferred vendor list.  Many quality and purchasing engineers in various industries are searching for a custom mold making company with high precision capabilities to manufacture critical components.

Some industries that require vendors with precision capabilities to produce to high performing parts and components are:

• Automotive
• Aerospace
• Military / Ordnance
• Medical / Pharmaceutical
• Consumer Electronics

Suppliers to OEMs in these industries must meet stringent requirements, as all suppliers play a vital role in the quality of the end product.   An injection molder must be working with a quality tool that is designed and manufactured to produce a perfect part to the customer specification.  When working with a quality tool, and the specified material, an experienced molder will produce precision parts to specification.   

In addition to the molding parameters such as the size of press, and the material used, the mold design has vital impact on the quality of the parts produced in the manufacturing process.  

Mold Design for Precision Parts Manufacturing

Producing precision parts consistently to customer specifications requires a flawless mold.  The mold design will be based on the part design, usually provided by the customer.  In some cases, an experienced mold designer can assist with reverse engineering for new product design.  

Experienced mold design engineers will use computer aided design (CAD) software to assist with an injection mold design, providing detailed prints that can be shared with the injection molder for collaboration on critical areas.  When necessary, mold flow analysis can show the mold maker, and the injection molder a detailed computer simulation of how the material will melt, flow and fill.

Precision parts molders need a precision mold maker in their vendor list, a mold maker like Michiana Global Mold that offer value added services with custom injection molds within specification, and delivered on time.  For full service mold making and tooling services from an experienced, professional and high performing mold making company, contact Michiana Global Mold.  

Michiana Global Mold is a leading mold making company supplying injection molds to OEMs worldwide for critical precision parts manufacturing.  Contact us today for a FREE design consultation and to learn about our multi-tool discount program.  

Mold Design and Automated Injection Molding

When an injection mold designer begins a development of the mold design, they must be aware of the environment in which the mold will run.  This includes the size and type of press the mold will run in, the material used for molding, and any auxiliary equipment used for automation as the location of tie bars and cooling lines must not interfere with setting and running the mold.

Vacuum Conveying System

A vacuum conveying system is an automated way to get the material into the press, with the right suction and force.  Vacuum conveying systems suck the material while still in pellet from the gaylord or drum into the hopper of the press, providing a steady flow of material for continuous production.   Vacuum conveying systems pull in a steady flow of material, and control the amount of material in flow to the press, and are also helpful with controlling the moisture content in the material.  

Sprue Pickers Aid Automation

Sprue pickers are robotic arms that reach into the press and grab the runner when the mold ejects, instantly separating from it the parts which can then fall into a bucket or onto a conveyor belt.  Some robotic sprue pickers reach in and pick up the runner then drop it either into a separate bin, or directly into a grinder where it can be ground up and reused as regrind material.  

Process Monitoring

Injection molders use process monitoring systems to constantly monitor the press settings such as temperature and pressure, alerting an operator if the job begins to run out of specification.  Some monitoring systems also provide material resource planning functions, tracking job due dates and material inventory for scheduling of jobs.  

All of the additional auxiliary equipment must function properly and work in conjunction with the mold when it opens and closes and operates on the tie bar.

Michiana Global Mold has vast experience designing and manufacturing molds adhering to customer specifications and each unique environment.  Contact us today for a FREE design consultation and to learn how we can assist.  

Mold Design Considerations for Thermoplastic Resins

The most common type of polymer used in injection molding is thermoplastic resins.  There are many different types of resins with various properties to meet part specifications for functionality.  When designing injection molds, the engineer must take into consideration all properties of the resin specified for the produce including adhesion, elasticity, resistance to high temperatures, shrink rate, resistance to corrosives, and desired finish whether matte or polished.

The cooling and shrink rate are of the utmost importance, as some parts with a high shrink rate will need the cavity designed accordingly so the finished product will cool and shrink within specifications.  Cooling rate is also important for ejection, as the resin must completely solidify prior to mold ejection.

When an injection molded part has a critical functionality, mold flow analysis may be helpful in determining resin flow into tight geometric areas.  Mold flow analysis clearly shows with computer aided simulation how the resin will flow as determined from its properties.  Predicting how thermoplastic resin will flow in the mold and cavities prior to cutting steel can be a valuable tool in avoiding costly mistakes.  Conducting the proper advanced quality planning with mold flow analysis can greatly improve lead times.  

Most journeyman mold makers will already possess the knowledge of hos particular resins flow just from experience.  A skilled design engineer with experience in manufacturing molds will have the knowledge to design the tool to produce a part to print specifications, with the chosen resin properties playing a huge role in tool design.

At Michiana Global Mold, we have been providing high quality precision molds for over 60 years, possessing more than 500 years of combined experience.  Our staff of highly skilled design engineers and journeymen mold makers are the best in the business with vast experience in various thermoplastic resins.

Contact Michiana Global Mold today to speak with one of our skilled and experienced mold designers to learn how we can assist you with your injection mold requirement.  We are an ISO9001:2015 Registered mold making company with vast experience constructing custom, precision injection molds for various industries.

A Mold Maker’s dilemma: EDM or Mill?

Quick response and flexibility are required of tool and die makers today.  Mold makers must continually strive to reduce production time while still ensuring a high level of quality, and all while providing cost reductions.  With tight margins and high demand for quick turn-around, tool and die makers may be searching for the best manufacturing method to remain competitive.  

Using an EDM machine (electrical discharge machine) along with a high-speed milling machine may provide assistance with on-time delivery.   Certain manufacturing needs in a tool and die shop may require differing manufacturing methods.  The design engineer should be aware of all available manufacturing technologies.  

Mold Manufacturing Products Require Differing Technologies

Injection molds and diecast molds, forging dies, and deep drawing dies are the three main products of tool and die making.  Deep drawing dies mean that the metal blank is drawn into a forming die with a punch.  The drawing is considered to be deep drawing when the depth of the drawn part is greater than the part diameter.   They all possess their own constraints regarding applicable technologies for mold production.

Deep drawing dies have flat structures and materials that are best manufactured with milling.  When producing forging dies, EDM is widely used due to the strength of materials used in production.   Complete machining with milling is possible, however, with low depth and large concave radii.   

Milling diecast and injection molds is challenging due to ribs or webs, and small radii.  Developing the combination of EDM and milling is necessary for economical mold production meeting tight tolerances.  Utilizing the benefits of all production methods gives designers and mold manufactures options in mold manufacturing.  

Other considerations in deciding between EDM or HSM are high speed milling, the geometric constraints, and surface quality or subsurface damage of a tool.   Of the utmost importance is the effect on the surface from either EDM or HSM, as related to the part specifications.  Some parts may require a surface conducive to adhesion from certain coatings or lacquers, and the finish of the tool plays an important role in the surface finish of the molded part.  

Employing skilled design engineers and journeyman mold makers, we have the experience to utilize the latest technology with a full line up of modern EDM and high-speed milling centers.  This gives the most benefit to our customers in providing the most efficient, and cost effect mold manufacturing, with high quality tools and on time delivery.

Michiana Global Mold is an experienced mold designer and manufacturer, supplying high performing precision injection molds since 1952.  We are an ISO registered mold shop, adhering all processes to our strict quality policy, ensuring total customer satisfaction.  

Michiana Global Mold is experienced in all aspects of tool and die making, including injection molds and brass forging dies. Contact us today for a free design consultation, and learn how to save up to 40% on your next injection mold requirements.  

Offshore Injection Molding Source with Domestic Support

Looking for an offshore injection mold supplier can be a daunting task, without the right domestic guidance and support.   There are several aspects of sourcing your injection molds overseas that require a mold supplier with an overseas presence.  

Michiana Global Mold is an experienced mold making facility with an offshore presence, offering complete assistance with sourcing your injection molds overseas, taking the guesswork out of all of the typical roadblocks to successful outsourcing.  Michiana Global Mold has been manufacturing precision complex injection molds since 1952, we are experienced and knowledgeable about all necessary factors in mold making.  We apply this extensive knowledge to all mold building projects, including any offshore molding.  

No Language Barrier

Since Michiana Global Mold has a partner company in China, Modular Molds, we completely alleviate any potential miscommunication due to a language barrier.  When we source your tool builds to our China location, you will receive the same service as our domestic tool builds with one local point of contact providing all local support.  

ISO Registered Offshore Mold Maker

Modular Molds in China is registered to ISO9001:2008, following the same strict quality standards as our US location.   We use only qualified German and North American Steel, manufacturing quality high performance injection molds.  

Full Service Offshore Mold Making

Our mold making facility in China is a full-service injection mold making facility, offering partial and full-size mold design and construction.   Our capabilities provide you with fully finished or semi-finished molds, manufactured with precision and the same attention to detail provided from our domestic location.  

If you need offshore mold making with domestic service and support, contact your one stop mold shop, Michiana Global Mold.   All molds are inspected and tested for complete conformance to customer specification from our domestic location in Indiana prior to shipment.  

Modular Mold in China is a modern, large capacity mold making facility of more than 40,000 square feet with capacity to accommodate presses up to 3,000 tons.   Let Michiana Global Mold save you 40% on your injection molded products with our superior offshore molding facility.  

Michiana Global Mold is a superior quality plastic injection mold supplier for various industries including automotive, medical, consumer electronics, and defense.  We maintain high customer satisfaction through continual product and process improvement at both our United States and China locations.   

CAD/CAM Delivers for Automotive Suppliers

Supplying the Automotive industry with plastic injection molds poses challenges unique to that industry, with complex designs, quick lead times and tight budgets.   Not to mention the tight tolerances required of molds designed for critical components used in assemblies for items such as air bags, brakes, throttle bodies and solenoids, and various electro-mechanical switches.  

Save Valuable Time with the Right CAD/CAM Software

With the right CAD/CAM software, an injection mold designer can save valuable long hours entering critical dimensions for automotive components.  The capabilities of computer aided designs can increase capacity so much that a mold designer can take on new business, and drastically improve lead times with current customers.  Most OEMs demand CAD/CAM capability of their injection mold suppliers, as the automotive industry is focused on increasing profit margins with quick turnaround, from any supplier.  

You have to have a fast response time as a valuable participant in the automotive supply chain.  The right CAD/CAM software can increase your value-added services with this important partnership.  

Increase Profit Margin with CAD/CAM in Mold Making

With faster response times and increased capacity comes an increase in profit margin.  Having skilled design engineers knowledgeable with your CAD design software is vital for increased productivity.  

Ease of Modifications and File Sharing

Most leading CAD/CAM software programs allow for ease in file sharing, enhancing advanced quality planning as designers, engineers and OEMs can view and adjust for critical areas.  Problematic dimensions are identified quickly and shared all design participants for quick and viable solutions.  

When incorporated with skilled and experienced designers, modifying and sharing CAD files is a valuable benefit.  Michiana Global Mold utilizes the latest in technologically advanced CAD/CAM software with skilled and experienced mold designers.  Our designers are experienced with SolidWorks, UniGraphics, Mold Flow Analysis, and all computer aided milling centers.  

Michiana Global Mold is an ISO Registered mold making facility serving OEMs worldwide with high performing, precision injection molds for complex automotive components.  Contact us today for a free cost estimate of your next injection mold project requirements.