Automotive Mold Makers Excel with CAD/CAM

Computer aided design and manufacturing (CAD/CAM) is a necessity to injection mold makers around the globe.  Injection molding today is complex with precision parts requiring tight dimensional tolerances.  Thermoplastic resins provide many benefits over other materials and are being used in many critical applications worldwide, including components for the Automotive, Aerospace and Medical industries.  Meeting these tight tolerances with complex injection molds requires the skilled use of CAD/CAM by an experienced injection mold design engineer.

CAD/CAM Delivers for Automotive Suppliers

Automotive OEMs demand the best from their suppliers, and expect perfection with zero defects, continual improvement plans and even cost reductions.  In order to satisfy the demanding requirements of the Automotive industry today, injection mold makers must operate in a lean and effective manner.  

Michiana Global Mold utilizes the latest in technological advancements with CAD/CAM design and mold making capabilities.  Our skilled design engineers have decades of experience constructing custom, precision molds used in critical applications by OEMSs worldwide.  

Our design engineers can quickly identify problematic dimensional areas, and address all concerns with the customer via easy file sharing.  Michiana Global Mold is experienced with UniGraphics, SolidWorks, Mold Flow Analysis, and various computer aided milling machine centers.  

Michiana Global Mold Offers Modern Injection Mold Making

View Michiana Global Mold’s Equipment List and see why we are you one stop full service injection mold making and service facility.  We currently have a full line up of EDM and Milling centers with Charmilles, Hurco and Hansvedt to name only a few of the best names in mold making machinery.   We have top of the line wire EDM, grinding, turning and drilling equipment, driven by technologically advanced CAD/CAM software and equipment.

Combining advanced equipment with the skill and experience of our design engineers and journeyman mold makers, we are able to offer to you high quality precision tooling, on time and within your budget.

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

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.  

Precision Injection Molds Meet Customer Specifications

Injection mold designs today must meet tough customer specifications, calling for critical fill areas with precision mold designs.   Careful planning must be taken when designing complex molds for critical applications, ensuring consistent packing and filling to tight geometric tolerances.  A qualified mold design engineer has several important considerations when beginning a complex injection mold construction, beginning with a carefully planned mold design.

CAD/CAM for Mold Design

Computer aided design and manufacturing is a valuable tool for injection mold designers, providing accurate 2D drawings and designs to meet customer specifications.  The use of CAD/CAM is beneficial when constructing molds for any industry, especially when designing and constructing injection molds for the automotive industry.  

Unigraphics and SolidWorks are two of the most technologically advanced software design programs used to satisfy the complex demands of the automotive industry.   Mold Flow Analysis is another valuable tool to identify potentially challenging fill areas, especially when using a specialty resin that may be unfamiliar to the molder.

These computer simulations are part of a thorough Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP) set of procedures which ensure a successful mold launch.  APQP procedures are critical to the planning phase as following a detailed set of procedures identifies any issues with resin, geometric challenges such as a thin wall or critical dimensions that must remain within +/-.001” for proper functionality.  

Michiana Global Mold utilizes CAD/CAM software as part of our thorough APQP procedures, to ensure a quality constructed mold for even the most complex of mold designs.  As an ISO registered injection mold making shop, we are experienced with providing a quality mold made to customer specifications, on time and within budget.  We work closely with our customers to develop a successful mold launch to meet even the strictest of specifications.

Contact us today to speak with a knowledgeable design engineer, and Download our FREE Book on Design Considerations for Different Molds.  

Michiana Global Mold is an injection mold design and mold making company, constructing precision molds to various industries since 1964.  We are an ISO registered injection mold making facility satisfying the strict requirements of the Automotive industry with high quality precision molds.  Contact us today for a FREE design consultation.  

How to Source a Professional Mold Builder

What qualities are you evaluating when searching for a mold making company?  How do you qualify a mold builder as a preferred vendor?  You probably have a thorough, detailed and organized method of granting vendor approval, including a Quality audit.  As part of your formal process, some critical standards stand out as critically important over others, those would be:

• Engineering Capabilities including modern and updated design software such as UniGraphics or Solidworks with 2D print and file sharing options
• Quality of overall work performed including product quality of steel and components used in addition to high machining quality with modern and automated equipment, checked for accuracy
• Delivery Performance – on time delivery ratio including capacity limits and premium delivery options

Engineering Capabilities

Not all mold making companies have kept up with the times and invested in the modern technology available to mold makers today.  With computer driven milling centers and workhorse EDM machines humming all day, the modern mold making shop must be well versed in the computer driven equipment.    Equipment today can hold several programs, constantly checking for accuracy while doing the work it is programmed to do.  Creating these programs takes skill and knowledge of the mold making process from an experienced mold design engineer.  

Quality of Overall Work Performed

Sourcing a mold making company that is registered to ISO9001 standards gives you added assurances that the quality of product and service will be to your specification.   ISO9001:2015 standards require measuring performance and implementing continual improvement projects, with quick response time to meet the overall goal – total customer satisfaction.  

Delivery Performance

As part of internal audits with an ISO registered company, delivery performance should have a positive ratio with an explanation for any late deliveries.  Mold making shops that use modern technology and perform advanced quality planning procedures delivery quality tools on time, with critical areas planned ahead.    

Top notch mold making shops like Michiana Global Mold provide all of these services, in addition to sampling and checking parts for accuracy prior to delivery.

Michiana Global Mold can assist you with your demanding supply chain requirements with modern engineering capabilities, registration to ISO9001:2015 providing on-time delivery of quality product.   Contact us today for a FREE design consultation and to learn more about our multi-tool discount program.

Innovative Mold Making Company Leads Industry

Staying competitive in the injection mold making industry today takes innovation, along with knowledge, resources and experience.   Meeting customer expectations requires using all available assets with the latest technology, combined with innovative thinking.   

Michiana Global Mold is a leading injection mold manufacturer, meeting the tight tolerances of demanding customer applications since 1952!  We employ a highly skilled staff of journeyman mold makers and experienced mold design engineers to design and construct high precision, custom injection molds for a variety of industries including the demanding Automotive Industry.

We are accustomed to meeting tight tolerances within +/- .001”, excelling with precision tolerances that other mold makers shy away from.  Recently featured on the “World’s Greatest” television show, our innovative technology and vast experience with manufacturing complex tools set us apart from other mold makers.   

Michiana Global Mold is conveniently located in the heart of the Midwest, with an offshore location in China.  Both facilities are registered to ISO9001, following the same strict quality policy overseas as our domestic location.  Customer satisfaction is our main goal with continual improvement projects routinely practiced.  

We have experience with complicated designs including intricate ejection systems with lifters, specialized CAM action, and tooling constructed unique to your molding environment including custom mounting systems on your presses.

Michiana Global Mold has over 65 years of experience satisfying the stringent requirements of demanding industries.   If you are looking for an injection mold making company to be a valuable addition to your supply chain, contact Michiana Global Mold.   Let us show you how we can assist with your procured mold making costs. Established in 1964, we have the resources, the knowledge and experience to provide the best value with high quality and high-performance tooling, at the lowest available cost to you.  

Michiana Global Mold is one of the leading injection mold makers in the industry, providing complex precision tooling within your specifications, and on time.  Contact us today to speak for a FREE design consultation.  

Advantages of an ISO Registered Mold Making Shop

There are many advantages gained with using an ISO Registered mold making facility for construction of your injection molds.  Plastic injection mold making shops are expected to meet just in time delivery deadlines with tight tolerances within specifications.  Today’s injection mold making industry leaves no room for error as mold making shops must utilize modern technology with experience and in-depth knowledge of the injection mold making process in order to satisfy the stringent requirements of OEMs today.

The Internationally recognized quality standards of ISO9001, ISO/TS16949 and AS9100 set common parameters for various industries around the globe to measure their performance in either their service or product with a uniform set of standards.  Any supplier to the Automotive industry should be registered to ISO standards. In some cases, proving compliance may be adequate for a 3rd tier supplier, although most 1st and 2nd tier suppliers must be registered to either ISO or ISO/TS.

This gives Automotive suppliers around the globe the same set of standards to adhere to, making the job of the Automotive Quality Engineer from one of the top Automakers a little easier to compare vendors.  In order to stay in the preferred vendor status, an injection molding shop and even the injection mold making shops must not only be registered to ISO standards, they had better be practicing their Quality Policy and performing continual improvement projects in order to stay competitive.  

Mold making facilities meticulously follow detailed checklists ensuring that all issues are recognized and address prior to cutting steel.  ISO Registered mold making shops that follow Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP) reveal any critical issues with mold construction such as critical fill areas to tight geometric areas, the need for CAM action, lifters or specialty ejection systems.  Identifying these critical issues ahead of time is crucial to fulfilling a tight deadline with a quality mold.  

Michiana Global Mold is a global supplier of high quality injection molds, registered to ISO  9001:2015 and implementing our Quality Policy throughout the organization.  We have been satisfying the stringent requirements of the Automotive industry with high-quality, custom, precision injection molds for over 52 years.  Contact us today to see how we can assist you with your injection mold building needs.

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.  

Prototypes Provide Valuable Benefits

Prototype injection molds provide a chance to perfect the design of a molded product, prior to constructing a full size multi-cavity tool.  This can be well worth the extra time and expense to make a smooth launch of mass production requirements.

A prototype mold is a very inexpensive method of testing out a new part design for proper functioning.  Prototypes are usually constructed with less expensive material such as non-hardened steel or P20, or even aluminum, as the purpose is to mold sample lots of parts, not full production volume.  A prototype mold usually has just one cavity, and this can be an easy to way to make sure a part will work as expected, before manufacturing a large multi-cavity tool.  One part is all that is needed to verify the part’s dimensions and geometric tolerances.    

A prototype mold is used in industries where new model parts are always changing such as the Automotive industry.   In some cases, new parts are used in existing assemblies, changing a design slightly but still using some existing components.  In this case the new parts would have to be tested within the existing assemblies to ensure proper function.  Prototypes give automotive design engineers a chance to try out a new part, and alter it if need be, to work properly with other new or existing components.  

Prototype Mold Advantages

In addition to the flexibility to try out new part designs to verify part function, the biggest advantage of prototype tools is the low cost.   Made with the less sturdy and less expensive material, a prototype tool cannot support production, it can however provide enough shots to produce sample parts for testing purposes.

This is a very worthwhile investment, however, especially if you are uncertain about how the geometric design on one part will fit with your existing application, or if you just want to test part properties prior to building a production mold.  With the low cost of prototype tools, it could be a very advantageous place to start here if you have any questions about a new part function.

A prototype is also advantageous if the part is molded with a new resin, or a resin that the engineer is not familiar or experienced with.   Since all thermoplastic resins contain varying properties for shrink rate, strength and durability, some prototypes are constructed to test the strength of a molded part in different materials allowing engineers to test out different resins.  

Michiana Global Mold has vast experience constructing prototype tools to customer specifications, giving you a quick turn-around time on sample parts for your testing purposes.  We employ skilled design engineers and journeyman mold makers all with in-depth knowledge of prototype mold construction, and properties of varying resins.  

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.  

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.  

Hot-to-Cold Injection Mold Making Experts

Most injection molders and injection mold makers are well familiar with the standard mold base, consisting of two halves, referred to as the A and B side of an injection mold.  The standard mold base will have two sides, and gates where the plastic will flow into the mold, through a ‘channel’ to get to the cavity or multiple cavities where the parts will mold.   This standard mold base is also called a cold runner mold.  

When the polymer resin hardens in the cavity to form the part, it hardens in the channel as well, which is also called the runner or the sprue.  In most cases, the runner is scrap, and will either be ground up and kept in raw material inventory as regrind to possibly be used in future jobs that will allow it, or it will simply be thrown away.  

Some injection molders grind up runners and keep the regrind material, but it can pile up and become an eyesore as most injection molding jobs require the use of 100% virgin material.  Even if it can be reused, it’s value is greatly diminished if it is stored in inventory.  Some molders feel it’s not worth the space on the floor to keep regrind material.  

If this runner is large, it can be a huge expense built into the part production, as the cost of the material is one of the biggest, if not the biggest expense of producing the part.   In some cases, especially for extremely small parts, the runner is larger than the part being produced.  In cases such as this it may be advisable to construct a hot runner mold.

A hot runner mold has a nozzle at each cavity supplying plastic directly into the cavity, rather than flowing through a ‘channel’, creating a runner.  This is a big saver if you can avoid creating a large runner for a high-volume production job.  

Hot to Cold Injection Mold

A hot runner mold may be worth the investment in cases of excess waste with high volume, although it is typically quite a bit more expensive than a cold runner mold.  Another option is called a hot-to-cold mold which is a hybrid of the two.  

Rather than have a nozzle at each cavity, there is a nozzle supplying a shortened runner system, supplying material to more than one cavity, thus greatly reducing your material cost.  A benefit of a hot-to-cold mold as opposed to a hot runner mold is the cost, it is generally less expensive as there are not as many nozzles and inner workings.  

A hot-to-cold mold is often the most economical option, providing significant cost savings with a reduced runner size, while not imposing the added cost burden of a full hot runner mold.  

Michiana Global Mold is experienced at constructing cold runner, hot runner, and hot-to-cold runner molds.  We have been in business for over 50 years, providing high performance tools with complex, precision designs.  Contact us today for a FREE design consultation and to learn more about how Michiana Global Mold can reduce your purchased injection mold costs.