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.  

What are the Differences of ISO 9001:2015 and 9001:2008

ISO 9001 is a set of internationally recognized standards that provides a uniform way of measuring a company’s internal quality systems.  ISO was first introduced in 1987, and is administered by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland.  

The latest version of ISO9001:2015 is replacing the prior version from 2008, as a new standard is introduced about every seven years.  When first introduced in 1987, the standards focused on documentation, saying what you do, and how you do it.  Defining job descriptions, work instructions, and quality checks and balances was a big part of the initial introduction of ISO standards.  

The updated version that came next in 1994 enhanced upon “say what you do”, and added “say what you do, and do what you say” (and prove it).   Further documentation was required to show that you are actually doing what you say you are doing.  Internal audits are emphasized with honest findings, and corrective actions.  

The ISO updates in 2000 turned focus to “continual improvement” and “customer satisfaction”.  Continual improvement projects must be identified, and customer satisfaction must be measured.   The ISO9001:2008 version went into greater depth of all prior versions, emphasizing processes, process owners, measurable goals and how they impact continual improvement and total customer satisfaction.  

With the most recent updates of ISO9001:2015, there is even greater emphasis on business management and leadership, and top-down management involvement.  Each employee should be aware of the organization’s mission statement, quality policy, and what their role is in achieving these goals.  Top management should be involved with communicating the quality management system, and the importance of each employee’s role to the organization.

ISO9001:2015 puts more emphasis on risk based thinking, and having contingency plans in place.  The bottom line is that businesses that adhere to an ISO compliant quality system are poised for the future, with quality systems in place that focus on total customer satisfaction.

Total customer satisfaction reaps many benefits in customer retention, increased volume of business, and new business referrals.  The efficiencies recognized when implementing ISO leads to cost-efficient improvements, thus saving time and money.  

Michiana Global Mold is a superior plastic injection mold designer registered to ISO9001:2015 in the United States, and ISO9001:2008 in China.  We offer offshore mold making options, rebate programs and high-volume discounts.  Contact us today for a FREE injection mold design consultation.  

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.  

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.

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.  

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.  

Value Added ISO Registered Mold Makers

Sourcing with an ISO Registered injection mold maker gives added value and valuable benefits with assurances of providing a consistent high quality product.  Michiana Global Mold is an ISO Registered mold maker, providing top quality, high performance complex tools for the injection molding industry for over 50 years!  

We are experienced at designing injection molds for challenging parts that require tight geometric tolerances.  Michiana Global Mold combines years of experience with the latest in technological advancements to deliver complex injection molds to manufacture parts within your specifications as precise as +/-.001”!

Strict Quality Policy at MG Mold

At MG Mold, following a strict Quality Policy is something we’ve done since 1943.   Conforming to the globally recognized ISO standards only reinforces to our customers and partners that we hold the quality of our product, and your satisfaction in the highest regard.  We are experts at constructing complex injection molds for critical components, satisfying the Automotive industry for decades as a core supplier.  

Our Continual Improvement projects result in cost savings to you, as we improve our efficiency and cycle times, while still providing superior long lasting, high performance injection molds.  

Our Advanced Quality Planning Procedures (APQP) include a thorough evaluation of all design considerations, no matter the type of tool required.  From cavity inserts, prototypes, hot or cold runner tools, we conduct a thorough evaluation to develop the most appropriate design for and construction for your tool.

Our use of CAD/CAM sophisticated equipment provides automated efficiencies that we pass onto our customer.  You benefit from the years of experience and advanced computer systems utilized at Michiana Global Mold, in terms of a quality built tool producing the desired part within specification, delivered on time and most importantly manufactured properly the first time.  

We provide part sampling, and minor adjustments with our full-service mold construction, delivering a quality part on time due to a systematic approach and following our detailed checklist for designing diverse types of molds.  

Contact Michiana Global Mold today, a custom precision injection mold maker registered to ISO9001:2015.  We follow a detailed checklist for every tool design, assuring your total satisfaction with a high performing, top quality injection mold.  

Press Considerations for Injection Mold Design

When constructing plastic or rubber injection molds, in addition to the part design the molding environment that the tool will run in is of the utmost importance.  A mold designer must be aware of the injection molding process that the tool is designed for, the press it will run in including the clamping system and whether or not it is a vertical or horizontal clamping press.

Each injection molding press will have a particular clamping pressure that is either delivered in an electric or hydraulic system.  Some molders prefer to use all hydraulic presses, while some have a mix of hydraulic and electric, while other molders use only electric machines.  There are some benefits to both, but the mold designer must be well aware of the power and pressure utilized in the press of choice prior to designing and constructing the injection molds.

A mold designer, and mold builder will need to know the tonnage of the press, the clamping orientation and clamping pressure whether it is electric or hydraulic, and they will also need to know the barrel capacity of the press.  This will determine how much material will be able to flow into the mold, and based on cycle times and cavitation, will determine whether or not the tool is designed to meet projected production volume requirements.

Each injection molding press will also have a certain type of mounting system to secure the mold in the press.  A toe-clamping system is most common, although a skilled mold designer can adapt the tool to fit even a custom designed mounting system.  The platen must be large enough to hold the mold but it must also allow enough room to pass through the tie-bars when loading or unloading the mold.  The tie bars hold the mounting platens in place which securely hold the mold in the press, and also contain the ejection system allowing opening and closing of the mold.

Michiana Global Mold has vast experience designing complex, precision molds for various industries, meeting all requirements of our customers molding environment.  We are valuable addition to any supply chain, providing proven solutions with high performing quality steel molds.  Contact us today for a free design consultation, and to learn more about our discount and rebate programs.