Hi,
OK, I've had to bite the bullet and go the injection molding route. What can I read up on
I'm looking for two pieces -- one the volume of an
Both are very simple, sleek shapes. A few inserts to mount boards. Case will *screw* together (not "snap") so it can be disassembled. High impact plastic. Smooth finish (not textured).
Thx,
--don
Hop over to
A few questions..
Are there crossovers? Slides? Other side action?
You want to buy parts? Buy complete molds? Buy mold inserts only?
What kind of plastic? HIPS? ABS? PC?
What SPI mold class?
What finish on the parts? (mirror polish, textured etc).
Do you have 3D solid models of the parts, and are the parts designed by an experienced (in plastic part design) engineer to be easily injection molded?
Do you need/want mold filling simulations and analysis done?
What parts of the production does the shop outsource, and to WHERE?
Where do the materials and parts come from? Are they DME etc. or something else?
Best regards, Spehro Pefhany
potential volume dictates the mould material, steel or aluminium. Sliding cores adds considerable cost, so avoid if possible. A degreee of waterproof ness dictates how the mould halves join, simple butt or channel. Does the moulder have his own 'in house' tool makers. This is my no 1 requrement. If the moulder outsources, ther can be huge unresolvable issues when things go wrong. If you have a good cad design of your product (3D) that will reduce cost. Do you want/need prototypes? these can be done, but are expensiv, but will save a fortune in the long run for a high volume consumer type product. Material depends on use v cost. ABS is cheap. Polycarb is ultra resilient. Cheapest method is a symetrical mould that will produce both halves, with maybe an insert in one half...
Meeting with first vendor was quite informative. I'll make some tweeks to the models before talking to the next vendor.
Thanks!
--don
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