An OEM’s relationship with an injection molder is described in many ways. Closeness can often follow a technology track. The more “involved” a molded component the greater volume of back-and-forth collaboration between the two. Still, in most cases, the injection molder is closer to a coworker than many other suppliers.
Meaning, it is not as if you picked up a catalog and browsed pages of plastic and composite components then selected on one or two that we make that would fit your need.
We here at PlastiCert ONLY mold our customers’ custom designed components. We are providing a service where we are molding a part that; A) your design engineering team has decided you must have for your product, and B) your manufacturing group does not possess the equipment nor processing skill to produce the part internally.
With the amount of back-and-forth communication while designing the mold and sampling the part, we view ourselves as being a team member. We view ourselves as being a part of your own production group, like in a remote corner of your plant or satellite plant offsite.
You came to us with a custom designed component. In some cases, asked our opinion on what resin might be best for your intended application. We collaborated on design features that you need for functionality but can help with the mold cost or ability to mold the part more economically. All steps you would take with your internal manufacturing group on electrical, metal, or assembly issues ( we hope).
So, when it comes time to determine what regulatory requirements the part can meet or physical standard the component can comply with, you as the designer have singular control over that. As your manufacturing arm, we assure that the part meets the dimensions that you have documented on your print/file and the resin that was selected was used and processed within the resin manufacturer’s recommendations. Just the same as your internal manufacturing operations.
We will always be here as an expert resource for your injection molding needs. Providing you the plastic/composite part that you need to meet your customers’ needs. Just like the rest of your internal manufacturing group(s), perhaps at a little higher performance level.