In many complex industries, decisions about which injection molder to use for custom projects with high volumes often center around a molder’s capabilities and bandwidth. Certainly, these factors reveal how well and quickly the job can be completed. But are they the only indicators of the value a potential injection molder delivers?
To better understand what an injection molder offers, take a close look at the depth of knowledge and expertise of their engineering team.
5 Injection Molding Engineering Team Essentials
Engineering teams are typically involved in a project from its earliest phases through production, so they set the standards for quality and performance. How well they’re equipped to take on this responsibility is reflected in 5 key areas.
1.SPEED
Fast, accurate project turns in every phase of development and manufacture is more than a goal of skilled engineers; products that are produced quickly enable OEM to get to market faster. Injection molding engineers ensure everything goes as planned so OEM can gain competitive advantage without risk of product defect, failure, or recall.
2.EXPERIENCE
An engineering team with professionals of varying skill levels builds legacy knowledge that leads to efficiencies when it comes to aligning product solutions with project needs. As more experienced engineers mentor younger colleagues, continuity emerges in everything from project approach to customer interactions. This gives OEM an extra measure of assurance that their injection molding partner prioritizes relationships and outcomes.
3.PROJECT MANAGEMENT
Proficiency backed by transparency and timely communication shows a holistic approach in how an injection molder assesses and handles all aspects of a project. Staying in tune with OEM helps align approaches and expectations among teams, and ensures a clear road map to successful program implementation.
4.COST & QUALITY
Engineers are critical in the decision making that impacts project cost and quality. They must collaborate with OEM throughout product development and production in order to guide adjustments that ensure cost parameters are met, without sacrificing quality.
5.DFM ANALYSIS & MANUFACTURING OPTIMIZATION
Design for Manufacturability (DFM) analysis is at the core of aligning engineering and production. The process of consciously and proactively designing products to optimize all facets of manufacturing identifies and corrects problems in early product development, which prevents costly retooling, product defects, and other costly rework.
What Differentiates NEWAY Engineers
NEWAY engineers are wholly focused on product development. In addition to ticking each box on the list of essentials, the team is dedicated to exceeding expectations of OEM in the sophisticated markets we serve. Value-adds include:
DFM AMPLIFICATION
DFM is a powerful predictor of success. NEWAY engineers amplify DFM with:
Mold-flow analysis: a software-driven simulation of how plastic flows into and fills a tool. The preview that mold-flow provides is advantageous on several levels. Using mold-flow analysis, Engineers can optimize designs, adjust material choices, and verify tight tolerances before final tooling is made – a preemptive action that could save an OEM a substantial amount of time and money.
Part analysis: A comprehensive review of draft, wall thickness, radii, ejection, materials, and other critical features to verify that the injection molding process and, ultimately, the parts produced perform without incurring delays, defects, or performance issues.
When it comes to successful complex injection molding projects, partnering with a molder whose engineering team exhibits the qualities and collaboration necessary to drive accurate and timely solutions is essential.