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On-demand injection molding

Andreas Mühlbauer,

From a single mold

Many users and customers rely on traditional methods for the production of individual parts using the injection molding process. Thanks to modern processes, however, the entire production process can now come from a single source. This also significantly increases flexibility in production.

The products and tools must be checked regularly for quality assurance purposes. © Protolabs

The regular procedure for the production of injection molded parts is largely such that customers have to get involved in the manufacturing and production process at many points and accompany the process step by step until the part is complete. This production sequence is well established in the industry, but the process can also be much more flexible and efficient. With a partner who bundles the range of services, the production of parts becomes more flexible and there are many advantages for end users and customers. If a customer does not work with several different companies, but opts for a single partner to complete the product, the processes are simpler and shorter. Companies with a wealth of experience enable their customers to work together smoothly and with confidence. Based on the wealth of experience of companies that map the complete manufacturing process, injection molding production also provides expert advice on dealing with complex geometries. This significantly shortens product development cycles. Iterations and changes to the component are carried out directly in consultation with the customer and result in the desired end product more quickly.

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Just-in-time production

Just-in-time components are gaining importance everywhere in industrial production thanks to increasingly intelligent production systems. Even in the case of prototypes and small series, attempts are often made to avoid high stock levels or, if possible, to avoid having any stock at all. Nevertheless, many suppliers ship the produced parts as soon as a certain quantity has been manufactured. This is not least due to the fact that a large number of factors must be taken into account when producing parts using the injection molding process in order to ensure consistent quality of the individual workpieces. In addition, the appropriate material must also be available for the injection molding process in order to ensure rapid production. However, the basic prerequisite is that the appropriate tools and molds are available to the manufacturing company. This complicates the on-demand production of injection molded parts enormously and makes production-ready delivery in the shortest possible time one of the most complex undertakings in production. This is where the manufacturing process from a single source offers enormous advantages, as it results in increased flexibility in the production process and generally improved framework conditions throughout the entire manufacturing process.

In principle, the production of injection molded parts is subject to uncertainties that cannot always be calculated in advance. This entails risks with regard to the quality of the individual parts. Variations and deviations can occur during the life cycle of the tools used to manufacture injection-molded elements, making the finished product unusable for further production. In order to guarantee consistent quality, strict quality controls of the end product are necessary. This quality assurance creates further advantages for the manufacturing company: As even minor deviations are detected and the injection mold is adjusted accordingly, the parts produced are of consistent quality and accuracy. In addition, on-demand production allows customers to decide how many products or individual parts they want to order and in what time frame.

Production of an injection mold. © Protolabs

The production of parts by injection molding is a basic component of industrial manufacturing. It is therefore all the more surprising that the framework conditions for injection molding production have hardly changed in most cases and that integrated manufacturing has not yet become the standard. Only a few companies currently offer on-demand manufacturing when it comes to injection molded parts.

Minimized stock levels and an optimized supply chain speak for themselves and give companies increased flexibility. The certainty that the quality of the individual parts is not subject to fluctuations and that you receive a flawless end product from the first manufactured part to the last should be a matter of course. Shorter product development cycles and risk minimization for companies also speak in favour of manufacturing injection moulded parts from a single supplier.

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