If you are a mold maker or brand owner/OEM, be prepared to provide answers before the plan starts.
As a consultant, I keep seeing mold and molding problems that can be easily avoided. The most common problem has nothing to do with cutting steel. The problem is the failure to pre-consider, obtain and verify all relevant information before mold construction.
The mold manufacturer is responsible for ensuring that the mold produces parts that are acceptable in size, function, and aesthetics during the life of the program. This goal cannot be achieved without first determining the customer’s requirements for size, function, aesthetics, and service life.
Most customers are not proficient in our industry, but often think of them as experts. Nevertheless, they prefer to work with knowledgeable suppliers-they are looking for their best interests. Mold manufacturers have a responsibility to educate customers, which also helps protect mold manufacturers. For example, no matter how insistent the customer is, the mold manufacturer should not agree to make seven-cavity hot runner series molds for parts of various sizes and wall thicknesses of high-shrinkage semi-crystalline materials.
do not laugh. This is a real example. The project is 11 months late and will soon be converted to four molds. Expensive hot runner systems are now anchors. If this is not bad enough, the mold maker agrees to amortize the mold to the unit price without paying a deposit. Ultimately, if the mold maker cannot produce acceptable parts, the finger will point to the mold maker.
With all of this in mind, I have compiled a list of questions that should be asked internally and to customers to help avoid any delays or omissions that may affect the payment of current molds and any future mold orders. I am not going to elaborate on why every question should be asked. If you are an experienced mold maker, you will know why. The following questions do not involve the details of mold design, such as interlock type, plate thickness, eye bolt holes, etc. This list focuses on communicating all relevant information with customers.
If the mold maker cannot produce acceptable parts, the finger will point to the mold maker.
14. Is the number of cavities required based on mold cost, part cost, or production requirements?
15. If the mold is MUD or other quick-change insert type, do you need a specific frame size? If yes, what is the frame size or quantity?
17. Are there any interchangeability requirements, such as various versions of parts or engravings?
Through the cooperation of related parties, the more steps we take in advance to minimize risks, the more competitive and profitable we will be.
If you think the molding problem has no effect on the part or mold design, please think again. For example, the sinking line and the bonding line will affect the gate location. Spreading and spraying will affect the gate type, size and location. Flash will affect closing precautions, steel type and heat treatment. Depression, warpage, and material type can affect part and mold design. Burn marks and short circuits will affect the type and location of the vent. The color value will affect the wall thickness of the part and the surface finish of the mold.
• Color (L, a, b, Delta E, gloss), • Gate marks, • Depression, • Warp, • Knit or streamline, • Raw edges, • Shorts, • Unfold, • Burn marks, • Black spots, • grease or dirt, • other.
Our business is full of risks. Through the cooperation of related parties, the more steps we take in advance to minimize these risks, the more competitive and profitable we will be.
About the author: Jim Fattori is a third-generation mold maker with more than 40 years of experience in engineering and project management for custom and proprietary moldmakers. He is the founder of Injection Mold Consulting LLC in Pennsylvania. Contact: jim@injectionmoldconsulting.com;injectionmoldconsulting.com
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Post time: Oct-27-2021
