Case Studies

Engineered Thermoplastic Resins Reduce Cost and Improve Performance Characteristics in Metal Replacement

Today’s economy has forced many companies to put a larger emphasis on cost reduction while still upholding the same performance quality and standard. One solution in which many manufacturers are now incorporating is replacing metal and other traditional materials with engineered thermoplastics or high performance plastic resins. This is a key strategy in the medical & dental industries, electronics, automotive, aerospace, and defense industries because off the following benefits:

PROCESSABILITY / MANUFACTURING

  • Ability to mold complex geometry and multiple parts reduce the amount of metal components and/or secondary operations and assembly
  • A single plastic injection molded part can often replace multiple metal pieces, reducing the amount of fixtures and handling required to assemble those metal parts together
  • Specific gravity of thermoplastic resins is much less than metal, reducing material required
  • Increased speed to market due to shorter cycle and processing times
  • Many thermo plastic materials can be recycled, reused, or reprocessed (plastic regrind), helping to further reduce waste and cost

DESIGN / APPEARANCE

  • In-mold decoration or texturing helps reduces need for secondary operations
  • Color options allow for resin to be colored prior to molding

PERFORMANCE

  • Engineered thermoplastics are lighter in weight, providing for ease of use and reduction in transportation cost for both parts and raw materials
  • High performance resins provide resistance to corrosion, chemicals, and rust, reducing the need for secondary coatings and sprays
  • Engineering resins can be non-conductive, improving safety for certain applications
  • UV resistant properties provide longevity to products and also reduce need for secondary coatings and sprays

PERFORMANCE

  • Noise & vibration dampening as compared to traditional metal parts
  • Temperature stability (resistance to reaching extreme temperatures)

H.H. Precision Mould Sdn. Bhd. (HH) works very closely with the customer to fully understand the part functionality and requirements and collaborates on designing a part for manufacturability. HH partner with the customer through all stages of design, material selection, mold design, testing, processing, and production.  HH  expertise in converting metal components to plastic parts allow for our customers to reduce overall product cost and weight while improving performance.

Applying Automation to Plastic Injection Molding and Assembly to Reduces Cost

In today’s economy, companies are looking to reduce cost while adding value and quality to their products. HH’s expertise in adding robotics and automation to plastic injection molding helps to reduce cost as well as shorten lead times in the supply chain.

H.H. Precision Mould Sdn. Bhd. (HH) helps our customers achieve and surpass their budget goals by providing a high level of automation into injection molding processes.

This allows for HH to offer be competitive as compared to other injection molders, both on-shore and off-shore. HH adds custom or off-the-shelf robotics to remove parts and runners, transport components, and to perform secondary operations.

HH’s automation helps eliminate human errors, reduce waste, reduce cycle times, and improve overall speed to market.

Advantages to HH Automation

  • Reduced cost due to decreased cycle times and decreased labor cost
  • Increased level of quality and consistency and reduction in waste and variation
  • Increased speed to market due to reduction in cycle time and lead time

H.H. Precision Mould Sdn. Bhd.  can support multiple levels of automation, depending upon the customer needs and requirements.

Examples of automation applied at HH

  • Resin material handling and feeding
  • Part, runner, or sprue picking and separating
  • Overmold automation (transfer of parts for second shot)
  • Part loading and insertion of metal components (insert molding)
  • Part placement or positioning, sorting, or stacking for secondary operations
  • Custom or off-the-shelf robotics added to complete on-line and off-line assembly