rapid prototype injection moulding Archives

Plastic Injection Moulding Near Me : Tips on Maintaining the Quality of High Gloss Injection Moulded Parts.

Posted on June 8, 2023August 26, 2023 by Peter Wilkinson

Plastic Injection Moulding Near Me: Tips for maintaining a high gloss finish. There is an art to keeping your high gloss in top condition

Plastic Injection Moulding Near Me | High gloss injection moulded parts are becoming increasingly popular for their sleek and modern look. However, maintaining the quality and shine of these parts can be a daunting task. Scratches, dust, and other damage can quickly diminish their appearance. In this article, we will provide you with tips and tricks on how to maintain the quality of these parts so that they stay looking as good as new for years to come. From cleaning and polishing techniques to proper storage and handling, you’ll learn everything you need to know to keep them looking their best.

1.0 What are high gloss injection moulded parts?

High gloss injection moulded parts are a popular choice for manufacturing a variety of products today. These parts are made by injecting molten plastic into a mould and then allowing it to cool and solidify into a specific shape and size. The result is a product that has a smooth, glossy finish that is both durable and aesthetically pleasing to the eye. These parts are used in everything from automotive interiors to consumer electronics to medical devices. They are particularly popular in industries where appearance and durability are crucial, such as the automotive and home appliance industries. High gloss parts are known for their excellent quality and have become widely used for manufacturing products that require a strong and attractive finish.

2.0 How to clean and polish high gloss injection moulded parts

High gloss parts and products are chosen by designers as they add a sleek and polished look. However, maintaining the quality of these parts requires a little extra effort and care. When it comes to cleaning and polishing these parts, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, you should always use mild soap and lukewarm water to clean the surface. Avoid using harsh chemicals or scrubbing brushes as they can scratch or damage the surface. Once you have thoroughly cleaned the surface, it’s time to polish it. There are several ways to polish the parts, but one of the most effective methods is to use a high-quality polish that is specifically designed for plastic surfaces. Apply the polish to a soft cloth and gently buff the surface in a circular motion. This will help to remove any minor scratches or blemishes and leave the surface looking shiny and new. It is important to remember that regular maintenance is key to keeping them looking their best. With a little extra care and attention, you can ensure that your products always shine on.

3.0 Proper storage and handling of high gloss injection moulded parts

Proper storage and handling of high gloss parts and products is essential to maintain their quality. It’s crucial to ensure that these parts are stored in a clean, dry, and dust-free environment. Any dirt or dust particles can scratch the surface of the parts, which can mar their high gloss finish. You should also avoid touching the high gloss surface directly with any sharp or abrasive objects as this can cause scratches or damage to the finish. When it comes to storing, you should use protective packaging or covers to avoid any contact with other objects that may scratch or damage the surface. If the parts are large and require stacking, you should use protective materials such as foam to prevent any damage from the pressure of the parts’ weight. It’s also important to store high gloss parts away from heat sources or direct sunlight. The heat can cause the parts to warp, and the sunlight can cause fading or discolouration over time. By following these proper storage and handling procedures, you can help maintain the quality and high gloss finish of your injection moulded parts, ensuring they look and perform their best for years to come.

4.0 Conclusion.

Maintaining the quality of your parts and products requires consistent effort and attention to detail. However, it is well worth the investment, as these parts can add a beautiful and polished look to any product. By using the right cleaning tools and techniques, avoiding harsh chemicals, and protecting the parts from scratches and damage, you can keep your products and parts looking like new for years to come. Whether you are a manufacturer or a consumer, these tips can help you get the most out of your parts and products. With a little bit of care and attention, you can keep your parts looking shiny and new for a long time.

For more information on the storage and upkeep of your high gloss injection moulded component and products, please contact Benn Simms, benn.simms@ledwellplastics.com Managing Director of Ledwell – Plastic Injection Moulding Near Me

Injection Moulding

Ledwell Expands Quality Control | Meet Paige

Posted on May 5, 2023August 26, 2023 by Peter Wilkinson

Quality Control in the Field of Injection Moulding: An In-Depth Guide

Paige Otter- quality control Injection moulding

**Paige Otter, Ledwell’s Quality Control Supervisor

Injection moulding, a cornerstone manufacturing process, has been the backbone of the plastic industry for decades. It’s a complex procedure that requires precision, expertise, and strict quality control measures. This post delves into the quality control aspect of injection moulding, highlighting its importance, the procedures involved, and the benefits it offers.

The Art of Injection Moulding

Before diving into quality control, let’s understand the process of injection moulding. It’s a technique where molten plastic or composites are forced into a mould to create a part, a product or component. There is a wide range of different plastics to choose from as well as composites and biodegradable materials. The process begins with the material being heated until it becomes molten. It’s then injected into a mould under pressure, cooled to solidify, and eventually removed from the mould. The result is a solid part fashioned and engineered from your chosen material.

Injection moulding technology came into existence in the early 1870s, initially used to manufacture billiard balls. Fast forward to today, and injection moulding has become a versatile method to create a plethora of products – from drink tumblers and automotive parts to musical instruments and medical devices.

The Vital Role of Quality Control in Injection Moulding

In the world of injection moulding, quality control is crucial. It’s a systematic process that ensures the final products meet the set specifications and consumer expectations. Several factors, including dimensional stability, colour, gloss, and moulding defects, define how well the product aligns with the intended design and overall quality.

Quality control is not just a term used to boost brand image or a buzzword thrown around casually. It’s a rigorous process that involves meticulous planning, design, development, assembly, production, and packaging. Quality control measures are integral to the success of a business, reducing production costs and boosting customer satisfaction.

Dimensional Stability and Quality

Dimensional stability is an important aspect of quality control. If the product is an individual piece that doesn’t connect to anything, the dimensions might not matter. However, for components that fit together to form an assembled product, having the correct dimensions is crucial.

Each component must conform to specific dimensions to fit with other parts correctly. This includes being neither too large nor too small and maintaining the right shape to fit, perfectly with other components. If the components don’t fit together, the entire assembly might not function as intended, resulting in halted manufacturing lines or dissatisfied customers.

The Impact of Colour in Injection Moulding Quality Control

Colour is another critical factor that can affect the overall quality of the product. Changing process parameters, such as increasing or decreasing temperature and pressure, can affect the end colour of the product. There are different ways to colour the plastic, including pre-coloured plastic from a plastics manufacturer or a blended plastic created at the moulding factory.

Colour harmony is crucial to ensure each component meets the specification, meaning each part aligns with the intended colour within a few shades. It’s important to show uniformity and consistency of colour between all components, meeting the design intent.

The Role of Gloss in Product Quality

Gloss, though a small detail, can significantly influence the perceived quality of the product. The right gloss level can enhance your product’s visual appeal, influencing your consumer’s perception. The process parameters during moulding can influence gloss to a certain degree. For instance, high temperature may increase gloss, while the time in the mould could decrease the gloss level of your product.

Common Moulding Defects and Quality Control

Moulding defects can affect the quality of your product. The five most common defects that may occur include flow/weld lines, sink marks, short shots, burn marks, and flashing. Each of these defects can compromise the overall quality of the product, deterring customers from purchasing it.

However, not all defects warrant discarding the product. For instance, some defects might be acceptable on an internal component that isn’t visible after assembly. The product specification should outline if a defect is acceptable, its acceptable location, and the degree of defectiveness allowed.

Benefits of Quality Control in Injection Moulding

Quality control in injection moulding comes with numerous benefits. It encourages a quality-conscious approach among the workers, leading to higher product quality. It also reduces production costs by minimising waste and inefficiencies. Companies can ensure the utilisation of resources, improve employee morale, and satisfy customers by maintaining stringent quality control measures. Additionally, quality control helps identify and fix problems early, reducing returns and failures.

Quality Control Trends: AI and Advanced Quality Assurance Tools

Quality control in injection moulding has seen significant advancements with the emergence of artificial intelligence (AI) and advanced quality assurance tools. AI enables complex and reliable quality control systems, ensuring consistency in mass production. The integration of AI with quality control systems allows automatic adjustments to the moulding cycle, improving the overall production process.

In addition to AI, advanced quality assurance tools like IdentiPol QA2 have revolutionised quality control in injection moulding. It enables efficient quality assurance tests, ensuring consistency and quality across the production line. It’s a user-friendly tool that grades plastics based on a pass or fail basis, bridging the gap between simple testing and complex lab analysis.

To find out more about Ledwell’s quality control procedures please contact Paige Otter paige.otter@ledwellplastics.com Ledwell’s quality control supervisor.

Ledwell Plastics excels at injection mould design, toolmaking, plastics injection moulding, assembly, and just in time production. We offer a turnkey solution that can organise a new product launch from concept to consumer. We have a complete turn-key solution to bring your product to market, and we are ISO9001:2015 certified

Peter Has Taken on Technical Sales and Marketing at Ledwell

Posted on May 5, 2023August 25, 2023 by Peter Wilkinson

New Technical Sales and Marketing Manager at Ledwell

Ledwell Plastics are delighted to announce that Peter Wilkinson has joined the team as Sales and Marketing Manager.

Marketing Manager at Ledwell | Peter brings with him a great depth and breadth of experience, built on over 40 years of marketing technical and engineering products. His knowledge across the board will benefit our team at this exciting time of growth. Peter is here to help Ledwell’s clients with technical sales enquiries. From a mould making, casting and injection moulding background, Peter will ensure the best solutions are presented for your needs.

Benn Simms, Managing Director, commented; “I am looking forward to working with Peter and I am confident that the broad experience that he brings to the role will help to accelerate Ledwell to the next stage of our growth, whilst ensuring that we further develop strong systems and customer satisfaction levels”.

Peter added; “I’m delighted to join Ledwell at this exciting time of development across the business. I’m looking forward to a bright future with the company and working collaboratively with all our teams internally.”

To contact Peter for technical or sales enquiries please email peter.wilkinson@ledwellplastics.com or call Peter on 07930330125

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