Jenna Vogel

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With a facility expansion now complete, Kaysun Corporation is more prepared than ever to serve its customers while creating job opportunities in the Manitowoc area.
Injection-molded parts are integral to the performance and aesthetics of a wide range of products. Manufacturers depend on the expertise of their injection molding partner to guide decisions and processes that lead to desired outcomes.
Two-shot injection molding (or, two-stage molding) and overmolding are popular choices for many applications. They are also often mistaken as being interchangeable.
Popular across many industries, overmolding may initially appear to simply enhance the aesthetics of a device, adding a contrasting color or texture. However, overmolding’s lightweight functionality also elevates ergonomics, deadens vibration, and improves a device’s grip and feel.
Often, complex applications requiring custom injection molding have design and/or materials characteristics that need specialized manufacturing, as in the case of tight tolerances. An experienced injection molder has solutions to address all types of scenarios, but scientific molding expertise adds unique value.
Mention “high-temperature thermoplastic” and chances are that polyether ether ketone (PEEK) comes to mind. Its high heat tolerance, mechanical strength, and chemical resistance make PEEK resin ideal for many demanding applications including those in the automotive, electronics, aerospace, medical, and other markets. But is it the only choice?
On-time delivery (OTD). Suppliers are defined by it. Industrial buyers demand it. A recent study about supplier sourcing confirms it, reporting that “delivery performance” is the most important factor buyers consider when compiling supplier shortlists.
Undoubtedly OTD carries clout. However, when delivery performance and unprecedented circumstances collide, suppliers either live up — or down — to their OTD reputations.
Environmental protection and the legislation surrounding it have heightened people’s sense of social responsibility when it comes to their impact on the planet. Industries, too, have embraced eco-centric initiatives that not only reduce industrial carbon footprints, but also have manufacturers rethinking the products they introduce into their markets.
Increasingly popular with manufacturers of consumer products, medical devices, and portable devices, overmolding improves functionality, performance, and aesthetics.
But, what is overmolding? And, more importantly, how can it affect how products are designed and profits achieved?
When it comes to custom plastic injection molding, there is no clear industry consensus as to the definition of “custom.” As a result, some injection molders, who claim to offer custom services, are actually incapable of engineering or producing parts with precise specifications and tight tolerances.
Manufacturers that unknowingly contract with these “custom” molders are often left holding the bag. It’s an unenviable position, and one you can avoid by understanding what factors differentiate a true custom plastic injection molding partner from less qualified choices.
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Blog Posts by Topic
- Injection Molding Process (72)
- Plastic Part Design (53)
- Medical (42)
- Plastics / Resins (39)
- Supply Chain (36)
- Tooling / Molds (25)
- General Manufacturing (24)
- Scientific Molding (17)
- Metal-to-Plastic (15)
- Automotive (14)
- Overmolding (10)
- Automation (8)
- Industrial (7)
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- Editorial (4)