Kaysun Blog

Injection molding is a dynamic, complex process that, simply by the nature of its many variables, requires some testing and adjustments to get it just right before you can start production.

The first injection molding process of the 1800s was run on manual machines and was itself very basic. Plastic was forced through a heated cylinder and into a mold using a plunger. Pressure and time were the main predictors of success, but it was dubious. There was no consistent way to measure the manual process of squeezing plastic into the shape of the mold.

The 1,250 landfills in the United States are projected to reach maximum capacity within the next few decades. Pair that with the fact that, globally, 91% of plastic waste isn’t recycled, and the devastation of the eco-crisis becomes shockingly real.

Protecting the planet is everyone’s responsibility, including — and perhaps especially — corporations routinely using eco-sensitive materials. As a custom injection molder, Kaysun handles thousands of tons of plastics annually which are processed into injection-molded parts.

In theory and practice, industrial automation has been part of the U.S. manufacturing sector for decades. The data-driven world of Industry 4.0 and the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) has given rise to production lines attended by smart robots and technologies alongside their human counterparts — and a host of benefits. Enhanced injection molding process control, faster production and secondary operations, lower error rates, and safer workers all have some connection to automation.

Requesting injection molding quotes is a standard practice for manufacturers looking to manage the costs associated with a program. Comparing injection molding price estimates may generally answer, “How much does injection molding cost?” It may even lead an OEM to select a molder based upon the bottom line.

However, price point doesn’t necessarily denote value.

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.

Consumer goods manufacturing is increasingly dependent on automation. Robotics currently complete 52% of production line tasks within the consumer goods and pharma industries.¹ The percentage is second only to the combined 70% used across the automotive (38%), electronics (15%), plastics and chemicals (10%) and metals (7%) industries.²

“Winning the day.” It’s an inspirational and aspirational challenge to the entire Kaysun team that encourages finding and making daily improvements to help everyone meet their daily goals.

But changes for the better aren’t effective if they exist in a vacuum. Just as continuous improvement requires every team member to act as empowered individuals, its success relies upon cross-functional teams to effectively solve problems.

The widespread and ongoing disruptions in the plastics industry has given rise to a certain degree of panic. Manufacturers and suppliers are at the mercy of broken supply chains, and solutions for resins, service, and delivery aren’t always readily available.