A simple rule to remember and one that still rings true, the best mold makers are also injection molders.

In advanced manufacturing, making a mold is one thing. Making a mold that truly meets the needs of the end user is something entirely different.

This end-user mentality demands a nuanced understanding of injection molding, acute focus on the molder’s specific goals and holistic consideration of the assembly, maintenance and long-term performance of the plastic injection mold. That’s why mold making should be anything but a one-step, one-size-fits-all process.

That’s where Canon Virginia, Inc. comes in. A leader in global manufacturing, Canon is relentless in pursuing perfection and customer satisfaction in mold making. With decades of experience in injection molding and mold making, Canon understands the process from both sides of the spectrum down to the smallest detail.

Designed with the user in mind

When Canon implements a Design for Manufacturing (DFM) for an injection mold, it considers obstacles a client may face and designs a mold to meet those challenges head-on.

Along with many other benefits, Design for Manufacturing works to improve the molding repeatability, enhance quality, minimize engineering changes and reduce costs downstream.

But even a perfect mold requires consistent maintenance to keep it running as intended. This consideration in the design process, called “Design for Maintenance,” can improve a client’s productivity and profitability.

Design for Maintenance of injection molds might include: components that are easily removed from the parting line without mold disassembly while in the press or on the bench; in-press cleaning and repair for things like vent dumps, angle pin replacement, and gate tip cleaning; and front-loaded designs—which are quickly taken apart, serviced and reassembled from the face—to minimize costly maintenance delays.

Making the most of your time

Good injection mold design intentionally integrates elements that facilitate quick mold maintenance. Consideration should be given to human error and how to eliminate it. One way of doing this is by designing components so they can’t be assembled incorrectly. Also, standardize terms so that everyone involved in the process is using common language.

Finally, since each mold is different, use data to anticipate potential problem areas and train employees to look for problems before they arise. Develop a mold-specific maintenance plan that helps the technicians focus their attention on specific areas. This maximizes the use of their time and keeps them from performing maintenance on the whole mold when it’s not needed.

A true client-centric approach to mold making requires more than just design for manufacturing and maintenance. It extends to offering support and expertise to the molder throughout every stage of the process.

For Canon, that type of support is routine. In a recent example, a manufacturer tasked Canon with building a sophisticated 16-cavity medical tool that included a complex hot runner system, which Canon delivered on time, meeting parts-to-print requirements. Still, the tool’s highly complex nature necessitated expert setup assistance.

End users are often left to fend for themselves when it comes to product setup, but Canon sent a small, highly trained team of experts and technicians to assist in the process. As a result, the bulk of the startup process was completed within three days instead of one month. Furthermore, by remaining hands-on throughout startup, Canon ensured the setup was completed accurately, efficiently and free of any costly mistakes.

Working with an industry leader like Canon means more than just ensuring you’ll receive high-quality molds. It means also gaining a collaborative partner dedicated to every aspect of your process – one with the deep expertise, proven approach and support-driven mindset to assist you every step of the way.

Learn more at cvi.canon.com/mfg.

Please enter a valid email address.

Please enter your email address.

Please select at least one newsletter to subscribe.

Staying current is easy with Plastics News delivered straight to your inbox, free of charge.

Plastics News covers the business of the global plastics industry. We report news, gather data and deliver timely information that provides our readers with a competitive advantage.

1155 Gratiot Avenue Detroit MI 48207-2997