5 Major Steps of Plastic Product Development and Production
With the continuous progress of society and the continuous changes in the market, people’s needs are constantly upgraded, and new product development can open up a larger market. After researching the market, the company makes a project decision on new products. Next, when you contact us, we will assist you through the development and manufacturing process of your new product, from design to realization, from prototyping to high-volume injection molding production.
Product development design service
Design the CAD Model
The journey of injection molding begins with creating a precise CAD (Computer-Aided Design) model. Designers must consider the quality requirements of the product, including:
- Color and Texture: Decide on the final appearance of the product.
- Resin Selection: Choose materials that meet the functional and environmental needs.
- Draft Angles: Incorporate angles to facilitate easy ejection from the mold.
- Wall Thickness: Ensure uniform thickness to prevent warping and ensure consistent cooling.
Design Verification
Once the CAD model is complete, it’s crucial to verify the design to ensure it meets all functional, strength, aesthetic, and durability requirements. At Sungplastic, we offer comprehensive verification services using:
- 3D Printed Prototypes: For quick visual and functional assessments.
- CNC Machined Prototypes: For high-precision and durable testing.
- Urethane Cast Prototypes: For flexible and realistic testing scenarios.
DFM Analysis (Design for Manufacturability)
Design for Manufacturability (DFM) analysis identifies potential manufacturing issues early in the design phase. Sungplastic provides a complimentary DFM analysis with every quote, which includes:
- Tooling Risks: Assessing design features that may complicate mold manufacturing.
- Injection Molding Challenges: Identifying elements that could affect the molding process, such as undercuts or complex geometries.
- Cost Optimization: Suggesting design modifications to reduce tooling and production costs without compromising quality.
Rapid prototyping for product development
At present, there are three common processes for prototype production: 3D printing, CNC machining, and vacuum casting.
CNC machining for prototyping
CNC machining is currently the most widely used and can process product samples with relatively high precision. The main applied materials are ABS, PC, PMMA, PP, aluminum, copper, etc. Bakelite and aluminum alloys are commonly used in the production of fixtures and other products. Advantages of CNC prototype: good toughness, high tension, low cost, and wide selection of materials.
3D printing for prototyping
Prototype sample production is fast. Generally speaking, the speed of using SLA process to print prototypes is 3 times that of CNC production of prototypes, so 3D printing is the first choice for small parts and small batches of prototypes. The whole process of 3D printing prototype does not require human intervention, reducing the problem of prototype deformation. In addition, there are more optional materials for 3D printing prototypes.
Vacuum casting for prototyping
The product samples produced by vacuum molding have a certain percentage of shrinkage, and the cost of vacuum replicating product samples is generally lower than that of CNC machining.
After the design is verified by the rapid prototype, the parts that do not meet the design and manufacturing process need to be modified again until the design of the product meets the requirements of mass manufacturing.
Injection mold for product development
The injection mold and the processing of the mold are redesigned by the engineer. The injection mold is the first tool to realize the product. There are many problems to be considered in the mold design, including the selection of the glue feeding position, the choice of the glue feeding method, the flow analysis of the material in the cavity during filling, and the cooling control requirements. The realization of mold temperature, the standardization of mold installation, the sequence of mold actions to ensure product release and removal, the matching of technical parameters of injection molding and auxiliary equipment to meet scientific molding requirements, mold design life, mold maintenance, industry or customer standards matching, etc.
Plastic molding for product development
Product scientific molding trial production. Process trial production to obtain product samples. After the samples are approved, the stability of mass production is verified. Recording standard process: material injection physical property data collation, equipment technical parameter matching certification, mold assembly drawings and action description, product quality document reading and measurement preparation, mold installation and action confirmation, low-pressure protection validity and rationality confirmation, high pressure clamping pressure calculation, Test glue feed balance, test effective viscosity, record filling data, test pressure loss, test glue port closure, test melting temperature, measure and confirm product quality, confirm process range, confirm trial production repeatability, record process and data in detail.
Surface finishing for product development
Your parts and products also need surface treatment after machining to achieve a better appearance and higher product value. Whether metal or plastic, we offer a wide range of finishes to give your project the perfect finishing touch.
For metal fittings, the main surface treatments are: anodizing, electrochemical polishing, electroplating, sandblasting, shot blasting, polishing, rolling, polishing, brushing, spraying, painting, oiling, blue and black, phosphating, Pickling, electroless plating of various metals and alloys, TD treatment, QPQ treatment, chemical oxidation, etc.
The surface treatment processes for plastic products are mainly: spray paint, UV paint, water transfer, thermal transfer, anode, etching, electroplating, rubber paint, pearl powder, laser engraving, and chameleon.
About Sungplastic
Sungplastic is a plastic product manufacturer with rich experience in injection molding. According to the different product development requirements, we flexibly adjust the manufacturing process to achieve high quality, high efficiency and more economical.
We offer a variety of manufacturing services: Rapid Prototyping, Tool Making, Injection Molding, Product Design and Development, CNC Machining and Metal Stamping. You can choose from a variety of plastics, silicone rubber, or metal for your product. Regardless of mass production or small batch customization, Sungplastic has always been committed to providing assured, efficient and more economical one-stop processing services for your projects.
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