Current purchasing methods evaluated
Traditionally, buyers send requests for quote to three vendors each time a requirement for low volume components presents itself. The vendor then provides a quote on the best price in several quantities with their best delivery. After all quotes are evaluated, purchase orders are placed with the lowest bidder. Ironically, this process [...]
How to use the Plastic Design Guide
Refer to the Design Considerations at the bottom of this page. Consider whether each item on the checklist is a factor in the application or affects performance requirements for the component design.
Select the categories that have the greatest affect on your application.
Review the materials in the Plastic Properties Handbook [...]
New product development teams nationwide are frustrated with corporate cost cutting and lack of capital for their R&D plans. Valuable projects are put on hold because R&D budgets cannot cover the expensive introductory costs of new tooling and initial manufacturing of new designs. In today’s economic environment, corporate cost cutting is needed to help companies [...]
Not all plastic machining vendors are equipped to offer all parts. Others may not be able to give you the best prices. The following guidelines can help you locate a fully-qualified, cost effective plastic machining specialist:
Material Knowledge
Purchasing Practices
Equipment
Quality and Price
Looking For the Best
Be sure to ask potential vendors how they comply with these guidelines.
If you [...]
Engineers and buyers often reach out to metal machining companies to produce plastic machined parts, thinking, “They use the same manufacturing processes, don’t they? Does it really matter?”
It does matter. If you’ve wondered whether you should have a metal machinist produce your plastic parts, The Short Answer Is – No, You Should Not.
Here’s why:
Cutting fluids [...]
With every project that includes plastic components, you will need to answer the question, “Should I machine or mold this part?”
The two major factors needed to reach your conclusion are quantity of parts and level of dimensional tolerance. As a general rule, you should consider plastic machining when lower volumes are needed or tighter tolerances [...]
