Rapid injection moulding larger components

Edited by the Manufacturingtalk editorial team Jun 27, 2008

Following the installation of larger machines, Protomold can now offer rapid injection moulded parts up to 770mm x 340mm x 150mm (2 x 75mm).

Rapid injection moulding specialist, Protomold, can now offer injection moulded parts up to 770mm x 340mm x 150mm (2 x 75mm).

Such components are more than two and a half times the length and almost 50% wider than its previously largest moulding, said the company.

Managing director of Protomold UK, John Tumelty, said: "Our largest cumulative investment to date is in the injection moulding machines that make the parts and the advanced, high-speed milling machines that make the moulds.

With new, bigger machines we can offer larger, more complex parts and better serve markets such as automotive and medical machine manufacturing".

Tumelty added that Protomold can still maintain its service of providing real plastics injection moulded parts in as little as one business day.

The company has upgraded to a 1.9 teraflop multi-processor analysis hub.

At the heart of Protomold's service is ProtoQuote, its online parts ordering and quotation system.

ProtoQuote analyses 3D CAD models - uploaded by Protomold customers - and can deliver detailed cost and manufacturability reports in as little as one hour.

Tumelty said: "This new processing cluster is the engine that drives all of our electronic activity and provides the speed, analysis and accuracy which our customers demand and value".

Customers can interact with the Protomold online system from anywhere in the world to do the following.

* View quotes.

* Amend and update quote requirements.

* Access large volumes of detailed information regarding design and manufacturing tips and best practices.

* Check shipping details and order parts.

As well as the new, bigger machines and the hardware upgrade, additional Protomold developments in 2008 include a Web based customer portal to further improve the customer's experience.

Users enjoy a secure login to a personalised home page where they can access all the information they require to obtain quotes, review part design feedback, place orders and pay online.