Whether you’re new to plastics, trying to source your next project, or an engineer, in order to fully grasp injection molding, you must first understand the basics of how it all works. In this post, we’re going to attempt to make it as simple as possible to help you learn what all goes into molding plastic parts.
What is Injection Molding?
Injection molding is the most common manufacturing process for manufacturing plastic parts. The process involves designing the product, tooling up a mold, and then the manufacturing process of melting plastic resin pellets and using pressure to inject them into a mold. (more…)
Monroe, Michigan — Parent company Echo Engineering is investing more than a million dollars in expanding Ammex Plastics in Monroe, Michigan. The expansion includes an extra 21,000 square feet to grow its manufacturing capabilities. Ammex expects to create 20-30 new jobs over the next year to accommodate for the increase in manufacturing demands from the automotive industry. The facility will include manufacturing, warehousing, shipping, and receiving.
The expansion will allow space to accommodate for 3-5 more injection presses in addition to the four presses Ammex has added this year. Ammex is a major supplier of innovative plastic injection molded pieces to the OEM industry in Michigan. “The industry is shifting to electric vehicle models that create a challenge for OEM to shift how the car is designed, this is where Ammex is a valued partner,” says Chris Wells, Plant Manager of Ammex Plastics. “We design over 3,000 custom components every year and partner with our customers from ideation to fulfillment, especially in innovative and complex molding.”
Automotive megatrends are driving the demand for innovative engineering design. The auto industry is seeing exponential growth in electric vehicles with a particular focus on lightweighting, electrification, and connectivity. “Our brand-new hybrid 610-ton press allows us to reach new levels of precision with shorter cycle times. The press is already booked around the clock and it’s been on-line for less than 6 months. We’re working to add another one,” according to Wells. “Rebuilding the engineering and innovation knowledge base that drives American manufacturing is what gets us out of bed in the morning. We have become a valuable source of these skills as the automotive industry shifts towards electrification and mobility” states Kingdon Offenbacker, CEO of Ammex Plastic and Echo Company.
The company will begin hiring for operators, die setters, supervisors, and mold techs starting in 2021.
The new facility expects to be fully operational in Q2 of 2021.
With the rise of Electric Vehicles and more demanding fuel efficiency regulation being mandated, is metal becoming a thing of the past?
Plastic is increasingly being used in place of metal for many different purposes. Specifically, plastic clips are replacing metal brackets used on automotive fluid routing assemblies as mounting supports for HVAC and brake lines. Plastic clips are perfect alternatives in these automotive applications and many more.
Why are manufacturers looking to convert more brackets to plastic?
Plastics cost less than metal and less costly to manufacture
Ability to manufacture more complex designs
Weight reduction
Plastic clips have multiple benefits. In the following, we discuss the top advantages of replacing metal brackets with plastic clips. (more…)
