Molding, in all its forms, is a complex, precise and highly technical procedure. As an experienced manufacturing partner, we take great pride in our engineering team’s ability to utilize DFMA (Design for Manufacture and Assembly) and Mold Flow Analysis to ensure the final molded product meets your exact needs. Our experienced engineers and technicians will anticipate and prevent potential obstacles to reduce overall lead times.
Your program: whether medical or consumer, complex or simple, multiple parts or a single part, low volume or high volume, we want to help make your program a success. We offer customized validations -- from Level 1 (meets print) to Level 3 (full medical IQ/OQ/PQ).
MME Molding Overview
Our horizontal or vertical injection molding capabilities encompass overmolding, insert molding, rotary two-shot, and other techniques utilizing thermoplastic, LSR (Liquid Silicone Rubber), and urethane's. We provide added value by moving assembly operations to molding cells to minimize costs.
From highly engineered resins to commodity plastics, our team has the knowledge and experience to understand the advantages and challenges each material poses, and can make recommendations for cost effective alternatives.
Our presses run as small as 10-ton and large as 750-ton; we manufacture parts ranging from the size of a dime to the size of a laptop.
MME group is ISO 13485:2016, ITAR and FDA registered for medical, consumer and government contract manufacturing and assembly. In addition to non-clean room space, we have 20,000+ sq. ft. of class 7 & class 8 clean room molding and assembly capacity.
Liquid Silicone Rubber Molding
Liquid Silicone Rubber (LSR) molding is the process used to create robust, pliable, high-precision, high-quality parts in large numbers.
Liquid Silicone injection molding produces parts that are highly water repellent and resistant. As such, coupled with the precise nature of their sizing, they’re ideal for use as seals, membranes, electrical connectors, and a variety of other medical, commercial and domestic applications.
The process itself requires a large range of tooling knowledge and execution, unique equipment and mechanical components, all of which MME group has onsite. This capacity to provide LSR design, tooling, molding and full assembly services in one location makes us the ideal LSR injection molding manufacturing partner.
Plastic Molding
On the surface, it seems that plastic injection molding is a relatively simple process. Molten liquid plastic is inserted to a specifically shaped mold. Once the plastic has cooled and hardened, the mold is removed to reveal the finished product.
The truth of the matter is, plastic molding is a highly complex and technically precise procedure, involving carefully regulated levels of heat and pressure to achieve the desired result.
At MME group we have the technical expertise and experience to provide the solution to any or all of your custom plastic manufacturing requirements.
Two Shot Molding
Two shot molding features two or more different thermoplastics molded together in a single cycle. This kind of molding allows parts to improve their designs and functionality by combining two or more plastic parts. This helps to cut down on the need for post-molding assembly.
The difference between overmolding and two-shot molding is that in two-shot, the parts form a molecular bond rather than a mechanically or chemically induced bond. During this process, the machine injects one material into the mold, cools, and then is transferred to another cavity. Rotating 180⁰ the first meets the second substrate when the second is injected into that mold. This creates a firm bond between the two. Two shot molding is best for high volume operations. This is because of its efficiency and economy in producing highly durable and long-lasting assemblies and parts. For lower volumes, overmolding might be a better option.
Overmolding
Like two-shot molding, over-molding uses two different and compatible materials. This multi-shot process combines these to create parts that won’t easily separate as time progresses. The first material used is usually of a more rigid quality to withstand the overmolding process. After the mold is injected with the first substrate and cools, it is then transferred to either an overmold tool or an overmold cavity within the same tool. Then the machine injects the second substrate over, into, or around the first. If necessary, the two substrates are then bonded either chemically or mechanically to provide a more stable product after cooling.
Over-molding usually suits low-volume or on-demand projects. Engineers often use overmolding because it is easier for design as they can fit in just about any standard injection molding machine for this process. Also, this process often costs less as it utilizes the same machinery of traditional molding options but with fewer transfers to different machines.