Advertising in MoldMaking Technology offers
Issue link: https://mmt.epubxp.com/i/437786
moldmakingtechnology.com 37 text labels to call out areas of concern. A visual tool conveys information more quickly and clearly, and is less open to mis- interpretation than a paragraph of text in any language. Pay attention to differences in terminology. Material, sur- face finish, texture, color, mold construction and gate type are all examples of critical specifications that may mean one thing to you and something different to an overseas mold- maker. For example, steel grades may be called out in DIN grade rather than the AISI grade commonly used in North America, so that 420SS (AISI) may be quoted as 1.2083 (DIN). Communicate "upstream" with the part designer as well. As a moldmaker, we mitigate many of the risks of overseas tool sourcing by addressing design for manufacturability (DFM) with the customer at the quoting stage. We discuss any tolerances that may be problematic and whether they are essential to part performance. By clearly understanding the part requirements, the moldmaking team can suggest changes to improve manufacturability and achieve the design intent. 3. Have a U.S.-based tooling expert manage the entire project, from mold design through part production. Ideally, both a tooling expert and an experienced plastics molder will be involved. These experts will understand how the design will affect the usability, durability and maintainability of the mold, as well as the characteristics, quality and manufacturability of the molded plastic part. In our experience, overseas molds are usual- ly designed to be as sim- ple to machine as pos- sible. For example, when a core pin is required, it may be designed as solid in the mold impression, although an inserted pin would make adjustments and repairs easier. To minimize mold main- tenance and repair issues, write detailed specifications that address known wear areas and require that critical areas be designed to be replaceable. 4. Sampling is critical. Get part samples and verify mold function before shipment of the mold is authorized. Once a mold is paid for, it may be extremely difficult to recover any money if the mold is not acceptable. If sample parts are not within specification, work with the moldmaker to make adjustments until the samples meet requirements. Having a U.S.-based tooling expert manage the process is key to achieving these benefits and avoiding the pitfalls of offshore moldmaking. industry is huge, with seemingly limitless manpower. A U.S. molder can typically get a Chinese mold manufactured within 4-6 weeks and have it shipped a week later, if the molder under- stands the logistics. It is possible to receive a mold within 4-6 weeks from U.S. toolmakers, but the molder will usually incur expediting fees on top of the higher base price for the mold. Getting Optimal Results from Overseas-Sourced Tooling When sourcing tooling from overseas, these specific actions can help ensure the best results: 1. Concentrate on a few good relationships. Building good relationships with partners is critical to outsourcing success. This means evaluating the many potential source shops, nar- rowing the list down to the few best candidates, and then building very strong relationships with one or two selected partners. If you work with the same vendor over many proj- ects, you should learn how to effectively communicate what you want in a mold, what your partner is capable of and how you can best work together. 2. Communicate. There are basic good practices for com- municating technical information to any vendor, and these become especially critical when communicating across dif- ferent languages. One essential tool is a comprehensive specification form, completely filled out with specific details, including all the materials of construction. Another com- munication technique is the use of detailed graphics with A U.S.-based molder with skilled moldmakers and a well-equipped tool shop can repair and maintain overseas-sourced molds and keep part production on schedule.