SPI Industries
Injection Molding (574) 272-3733
Blow Molding (269) 849-3200
Thermoforming (269) 849-3200

custom • design support • engineering • molding

Plastic Product Manufacturing Michigan and Indiana

plastic-product-manufacturing-michigan-and-indiana

SPI Industries has been a leader in the Midwest custom molding and plastic product manufacturing scene since the 1950s. Our beginnings revolved around injection molding and high quality tool design and building. Over time we have expanded our capabilities to include custom blow molding, product assembly and customer fulfillment in South west Michigan. We are equipped to handle the entire manufacturing process from start to finish. It begins by working closely with customers to define the part specifications of our clients, based on the product requirements. We pride ourselves in delivering our customers Quality Parts.

Our experience in a wide range of plastic product manufacturing processes, helps reduce time and money spent generating designs and test prototypes. We can help facilitate the design and manufacturing of your product from concept to delivery. We pride ourselves in delivering our customers Quality Parts, On Time.

SPI has a long history of being a “Go To” custom blow molder in southern Michigan and custom injection molder in northern Indiana. Our experience as custom molders, has given us a broad knowledge base with many resins and processes that most other blow molders and injection molders wouldn’t even consider. This allows us to succeed at projects where others have failed. SPI can also let you know when there may be a better approach that we simply do not have the capability to provide. We pride ourselves on delivering our custom molding customers Quality Parts, On Time, At a Fair Price.

Why Choose Injection Molding?

Injection molding is the most commonly used type of plastic product manufacturing in use today.  The process can be used to manufacture items that consist of over 18,000 different types of plastic materials, such as thermoplastics and some types of thermosets and elastomers.

The injection molding process has existed since 1872; the first products manufactured by this process were billiard balls made by John and Isaiah Hyatt. However, injection molding can be used to manufacture almost any solid or open-ended object, from hair combs to the dashboards of cars.  The plastic injection molding process consists of injecting a molten plastic material into a metal mold and letting it cool and dry.  Designing molds for injection molding requires a lot of expertise; a mold must be designed so that the part will be of uniform thickness and allow it to be easily ejected from the mold.  SPI Industries is experienced in designing molds for injection molding. We will sample the mold and make minor adjustments until they are just right for manufacturing before we begin mass producing your products.

Often creating prototype parts will help in both part design as well as tool design. Having a prototype part for more complicated designs will generally help to reduce the amount of adjustments during the sampling process.

Why Choose Blow Molding?

In contrast to injection molding, blow molding is the process used for making hollow plastic parts.  It is also required when making items that vary in thickness in different parts of the object, such as gas tanks.  Blow Molding is commonly used for higher volume parts that are currently being roto-molded, due to a faster cycle time when compared to roto-molding. However, the nature of blow molding usually has longer cycle times and more processing variation than injection molding.

The SPI Industries Difference

Here are some reasons why SPI Industries should be your first choice for plastic molding manufacturing in the Great Lakes region

  • We can handle all steps of the design and manufacturing process, which will save you time and money.
  • We are equipped for both injection molding and blow molding.
  • We have decades of experience and keep up with the latest technological advances in plastic product manufacturing.
  • We are familiar with the requirements for plastic products in many different industries.
  • We can do small runs of products, large runs, or anything in between.
  • Because of the amount and variety of equipment we have in house, we can help bring your ideas to fruition in a relatively short time frame.

Quality Parts. On Time. At a Fair Price.

Temporary Plastic Safety Barricades

plastic safety barricades - the boys

Plastic safety barricades are used to block off areas from automotive or pedestrian traffic. From a single barricade to a continuous, obstruction free, fencing system, safety barricades provide clear guidance through work zones. Highly visible barricades prevent people from entering dangerous work zones.

Plastic safety barricades have increased in popularity

Safety barricades are used in emergencies and in situations when accidents have occurred or have the potential to occur. To ensure timely response, safety barricades that are lightweight, easily assembled, and easy to break down and store are very popular. Using plastic safety barricades meet these demands.

Plastic safety barricade uses

Plastic safety barricades are used heavily in road construction. Those of us in the midwest know orange barrel season all too well! The ever present orange plastic cones used to keep people in their driving lanes and out of off-limit areas are universal indicators of caution.

Most A-frame barricades traditionally constructed of wood are now entirely constructed of plastic. From the A-frame sides to the 2 x 4 rails with reflective caution stripes, these temporary plastic safety barricades are weather resistant, easy to install, break down, stack, and store until they are needed again.

Plastic safety systems also include temporary barricades for use inside buildings. The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration offers guidelines for proper placement of barricades for protection of employees in all circumstances. From blocking off spills in cafeterias, closing off construction areas, blocking areas with limited access, warning of wet paint or wet floors, and many other precautionary instances, plastic safety barricades are in demand.

Benefits of Plastic Safety Barricades:

  • lightweight
  • durable
  • weather proof
  • damage resistant
  • color can be added during manufacturing process
  • stickers / labels can be applied
  • reusable – recyclable

free standing barricade -the boysSPI Blow Molding manufactures plastic safety barricades in a product for both interior and exterior safety situations called, “The Boys”. The Boys are a unique plastic safety barricade. Each ‘boy’ is all one piece and is 80% larger than the standard tent sign at 31” wide by 41” high. There is no set up time or any additional parts needed for use. If the area requires sectioning off, multiple boys can be used to form a temporary, solid wall, maintenance barricade by joining them at the hands. The unique ‘boy’ shape is 1,271 square inches of bright yellow plastic.

Each boy has ‘Caution: Out of Order’ emblazoned across the chest and a stop sign on the helmet. Quick deployment of the wire stand on the back of each boy allows it to be free-standing. The wire doesn’t get in the way when multiple boys are joined together to form a solid pedestrian barricade. Once the area is secure again the lightweight ‘boy’ folds flat for convenient storage.

Use of ‘The Boys’ and other plastic safety barricades in manufacturing plants, schools, offices, shopping centers and stores help keep visitors, children, personnel, contractors, and everyone in the facility safe. If you, or your organization, are looking for plastic safety barricades to alert people of hazardous situations with maximum visibility, ‘The Boys’ may be a good solution. As the manufacturer of ‘The Boys’ SPI is presenting them for purchase and delivery. Contact us today with any questions.

Made in Michigan – Oversized Blow Molded Plastic Tooth

Made in Michigan Art and Parts

Did you read about the oversized blow molded plastic tooth design that was created for an art installation? Did you know if was made in Michigan? SPI Blow Molding, Coloma, Michigan constructed the teeth for a toothquake. The toothquake resulted from the Tooth Fairy choosing to relocate from her gold dome in the sky to Northville, Michigan. IN case you missed it, the toothquake incident occurred during the Arts & Acts Celebration in Northville, Michigan on June, 17, 2016.

In advance of the celebration Dr Demray and his team researched blow molders from all over, including China. Thankfully, their research led them to SPI Injection Molding who then lead them to their sister company, SPI Blow Molding. Upon meeting the owners and engineers at SPI Blow Molding Dr, Demray and his team knew if they were going to get their oversized blow molded plastic tooth produced, SPI Blow Molding was the shop to do it. After the meeting Dr. Demray affirmed, “What great people” and a wonderful relationship was formed.

The Made In Michigan Toothquake Was a Success

Because the oversized blow molded plastic teeth were made in Michigan the art installation will be a significant addition to the Buy Michigan Now Festival to be held in Northville August 5th-7th. The structure is schooled to be in place for viewing at 371 E. Main St. – Northville, MI for the annual 4th of July parade, during the summer long Friday night Concert series in Town Square, for the Great Lakes Food, Art & Music Festival, the Heritage Festival, October in the ‘Ville and the Salute to Summer Festival. The Acci-DENTAL Masterpiece will come down in November, 2016.

The Acci-DENTAL Masterpiece is the cornerstone of an 8-month public awareness campaign focusing on children’s dental health. Dr. Demray is committed to educating parents about the importance of limiting sugar – exposing foods that have high hidden sugar content plus the importance of good oral hygiene… brush 2 x a day for 2 minutes and visit the dentist 2 x a year. This practice will contribute to a chid’s overall good health. In addition to the 3,333 teeth on display – Dr. Demray asked SPI to make 1,111 more – for an art exhibit to be held in February, 2017 – Children’s National Dental Health Month. Beginning July 1st parents, educators, heath care providers and anyone with an artistic flair can donate money to acquire a tooth,design it, return it temporarily for the exhibit and a chance to win. The suggested donation is $20. Details will be available are at toothfairyoverstock.com. A portion of the proceeds will go to the University of Detroit Mercy (UDM) Dental School Community Outreach Program. UDM has a mobile dental clinic that can go to the children, if they can’t come to the dentist.

SPI Industries is proud to have been a part of Dr. Demray’s life mission to share the message of preservation to children early in life. If you have a plastic product or part that you would really like to have made in Michigan and it needs blow molded please give SPI Blow Molding a chance to review the scope of your project. We pay attention to all of the details and design each plastic piece so each molded cavity is filled and will meet or exceed the highest quality standards and tolerances. Give us a call today.

AcciDENTAL Masterpiece – New Product Inventions as Art

New Product Inventions as Art Blow molded Plastic Teeth

At SPI Industry molding facilities we are fascinated with the creativity and ingenuity of new product inventions.  Product developers create new designs of existing products as well as completely new products that are designed to make life easier, more efficient, safer, or more attractive for everyone. We see all new product inventions as art!

Recently, we received the most unique new plastic molding product request yet. SPI Injection Molding and SPI Blow Molding have produced a full gamut of new product inventions from plastic game pieces, plastic home decorations, plastic parts for appliances, molded parts for healthcare, and many more but this new plastic product concept was a first.  It wasn’t too unusual when the SPI Injection plant in South Bend, Indiana received a request to produce a large plastic tooth. What was unusual was the story behind the tooth.

plastic blow molded teethNew Product Inventions as Art Installations

The over 3000 molded plastic teeth were needed to create a toothquake! The toothquake was represented in the form of a 23’ x 26’ wide waterfall from the second story windows of an old Victorian that is home to the dental office of Dr. Demray. The tooth quake, we learned, was a result of the seismic activity that arose from the relocation of everybody’s favorite childhood messenger, the Tooth Fairy. The Tooth Fairy was staying at Dr. Demray’s offices temporarily while her new warehouse was being constructed. As each night passed, the increase in children’s teeth could no longer be contained and caused a toothquake Friday, June 17, 2016.

Dr. Demray was the most obvious choice when the Tooth Fairy was in need of temporary living quarters. Throughout his over 40 year career Dr. Demray’s mission has been to educate kids about good oral care. Demray’s commitment to share the message of bone preservation and dental care to children is also demonstrated in his cast of characters such as Betsy Floss and Miss Ginger Vitis. These characters participate in parades and school presentations sharing the importance of good oral care for kids. Ever seeking new ways to bring dental care education to the forefront, Dr. Demray decided an art installation of thousands of teeth in a cascading waterfall from his second story offices would be impactful. As a long time Art & Acts supporter, Dr. Demray planned the art exhibit reveal for the opening day of the 2016 Northville Arts & Acts celebration.

When the concept was conceived Dr. Demray and his staff hoped the teeth would be made in the United States. When Dr. Demray’s staff contacted SPI Industries they called SPI Injection Molding plant in South Bend, Indiana. After a short discussion it was determined SPI Blow Molding plant in Coloma, Michigan would be the best approach for the production and molding of the plastic teeth.

SPI Blow Molding understood the teeth would be used to help educate kids on the importance of dental care. The SPI team quickly learned their efforts would also be paramount in the relocation of the Tooth Fairy to Northville, Michigan. This was no ordinary plastic tooth to be used in dental displays or for training for the dental industry!

Fulfillment of the order in time for the Arts & Acts Celebration in Northville set to begin June 17, 2016 was a fun and rewarding experience for the SPI Industry team.

Do you have new product inventions, art installations or even a new twist on an old product that needs attention to detail and experienced engineers to construct? Give SPI Injection or SPI Blow Molding a call today. We’d love to sink our teeth into it.

Read more about how Dr. Demray’s future plans for the teeth to benefit dental care awareness in future blogs.

Benefits of Thermoplastic Elastomers for Injection Molded Goods

Benefits of Thermoplastic Elastomers

Also referred to as thermoplastic rubber, thermoplastic elastomers (TPE) have become increasingly popular for a wide spectrum of products and applications. Below we cover some of the benefits of Thermoplastic Elastomers and how they have changed the look and feel of many products on the market today.

Consider household and personal care items you have purchased recently. Hand held goods for personal and industrial use such as tools, utensils and toys, that are manufactured with TPEs have soft, smooth handles that make gripping much more comfortable.

From toothbrushes, to spatulas, to screwdrivers and new rubber ducks, many new products are manufactured with this long lasting plastic and durable rubber combination. The tactile feel of thermoplastic elastomers is just one of the popular benefits to end users.

The speed and the ease of processing for plastic injection molding and plastic blow molding also makes it a popular choice for manufacturers and molders. Thermoplastic elastomers can be used in countless extrusion and injection molded applications. When compared to traditional resins, thermoplastic elastomers can be molded in shorter cycles to allow for quick turn round of molded goods.

TPE is also a solution for products that need to perform in a variety of temperatures including plastic products that will be exposed to the outdoors.

ADVANTAGES and BENEFITS OF THERMOPLASTIC ELASTOMERS INCLUDE:

  • Processing ease and speed
  • Design flexibility
  • Lower fabrication and production costs
  • Lower energy consumption
  • Resistance to solvent and abrasion
  • Resistance to weathering
  • Improved product performance
  • Shorter cycle time
  • Lower part costs per finished piece
  • Broader range in product density
  • Product consistency
  • Environmentally Friendly – recyclable scrap
  • Resistance to heat and cold
  • Can be injection molded, blow molded and thermoformed

These benefits of TPEs are just some of the reasons SPI Blow Molding and SPI Injection Molding recommend thermoplastic elastomers for a wide range of products and part design applications customers bring to us. Molding custom plastic parts with top grade TPEs that can save time and money as well as stand up to seasonal climate change is important to our customers.

Do you have a product or part that could benefit by incorporating thermoplastic elastomers? Give us a call today. SPI Injection Molding and SPI Blow Molding experts will consult with you and your team to determine if thermoplastic elastomers could save you time and money on your next part design project.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Kostrate® and Polycarbonate

Advantages of Kostrate plastic for food containers

When you’re producing a product that will store or transfer food and beverages, knowing the disadvantages and advantages of Kostrate® and clear polycarbonate can help you make an informed decision.

Advantages of Kostrate® and Clear Polycarbonate for Injection and Blow Molding:

  • Mold Release
  • Lubricated
  • Dimensional Stability
  • Impact Resistance
  • Processability
  • Heat Resistance
  • Viscosity

Advantages of Kostrate® and Clear Polycarbonate for Plastic Product Specification:

  • Solvent adhesive and hot air plastic welds can be used
  • Strength at varying temperature.
  • Visually clear
  • Heat strength
  • Flame Retardant
  • RoHS Compliant
  • Low / Free BPA

A Few Polycarbonate Uses Include:

Appliance components, bottles, electronic applications, food applications, lighting fixtures, medical devices, outdoor applications, packaging, sporting goods, tools, wire and cable applications, writing instruments. Because of its low BPA and reduced concern of toxicity, clear polycarbonate is used in many food and beverage containers and packaging.

Some Uses for Kostrate® Include:

Uses for Kostrate® are all of the above with an even higher demand for food packaging, beverage bottles and food storage products. Kostrate® is also used for housewares, paper, soap dispensers, office products and more. It is also becoming a popular choice for infant and toddler toys made entirely of plastic and those that have plastic components. Toy designers and developers appreciate the safety and security the BPA free plastic offers, especially for toys that may find their way into children’s mouths.

Disadvantages of Kostrate®:

  • Minor odor (which can be addressed during processing)
  • Heat distortion temperature
  • Scratching
  • Lower Rockwell Hardness

Disadvantages of Clear Polycarbonate:

  • Can be subject to stress cracking
  • High processing temperatures required
  • Degrades upon extended residence time in processing equipment
  • Only fair chemical resistance is only fair
  • Aromatic sensitivity
  • Yellowing over time

There are many plastic resin options available when injection or blow molding manufactured parts. The considerations vary depending on the end use of your product. For the highest success, research the properties of each plastic, the expense, life span, heat capabilities, and strength before you hit the injection molding or blow molding manufacturing phase.

Give us a call today to discuss best options for your custom product. SPI Injection Molding located in Indiana and SPI Blow Molding in Michigan provide engineering and molding services throughout the mid-west. Our mold and production experts understand the advantages of Kostrate® for food safe products and the advantages and disadvantages of many other plastic resins best suited for specific products and their use.

BPA Free Kostrate or Polycarbonate for Plastic Bottles and Containers?

BPA free Kostrate or polycarbonate BPA free low BPA for food storage

BPA free Kostrate or polycarbonate (PC) for packages and containers?  Polycarbonate has become a standard in the plastics molding industry. For many years it couldn’t be beat for home and kitchen applications that involved direct contact with food and beverages. Clear polycarbonate’s inherent shatter-resistance, lightweight, and optical clarity are advantageous for any product that will be shipped and displayed for purchase. Combine those qualities with heat resistance and low BPA, it became a popular choice for tableware, refillable bottles, and reusable food containers that can be stored in the refrigerator and heated in a microwave. Now with BPA free Kostrate sharing similar characteristics, manufacturers have even more options when it comes to food safety.

Examples of clear polycarbonate packages and containers:

  • Reusable 5-gallon water bottles
  • Baby bottles
  • Bulk food containers
  • Tableware such as plates and cups
  • Food storage containers for storage and microwave heating

Clear polycarbonate is also popular in the construction industry. Because it is lightweight and transparent it is often used as a glass replacement. Available for purchase in corrugated or smooth panels, clear polycarbonate is used in greenhouses, as enclosures and as roofing material. A popular brand that has become synonymous with clear polycarbonate is Lexan®. Panels can be cut to size and are available at many big box hardware stores.  If transparency is not desired polycarbonate plastic is available in a variety of colors too with as many or more applications.

Since 2003 the new plastic in town is Kostrate®. For blow molding and injection molding purposes the requests we receive most these days are for clear, BPA free plastics for food storage and containment. Bottles and packages of all shapes and sizes are created as well as office products, hardware products, healthcare and cosmetics packaging to toys, outdoor products, digital media and computer components and devices. For the food industry Kostrate® is most desirous for its safe BPA free status. Bisphenol A (BPA) is a key building block of polycarbonate plastic, and although studies show very low migration of BPA from polycarbonate, Kostrate® BPA free status makes Kostrate® the safer choice for items that have direct contact with food or any product or substance that may be ingested.

BPA free Kostrate or polycarbonate packages and containers for food products and packaging?

Many researchers have studied the potential for trace levels of BPA to migrate from polycarbonate into food and beverages. Under typical use, studies show that the potential migration of BPA into food is extremely low. In these studies, the level found is more than 4000 times lower than the maximum acceptable or “reference” dose for BPA of 0.05 milligrams per kilogram body weight per day established by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Essentially, an average adult consumer would need to ingest about 1300 pounds of food and beverage that is in contact with polycarbonate every day for an entire lifetime to exceed the level of BPA that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has set as safe.

These studies were conducted by government agencies in the US, Europe and Japan, as well as studies conducted by academic researchers and by industry professionals. However, other studies are cited that claim polycarbonate transfers more BPA than the aforementioned studies claim. Because of this there are a number of states seeking to ban the use of PC in some food packaging and beverage containers, including California. In these states a polycarbonate ban would be placed on baby bottles and beverage containers for kids three and younger and possibly other plastic containers, toys, etc. that come in contact with children of certain ages.

So, should you choose BPA free Kostrate or polycarbonate for your product? If BPA free is critical for the safety of your product we would recommend Kostrate® to you. If  you’re looking for product with heavy strength and it’s important but not critical to consumer safety, you may find polycarbonate suitable. If you are manufacturing a product that requires high impact strength PC wins against Kostrate in a wide temperature range roughly from below 0 to 300 F for PC and Kostrate is below 0 to 180 F.

If you have a product that requires a transparent, strong, but lightweight, plastic component or package give SPI a call today. We specialize in blow molding and injection molding of clear polycarbonate for use in many plastic products and product packaging. If you have food or beverages requiring transparent plastic packaging we have experience in both our blow molding and injection molding facilities for colored and clear Kostrate® packages and containers for food and most any other product you are producing to take to market. Give us a call today to determine which plastic will be the best choice for you product.

References:

http://www.bisphenol-a.org/human/polyplastics.html

USA EPA

Preparation of Premarket Submissions for Food Contact Substances Chemistry Recommendations

http://www.fda.gov/food/guidanceregulation/guidancedocumentsregulatoryinformation/ucm081818.htm

Clear Polycarbonate and Kostrate® for Injection and Blow Molded Parts

Difference between Acrylic, Clear Polycarbonate and Kostrate® for Injection and Blow Molded Parts

Clear polycarbonate and Kostrate are the most requested plastic solution SPI is receiving from customers right now. With exceptional transparency and high impact strength in low and high temperatures there are many products that benefit from the visual clear grades and heat strength each offers.

Classified as: Generic ABS+PC, polycarbonate (PC) is a group of thermoplastic polymers with chemical structures that contain carbonate groups. Polycarbonate is also valued for their low flammability and clear polycarbonate has replaced glass in many applications. Clear polycarbonate’s is lighter than glass and offers a similar level of transparency.

The unique properties of strength and clarity of clear polycarbonate lends itself to unique applications such as bulletproof windows, eyewear/ eye lenses that are break resistant, signage, digital storage media such as dvds, cds. Although yellowing can be a concern with clear polycarbonate adding a uv-stabilizer to the resin when it gets processed will minimize the discoloration.

As we delve deeper into the uses of colorized or clear polycarbonate and Kostrate®, another popular trait is the low BPA and BPA free ratings. Polycarbonates, including clear polycarbonate, have a very low BPA rating while Kostrate® is a BPA free plastic. Both are often used in food products from food packaging to kitchen utensils because they are safe and considered food grade quality. Search our other blog posts for more information on BPA safe clear plastic and it’s usage.

Comparisons of Acrylic, Clear Polycarbonate and Kostrate®

A highly desirable clear plastic similar in transparency to clear polycarbonate and Kostrate® is acrylic. Acrylic is known as a brittle clear category and polycarbonate is in the engineered plastics category. Kostrate® is a terpolymer, considered to be the gap filler between brittle clear plastics and engineered clears. As additional transparent plastic options, acrylic is an inexpensive and versatile material that can also be utilized for many applications to replace glass and other transparent material. Kostrate® is the only one of these three transparent plastics that is 100% BPA Free. The list of differences between clear polycarbonate and Kostrate® plus acrylic are not necessarily advantages or disadvantages between the three plastic substances. What makes one better than the other is relative to the end use product.

All three clear plastics are stronger and lighter than untempered glass, acrylic is 4 to 8 times stronger than glass and Kostrate® and polycarbonate is around 200 times stronger. Because of its impact resistance, using Kostrate® or clear polycarbonates to replace glass is preferred to acrylic in many cases due to acrylic’s susceptibility to cracking.

Other differences can be factors as well such as acrylic’s shiny appearance. In addition, clear polycarbonate and Kostrate® although more impact resistant, are easier to scratch than acrylic. None of these plastics are good choices for items that will be used on a stove. Polycarbonate is good for use to about 250 degrees F, Kostrate® can become distorted as such high temperatures and acrylic is only good to about 175 degrees F. Kostrate® is more durable with less chance of shattering than both polycarbonate and acrylic, plus offers the BPA free characteristic. All of these plastic options can be colorized also if transparency is not desired.

Be sure to review future blogs on clear polycarbonate and Kostrate® pros and cons.

Please give us a call if you are not clear what plastic choice will be best for your injection molded or blow molded part or product. Our experienced engineers have decades of knowledge in the field and keep current on plastic news and trends.

What’s the Difference Between Thermoset Polymer and Thermoplastic?

 choosing between thermoset polymer and thermoplasticWhen you’re trying to choose the best kind of plastic for your new plastic mold you’re going to discover there are dozens of options to choose from. The plastics research phase can be quite confusing and overwhelming. The plastic you end up choosing for your new mold will depend upon the ways in which you’ll be using your plastic product or plastic component. The plastic material choice will also depend on the goals of your new mold. Without these details ironed out it’ll be much more difficult to decide which plastic and plastic process is best suited for your needs.

Two commonly used types of plastic include a thermoset polymer and thermoplastic. A lot of people confuse these two types of plastic due to name similarities. Below we highlight the crucial differences between these plastic types, as well as the style of final molds you can expect from using either thermoset Polymer and thermoplastic.

What Is A Thermoset Polymer?

A thermoset polymer is a type of polymer that sets, and cannot be changed, once it’s heated or cured. This kind of plastic cannot revert back to its original form after it’s been set. It also can’t be softened or changed. Essentially, you’re stuck with the final product once it’s been heated. That’s why it’s absolutely crucial you iron out every single detail with your mock-up and model, before you move onto mass production.

These kinds of molds are primarily used in automobile manufacturing, as they can be incredibly durable. They’re also used in certain inks, coatings, and adhesives.

What Is It Commonly Used For?

The most common form of a thermoset polymer is an automobile tire or a large truck tire. However, there are other common applications, which you’ll find below:

• Mattresses
• Cushions
• Home insulation
• Boat hulls
• Bathroom materials, like tubs and shower stalls
• Engine and helicopter blades
• Glues and adhesives
• Plywood
• Electronic coating
• Circuit boards and switches

As you can see this type of plastic has a very wide range of uses.

What Is A Thermoplastic?

A thermoplastic is a relatively weaker plastic that can soften when exposed to high heat, and can even be reverted back to its original form. Once this kind of plastic is heated it can be shaped by different molding processes, including, pressing, blow molding and injection molding, and pressing. A thermoplastic can be likened to an ice cube. It holds its shape once frozen but will melt and can assume many forms once it’s heated. This kind of plastic is very versatile and has a wide range of uses.

What Is It Commonly Used For?

Often, this kind of plastic is used in food packaging, as these kinds of plastics can be re-used and changed to fit many different needs. Some of the most common uses include, soft drink bottles and milk jugs, but there are other common uses, which we highlight below:

• Packaging film and wrap
Milk jugs and water bottles
• Housing wrap
• Car bumpers
• Carpet fibers
• Microwavable and storage containers
• Home siding
• Interior car panels
• Electrical cable covers

Choosing Between Thermoset Polymer and Thermoplastic

When choosing between thermoset polymer and thermoplastic, remember that thermoplastics are more pliable and can be re-used, but thermoset polymers are very rigid once heated and can’t be re-formed or molded once set.

If you’re looking for a plastic molding firm to help you conceptualize and produce your new plastic mold, then we hope you consider SPI industries. We’ve helped to produce a large variety of plastic molds across a diverse number of industries. If you have an idea for a plastic product or component that you want to bring to life, reach out to our team today.

Get Your Invention To Market: Start With A Strong Prototype

Get Your Invention To Market: Start With A Strong Prototype

Before you begin shopping around your new idea there’s some groundwork you’ll need to take care of first. Having an idea is easy; it’s the steps that come after that are the most difficult. 

A strong prototype will give you many tangible and intangible benefits that will speed up market adoption, and give your invention a chance to thrive. Below we highlight several reasons why you’ll want to start with a strong prototype for your new idea.

1. Having A Tangible Product Gives You Confidence

When you have a spectacular idea for an invention it can be tempting to spend all of your time creating product mockups and refining the initial design. This step is very important, but you’ll never make progress towards your goal if you never create something tangible.

A plastic prototype, even if it is flawed will give you confidence that you’re moving forward with your creation. Once you have the initial prototype you can work with it to truly polish and improve your design.

2. It Allows You To Refine Your Product First

During your first product run-through you’re always going to have kinks to work out. Or, you may need to add or remove certain features. By creating a plastic prototype you’ll be able to refine the design of your product into a workable prototype. You might also start with one type of plastic and molding process, and then decide that another type of plastic will make your product more durable. The range of function and processing methods as well as type of plastics available can be overwhelming to new product inventors.

This allows you to avoid any product mishaps that might occur without proper prototyping. The only way to truly create a plastic product that exceeds your expectations is by starting with an initial prototype and innovating from that point.

3. Can Experiment With Production and Distribution Methods

When taking your design to market chances are you’re going to need to scale. This means you’ll need to have your production and distribution methods ironed out.

By starting with a strong prototype you can smooth out the plastic production process, and any methods of distribution to reach your customers or your suppliers ahead of time.

4. A Strong Protoype Strengthens Your Investment Potential

When you’re approaching potential investors about your product it’s one thing to tell them about it. It’s an entirely different experience altogether when you show them. Graphics, plans, and descriptions can only go so far. By creating a working plastic prototype you enable an investor to truly experience what it’s like to use your product. 

At SPI we can help make inventors dreams a reality.

With our state of the art plastic production and molding facility we can cater to your every need. Our team of engineers has decades of experience producing plastic prototypes across a wide array of fields. If you’re interested in bringing your idea to life, then reach out to our team here, or give us a call at (269) 849-3200.

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