Mold Design / Manufacturing - The Plastek Group

Mold Design &
Manufacturing

Engineering Team

Mold Design

Plasteks engineering team is made up of a cross functional group of package engineers, tool engineers, plastic engineers and mechanical engineers which collaborates with our customers to help develop concepts that will provide a robust, reliable and high-quality supply chain.

These concepts are then brought to life by developing it into prototype, pilot and/or production tooling.

Embracing the ideas and practice of implementing the latest innovation processes;
Our expert in-house design teams, perform with a extensive background and experience using the latest software and simulation technologies including:

• ProEngineer (3D Mold & Product Design)

• Expertise Mold Designers

• Autocad Mechanical Desktop

• Mold Flow/Mold Cool

• Simulia Abaqus

All CAD Engineering data is coordinated, organized and secured in a document database

Plastek Technology Summary

Creo 5.0 ptc

Plastek has been using Creo (ProE) for more than 20 years. There is connectivity from industrial design to tool manufacturing using Creo’s moldsplit and ProManufactuing functions.

Functionality

CAD software used from project inception to completion

Benefits

All CAD is linked allowing for increased efficiencies and faster response times

Fusion 360

Used as a preliminary test before Ansys or Abaqus is used to reduce number of iterations in that software

FEM Cooling allows for full 3D waterlines to be used but there needs to be a model, using Fusion will simplify this process

Generative Design is available through fusion and will be covered during training.

Functionality

CAD translation / Simple FEA / Generative Design

Benefits

Easier transition between engineering software

Luxion Keyshot 8

Rendering software used for photo realistic images to convey shelf appearance

Used to animate assembly / functional use to convey more detailed information

Functionality

Rendering / Animation software

Benefits

Produce photo realistic images and animations to convey shelf impression

Simulia Abaqus 2019

Abaqus purchased December 2018. Abaqus is a stress analysis software that can help predict problem areas in a part design and allow for modifications before a single real part is made.

6 – 7 engineers are learning to use software and incorporate Abaqus in the design process

Main users:
RD for part design finalization
Mold Design for tooling concerns

Functionality

FEA simulation

Benefits

Designs can be evaluated and refined before prototype / pilot tool phases

Autodesk Moldflow 2019

Software has been in use since 2010

Currently used from job to job basis
Plan in place to begin implementing full FEM analysis on all new projects

Will be used in conjunction with other software that are being purchased

Functionality

Mold filling simulation

Benefits

Designs can be evaluated and refined before prototype / pilot tool phases

Stratasys

Plastek is currently building a prototype mold to build 3D design cavity and core for quick turn around.

Plastek is working on 3D printing with labels to show on market components
Plastek is currently capable of printing 3 different colors
Plastek is connected with a supplier that can print market similar designs.

Plastek is able to print over molded, soft touch and multi color components.

Functionality

3D printer

Benefits

Samples can be produced in house for evaluation in hours instead of days

Tool Shops

Founded in 1956, Plastek is a world class injection and injection blow mold manufacturer, with three facilities employing over 125 toolmakers, engineers and project managers.

We have always employed the latest mold design, manufacturing and management technologies and processes. We pioneered what are now industry standards such as designing and building molds for in press maintanence, the concept of component interchangeability and management practices such as toolmaking apprenticeship and we are ardious in providing extensive training for all our employees.

All of this allows us to provide high quality, dependable molds with the most reliable and shortest lead times in the industry. We use a cad/cam system that is integrated throuhout the part design and mold manufacture process which provides for immediate updates and accurate record keeping of your valuable part and engineering files.

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First Article

Definition:

A complete, independent, and documented physical and functional inspection process to verify that prescribed production methods have produced an acceptable item as specified by engineering drawings, planning, purchase order, engineering specifications, and/or other applicable design documents.

Purpose:

To provide objective evidence that All Engineering, design and specification requirements, including process and manufacturing validation are understood, accounted for, verified, and documented.

Statement for First Article

Our First Article department is dedicated to building a positive relationship with our customers through our many value added services. A seamless line of communication is essential and can be achieved by working with The Plastek Group, an extremely integrated company.

With pride, Plastek contributes to the satisfactory development of customer specifications, with each step of the process.

Continuity is guaranteed with direct access to your Sales & Customer Service Representative, R& D Team, Tooling & Engineering, Part & Mold Designers, Project Managers, and all Production Departments. Erie, PA is the home base for our Tool Shops, which support the mold builds, and therefore, all First Article Operations for Plastek USA, Plastek UK, Plastek de Mexico, and Plastek do Brasil.