INJECTION
MOLDING
LEVERAGE LIMITLESS POSSIBILITIES
​
Over the years, injection molding has evolved into specialized segments many of which Craftech specializes in. Building on our expertise in traditional solid-wall, thermoplastic injection molding Craftech offers Cleanroom, Overmolding, Insert molding, High-heat, Alternate Temperature Control and In-mold Decoration IMD / IML.
Combined with sophisticated use of robotics, automation and specialty in-line process our goal is to drive out non-value activities and labor reducing our client’s costs and streamlining their procurement activities.
Our operations are real-time monitored around the clock, supported by the IQMS ERP system. Craftech was one of the first adopters of this industry changing platform and partnered in its development in the early 90’s.
​
If you would like to see how we can help you get high quality, North American made products to market please contact us.
TM
​
CLEANROOM MOLDING
​
For medical applications requiring contaminate-free environments Craftech utilizes our certified ISO Class 8 cleanroom for molding, assembly and testing of components and sub-assemblies. Our expertise in insert molding, overmolding and advanced manufacturing offerings are just as relevant in the cleanroom as they are on the general molding floor.
Whether your application is a straightforward molded part or a complex multi-component assembly you can rely on Craftech to guide you through your cleanroom molding and assembly requirements.
​
OVERMOLDING
​
Overmolding is a specialized process which incorporates the molding of one material (Overmold) on top or around another (Substrate). You see this today in many everyday medical, commercial and consumer packaged goods products. This option typically provides the end user a better grip or more comfortable feel while using the given instrument or device although it is also used extensively in gasketing, sealing and shock resistance applications
More and more engineers are looking to Overmolding as a viable option for their new designs. There are many key factors that need to be considered when designing an overmolded plastic product including substrate and overmold compatibility, substrate support, overmold sealing geometry, thickness and gating.
​
​
If you would like to speak to us regarding the do’s and don’ts of Overmolding please contact us. Also please see the links below that will provide some ideas on what to anticipate when designing your overmolded part.
Download a copy of Overmolding Help.
INSERT MOLDING
​
Insert molding is a process that enables components such as glass lenses, hypotubes, blades, terminals, pins, cables, stampings, castings and fasteners to be molded directly into a part.
Insert molding is not limited to metallic or non-ferrous materials either and requires careful attention to detail. As in every process there are advantages and disadvantages and insert molding is no exception.
Insert molding allows the design engineer options that he or she may not have thought possible. If you are designing a device or enclosure you think might benefit from insert molding and would like to consult with our experts please contact us.
HIGH HEAT MOLDING
​
Many of today’s high-performance polymers require processing at elevated temperatures to realize their published properties. Special considerations must be given not only to the operational temperature of the mold but also the part and mold designs. Delicate details and thin-steel conditions need to be worked through to ensure mold longevity and process capability.
Often combined with insert molding, high heat molding offers the engineer many options for designing robust products for demanding environments, please contact us to help guide you when considering designing parts that require high heat materials.
​
https://www.sabic.com/en/products/specialties/ultem-resin-family-of-high-heat-solutions/ultem-resin
ALTERNATE TEMPERATURE TECHNOLOGY (ATT) OR HOT-COLD MOLDING
​
Unlike standard molding in which a mold is maintained at a constant temperature, ATT allows the mold to be cycled or alternated within the molding cycle.
Advantages of this process include less molded-in stress, improved cosmetics, better part detail definition and reduced biofrindence in molded lenses. In many cases ATT eliminates the need for post mold finishing and painting reducing costs and improving lead times.
While this process has been in use for some time it is still relatively unknown outside specialty industries. Craftech is one of a few companies that offer this process as a core competency. As with any specialty process ATT requires special attention be given to both part and mold design.
If you would like to see if ATT can help cost reduce your highly cosmetic parts please contact us.
IN-MOLD DECORATION (IMD/IML)
In-mold decoration and In-mold labeling is an insert / overmolding process where an applique or label is placed into the mold and the part is molded onto it. This process is utilized extensively in the consumer and automotive industries to produce bezels and decorative panels with graphics and textures not achievable utilizing other decoration techniques.
Advantages include second-surface graphic protection and scratch resistant hard coated-thin films in variety of gloss or matte finishes.
Let Craftech’s expertise in IMD / IML help you develop your decorative and functional products using this unique process.
