FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Do you offer free structure evaluations?

Certainly! We provide free structure evaluations conducted by our experienced engineering team. This evaluation focuses on customer-designed parts and products, analyzing them from a production perspective. We offer valuable suggestions and recommendations based on our expertise.

What is prototyping?

Prototyping is the process of creating a working model or a preliminary version of a product, or design concept. It involves building a physical or digital representation of the intended product to test and evaluate its functionality, features, and design before full-scale production. Prototyping allows designers and engineers to gather feedback, identify potential issues or improvements, and make necessary adjustments early in the development process. It helps validate the feasibility, usability, and performance of the product, and serves as a crucial step in the iterative design and development cycle. Prototypes can range from simple mock-ups or sketches to functional prototypes that closely resemble the final product in terms of appearance, functionality, and materials used.

What kinds of prototyping processes you use?

We utilize various prototyping processes depending on the specific project requirements. Here are some of the methods we employ:

3D Printing: This process utilizes additive manufacturing techniques to create physical models layer by layer. It is commonly employed for producing appearance prototypes that allow for visual review and assessment, as well as some rough assembly test.

CNC Machining: It is a subtractive manufacturing process that utilizes computer-controlled machines to cut and shape prototypes from solid blocks of material. It is particularly suitable for creating functional prototypes using materials such as metal or plastic.

Rapid Prototyping: This term encompasses several techniques, including Stereolithography (SLA), Selective Laser Sintering (SLS), and Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM). Each technique employs different materials and methods to rapidly produce physical prototypes based on 3D computer models.

These various prototyping processes allow us to adapt to different project needs and deliver high-quality prototypes in a timely manner.

What is plastic injection tooling?

Plastic tooling, also known as plastic injection molding tooling, refers to the process of creating molds or tooling for the production of plastic parts using injection molding technology. It involves designing and manufacturing the molds or tools that will be used to shape and form molten plastic into the desired part geometry. Plastic tooling is an essential step in the mass production of plastic components, as it enables the efficient and accurate replication of the desired part design in large quantities. The tooling is typically made from high-quality materials, such as steel or aluminum, to withstand the high temperatures and pressures involved in the injection molding process.

What is injection molding?

Injection molding is a manufacturing process used to produce plastic parts in large volumes. It involves injecting molten plastic material into a mold cavity, where it cools and solidifies to take the shape of the desired part. The process begins with the preparation of the plastic material, typically in the form of small pellets or granules, which are melted and injected into the mold under high pressure.

The mold consists of two halves, the cavity and the core, which define the shape and features of the final part. When the molten plastic is injected into the mold, it fills the cavity and takes on its shape. After a cooling period to allow the plastic to solidify, the mold is opened, and the finished part is ejected.

Injection molding offers several advantages, including the ability to produce complex and intricate part geometries, high production efficiency, and consistency in part quality and dimensional accuracy. It is widely used in various industries for manufacturing a wide range of products, including automotive components, consumer goods, medical devices, electronics, and more.

What kinds of post-decoration processes you do?

We offer a variety of post-decoration processes to enhance the appearance and functionality of our products. Some of the common post-decoration processes we provide include:

Printing: We offer different printing methods such as screen printing, pad printing, and digital printing to apply logos, labels, or graphics onto the product surface.

Spray Painting: Our spray painting services involve applying a fine mist of paint onto the product surface to achieve a smooth and uniform finish. This process allows for customization of colors and finishes.

Plating: We provide plating services to apply a thin layer of metal, such as gold, silver, chrome, or nickel, onto the product surface. Plating enhances the aesthetic appeal, durability, and corrosion resistance of the product.

Laser Etching: Laser etching involves using a laser beam to selectively remove material from the product surface, creating precise and permanent markings, logos, or designs.

Hot Stamping: This process uses heat and pressure to transfer metallic or colored foils onto the product surface, creating a decorative and eye-catching effect.

These post-decoration processes can be tailored to meet specific customer requirements and are applied based on the material, design, and desired outcome of the product.

What is screen printing?

Screen printing, also known as silk screen printing, is a printing technique that involves using a mesh screen to transfer ink onto a substrate. It is a versatile and widely used method for printing images, patterns, or text on various materials such as plastic, glass, and metal.

The process involves the following steps:

Creating the screen: A fine mesh screen, typically made of silk or synthetic fibers, is stretched tightly over a frame. The areas that do not need to be printed are blocked out using a stencil or a photo emulsion coating.

Ink preparation: The desired ink colors are prepared and mixed according to the design requirements.

Positioning the screen: The screen is placed in the appropriate position over the substrate, such as a plastic or metal surface.

Applying the ink: A squeegee or rubber blade is used to press the ink through the open areas of the screen onto the substrate. The ink passes through the mesh screen, transferring the design onto the surface.

Curing the ink: After the ink is applied, it needs to be dried or cured to ensure its durability and longevity. This can be done through heat curing, air drying, or using special drying equipment depending on the ink type.

Screen printing allows for precise and vibrant prints with excellent color opacity. It is commonly used for printing on a flat area of a product. It is especially suitable for large-scale production runs and designs that require bold and opaque colors.

What is pad printing?

Pad printing is a printing process that transfers ink from a silicone pad onto a substrate. It is commonly used to print on irregularly shaped objects or surfaces that are difficult to print using other methods. The process involves etching an image onto a plate, applying ink to the plate, using a silicone pad to pick up the ink from the plate, and then transferring the ink onto the desired object by pressing the pad against it. Pad printing is known for its ability to print on curved, uneven, or textured surfaces with high precision and detail. It is widely used in industries such as electronics, automotive, and promotional products.

What is spray painting?

Spray painting is a technique of applying paint or coating onto a surface using a spray gun or aerosol can. It involves the atomization of paint into fine droplets and the projection of these droplets onto the surface, creating a smooth and even layer of paint. Spray painting allows for efficient and uniform coverage, as well as the ability to achieve various finishes, such as glossy, matte, or textured. It is commonly used in industries such as automotive, appliances, electronics and more. The process typically involves preparing the surface, applying a primer if necessary, and then applying multiple coats of paint or clear coat, followed by drying or curing to achieve a durable and attractive finish.

What is surface plating?

Plating, also known as electroplating, is a process of depositing a thin layer of metal onto a surface using an electrochemical reaction. It involves immersing the object to be plated, known as the substrate, into a solution called an electrolyte. The substrate acts as the cathode, while a metal electrode serves as the anode. When an electric current is passed through the electrolyte, metal ions from the anode are reduced and deposited onto the surface of the substrate.

Plating is commonly used to enhance the appearance, durability, and corrosion resistance of objects. It can be applied to various materials, including metals and plastics. Common metals used for plating include gold, silver, nickel, chrome, zinc, and copper. The thickness of the plated layer can be controlled, ranging from very thin coatings, measured in micrometers, to thicker layers for specific applications.

Plating is widely used in industries such as automotive, electronics, and decorative items. It can provide a range of finishes, including shiny and reflective surfaces, as well as a variety of colors and textures. The process can also be combined with other techniques, such as masking and etching, to create intricate patterns or designs on the plated surface.