| plastic moulding design |
| Q: I've got an idea for plastic moulding or vac forming but no CAD data - How do I get to the next stage ? |
| A: We can turn your idea into 3d designs & on your approval, make finalised designs & models, all at set prices |
| Q: I'd like you to quote for making my new invention in plastic but my design is confidential. Can you help ? |
| A: Simply download & complete our confidentiality agreement, we'll countersign & return it so that you can either fax, e-mail or post us your design or visit us to discuss your design in further detail. |
| Q: I've made a working prototype of my invention which I'll need you to make in plastic, but should I patent it ? |
| A: It's your choice, but patents are expensive & time consuming. Registered design is cheaper & provides registered protection of your design. For more help, view Exploit your ideas at the business link web site |
| Q: I've had product designs done in the past which didn't adhere to my design brief & were impossible or too expensive to manufacture. I want to be more involved in the design - is this possible with your design service ? |
| A: You can work on a one to one basis with our designers to ensure your design brief is met and as our designers are moulding engineers, they'll ensure that your design is cost effective and ready for production. |
| SLA SLS & machined plastic models |
| Q: Before making mould tools can you produce test part/s for me to try in my assembly ? |
A: Yes ! We can create or use your CAD models to make model/s for you. SLA model/s look good and can be painted in your company colours, whereas SLS models are better for robust working models with snap fits, living hinges etc.
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| Q: I need some models made in a specific material & so, SLA / SLS models aren't suitable. Is there an alternative ? |
| A: If you need the models made in a resin close to the final moulding material, SLA models can be used to make 10-20 vacuum cast models However, for models with properties closest to the finished moulding, cnc machined plastic models are the best solution. |
| Q: I've bought 50 standard plastic cases but I need holes added to allow my cables to pass through. Can you help ? |
| A: Yes - holes, apertures or text can be cnc machined in order to add the features you need on the plastic cases. |
| hot foil & pad printing on plastic mouldings |
| Q: I need my logo & contact details pad printing on my mouldings. What do you need from me ? |
| A:
To make the artwork we need high quality, scalable, black on white graphic images (PDF, EPS or Adobe Illustrator format) & a separate drawing/sketch with the printing dimensions, colours & positions on the moulding. If you need e.g. a red logo with black text, please e-mail two images, 1 of the logo & 1 of the text. |
| Q: The area of the moulding I need the printing on is curved. Is this possible ? |
| A: Yes - pad printing is very good for printing on curved surfaces. It is also possible to do so with hot foil printing, but it is harder to do and sometimes needs specialist machines. |
| Q: Which process is best for me pad printing or hot foil printing ? |
| A: There are advantages of both processes. In brief, pad printing is very good for printing on curved surfaces, printing multiple colours and printing sophisticated designs, whereas hot foil printing is quicker, cheaper per print and to set up and doesn't require post printing drying time but is limited on the number of colours per print. |
