Hidden Identity Disc In Finished Product

[plaswire]

Hi - we are commencing PP crate prodution and looking to get a small metal plate 1/2" square (1cm2) into one corner. Any body know if this can be done in the tool? Or are we definitely stuck with post moulding process

Thanks

Andrew Billingsley
Plaswire limited
UK

[oldtool]

I'm an out of work tooling eng. with 32 years experiance. It can be done. I am thinking you want this 1/2 inch plate buried in the plastic. It will indentify whats in the crate ... Right. It can be done as part of the molding cycle but it's a bit complicated.

[plaswire]

Thanks - that si exactly what we want to do. If it can be done during the moulding process, is the degree of complexity such that a post mould operation might be better?

[oldtool]

The yearly quantity of parts will determine if a post process or insert molding process would be better. What is your yearly volume expectations? Do you currently have tooling built? It would be tricky to modify exsisting tools. Does the "insert" need to be totally enclosed? Either way it can be done. It would just take a bit more engineering to totally bury the insert within the plastic. They do this with golf balls. A rubber center is coated with a plastic shell. The rubber is centered in the plastic injected shell. If the insert does not have to be totally engolfed within the plastic a simple insert molding process can be used.

Hope this helps

[plaswire]

Hi, mould not yet built - the disc must be tamperproof and located / inserted such that can withstand usage as a beer crate. Volume 300,000 yearly.

regards


Andrew

[oldtool]

300,000/ yr would be plenty to justify the extra expence to bury the insert. I would think that the safest way to "tamperproof" would be to completely encase the insert in the molding process. You should be able to get quotes for this type on tool with your locale toolmaking vendor.

Good Luck

[Al Hall]

Not a big deal. Put a magnet in the mold to hold the insert in place during molding. Put "ears" on the insert so the crate would have to be destroyed to remove it.