Noble uses a network of suppliers to achieve product design. Our team brings specialists in tooling, controls, packaging, and electronics together to provide complete solutions for our clients.
Questions often asked about injection molding and automation. As always, we are here to answer any other questions you have through the contact form or directly by phone.
How do robotics become profitable?
Return on Investment calculations to support the use of robotics often consider only direct labor costs, but many more factors contribute to profitability for companies that employ automation. Reduced scrap or rework due to the repeatability of automation, reduced frequency of inspection required, less supervision required, increased uptime and throughput potential, and opportunities to combine manufacturing processes can all add to the profitability of a program.
How do we go from idea to product?
Knowing the best manufacturing method for a product idea lets a design be optimized for that process. Often the “best” method isn’t dependent on the part itself, but on commercial considerations like the number of parts needed, timeline to realization, and limits on capital to allow for investment in equipment.
What are the quality management issues?
Quality management issues are all things that could go wrong leading up to production.
Examples: Supply Chain Complexity, Excess Documentation, Resistance to Technology, Over-reliance on theory as opposed to data presented, Lack of Resources and time.
What is injection molding?
Injection Molding is one process used for mass production of thermoplastic parts. The resins are heated and injected into a closed mold, cooled to solidify into the shape machined into the mold, then ejected as either a finished part or can undergo further manufacturing steps.
What is TQM?
TQM stands for Total Quality Management. TQM is a culture in which everyone from high-level executives to level workers focuses on improving quality. Quality is EVERYONE’S job!
What are the best applications for injection molding?
Injection Molding is usually the most economical method for high-volume parts with features in all 3 dimensions. If only two dimensions are key, parts are generally stamped from sheets or formed in other methods. If parts are essentially long and uniform like pipe or boards, they are generally extruded.
How do you ensure quality standards are met?
Meeting customer quality standards starts with having them defined. Requirements should be more than just dimensions and tolerances, but should include appearance concerns, defined allowances for tool wear, packaging specifics, frequency of inspection, and all required documentation needs.
What is the difference between invention and product design?
The term “invention” is usually reserved for some product or process that has not been proven or patented before. Product design can certainly be part of an invention. Design is the process that shapes an idea or concept and brings it to something that is visual or tangible. You really cannot invent something without some sort of design concept. They are terms that are not mutually independent.
Should software engineers be involved in product decisions?
For products that require firmware or a software application, input from software engineers is critical. If you add a button to a product, the software designer/engineer has to be able to make that button work as the product designer wants it to. Product development is a collaborative effort and anyone who has a responsibility in any stage of the development from idea to putting it in the box for the customer should be involved in product decisions. Roles can be small or larger but all have an impact.