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Metal Detectable Plastics Applications

Metal Detectable Plastics Applications

Could Metal Detectable Plastics solve some of your production problems?

Some industries are givens when it comes to applying plastics with metal detectable capabilities; food processing and packaging are the obvious; but, manufacturing, specifically medical and pharmaceutical supply manufacturing, is fast gaining in utilization and increasing all the time.

Compliance requirements and tolerance capacities for all of the aforementioned industries are constantly increasing as well.

Do you have the knowledge for what plastic resin(s) may best serve you and your project?

It’s not just about contamination issues, which is what we normally think…today we can consider actually producing manufacturing equipment out of plastic resins with alloy additives.

These metal detectable plastics provide options for replacing processing component parts traditionally made from steel and lower performing plastics. Some engineering polymers offer strength, and wear-resistance; think guides and rollers for conveyors, for example.

Possible benefits outside of reduced liability regarding contamination:

·        Reduced wear

·        Lower weight

·        Less noise (compared to metal)

·        Lower cost

·        Resistance to chemicals 

·        Temperature tolerance

However, you must keep in mind that there are multiple types of metal additives for multiple grades of plastics.

You need an expert in plastic choice and how metal detectable plastics may be able to help you on your projects or even in producing your own products.

Part of what you receive in being a Metro customer, is what we call the Metro Advantage…that is, unsurpassed customer service and added value such as guidance in material choice and application.

In addition, there are other resin additives outside of alloys that Metro can help you apply in your manufacturing process. Have you considered the benefits of glass, yet? We can help! 

Precise Applications in Custom Plastic Injection Molding

Precise Applications in Custom Plastic Injection Molding

Elevate your molding experience to a higher level of accuracy 

with precision applications

Tight tolerance is usually considered to be between +/-.002 inches and +/-.001 inches. Fit and tolerance for complex parts in aeronautics, aerospace, medical, and life-sciences are often critical in functionality.

When quality and performance can’t be compromised, the Metro Advantage is for you.

Metro has been a leading authority on plastic injection molding for almost 50 years. Our team has gained unparalleled knowledge of industry-specific practices including precision applications.

The Metro Advantage includes unmatched added value and 3 Major Points of Consideration for your high-precision parts:

1.       Mold design/part design

      a.    Your manufacturer and design teams work with each other from start to finish to optimize design and function for your mold and processing.

      b.   Proper tooling solutions and process conditions including press settings, automation options and quality applications are vital points.

2.       Material selection

      a. Choosing the ideal resin for your part and for the most favorable outcome during production is essential; consider additives and behavior of the material.

      b.  Warping and shrinkage are crucial resin considerations.

3.       Processing

      a. Cooling time, fill time, and gating are among elements to be considered, tested and assessed. Metro’s on-site Metrology Lab provides immediate results and easy communication.

      b. You can rely on Metro Plastics Technologies’ proven processes and precision applications.

To compete at a high molding level, several considerations must go in to the making of a precise part. Any drop in temperature, added moisture, or just the opposite of those can lead to failed parts and unsatisfactory results. Don’t waste time trying to perfect something Metro Plastics already masters. Your precision applications deserve the best molding experience.

Why Transfer Tooling is for You

Why Transfer Tooling Is For You

How would you rate your current molder? This could be a scary question to ask, but if you have been experiencing any pain points, it is important to make time to investigate.

At Metro Plastics, we have compiled a list of the main pain points customers felt with their previous molder. Here is what they said:

Quality Control

In working with complex tooling and parts, it is imperative to ensure the part is accurate in all critical dimensions. Some common issues experienced with other molders were inconsistent dimensions, excessive flash, burns, shorts, and other cosmetic discrepancies. Metro’s Metrology Lab specializes in the automated inspection process to ensure repeatable, accurate results. When you begin your tool transfer to Metro Plastics, our Metrology team first requests sample parts to create a unique, in-spec automated inspection process. This reduces downtime once the tool arrives at our facility and helps the sampling process go smoothly. Our quality technicians are also able to determine any causes for concern in design or manufacturability during this time.

Metro Plastics
^Metro Plastics invests in metrology equipment to suit our expectations of accuracy and repeatability.

Capacity Issues

Limited capacity at a molding facility can inhibit other manufacturing aspects like on-time deliveries. Some of our transfer customers had fallen victim to this with their previous molder at no fault of their own. Metro Plastics is expanding its capacity with three new machines this year to ensure efficient scheduling at the presses.

Proven Process

Our proven process takes your in-spec samples from automated inspection to production within a week once your tool arrives at our facility! A key component to making this process seamless is communication among all departments. If your current molder is lacking communication, you may be experiencing some of these issues: unscheduled production runs, missing deadlines, customer service delayed responses, cosmetic and functional part deformities, lack of capabilities leading to outsourcing, and delay in shipments. Sound familiar? At Metro Plastics, we won’t stop until your part exceeds your expectations.

Metro Advantage

In order to successfully accomplish a tool transfer with the above specialties, Metro Plastics relies on other facets of mindful manufacturing like preventative maintenance.

Preventive maintenance is a key program for a successful manufacturing facility. Metro Plastics has a multi-faceted PM program to ensure just that! We understand your tool is your investment, and we want to preserve your investment to the best of our ability.

Of course, there will always be unplanned situations but avoiding any type of emergency with equipment can really make the difference. Breakdowns and malfunctions mean downtime and downtime means lost dollars and unhappy customers.

Metro Plastics
^Upon a transfer, the tool is inspected and prepped for sampling, later returning for a scheduled PM.

Metro has a custom computer program that helps in scheduling preventive maintenance on all equipment and the tools; this is a valuable piece of the process. Metro generally has somewhere around 600 active molds at any given time (multi-cavity) and over 27 molding presses with each press having a material-dryer and thermolater or chiller and a robot! We will let you mathematicians figure out the number of moving parts there! Without the assistance of a computer program to organize all of this, it would be a very difficult activity to manage.