So you have an idea for a great product. Congratulations! But where do you go from here? Maybe you have a prototype, or just a sketch on a napkin, and no idea what to do next. Here is the typical ‘flow’ of a new product or idea on it’s journey to the shelves of retail stores.
Each groundbreaking idea or novel product originates from a concept, often accompanied by initial sketches and potentially patent documentation. At Delaney Manufacturing, we take your foundational materials and develop them into precise 3D CAD drawings. We work collaboratively with you, refining the drawings as necessary to achieve a true representation of your innovation. Accurate drawings are indispensable for various stakeholders, including Patent Attorneys, 3D Prototyping, Investors, Mold Builders, and Manufacturing, among others. Our detailed CAD drawings serve as a fundamental cornerstone in transforming your vision into a tangible product.
Whether you possess a precise prototype or require our expertise to craft one, prototypes are invaluable assets that yield both time and cost efficiencies. They provide the tangible experience of interacting with your innovation – be it through touch, functionality testing, or practical application. Furthermore, prototypes pave the way for market testing and validation, enabling you to gauge reception and make data-driven adjustments. This invaluable feedback loop not only fine-tunes the product but also optimizes the manufacturing process.
If your strategy is to proceed directly to manufacturing, we at Delaney Manufacturing will expertly construct molds and rigorously prepare for production. Following the manufacturing process, we will ensure that the finished product is ready for market entry and poised for shipment to buyers.
On the other hand, if your approach prioritizes marketing at the outset, you can leverage your drawings and prototype to engage stakeholders. This route enables you to secure commitments from investors, buyers, and distributors. With these commitments in place, Delaney Manufacturing will commence mold construction, streamlining the process as we transition into full-scale production.
For those seeking a synergistic approach that integrates both manufacturing and marketing efforts, we offer a parallel strategy. Delaney Manufacturing will adeptly build molds and gear up for production, while simultaneously supporting your efforts to market the prototype or drawings. This combined approach optimizes timelines and aligns manufacturing readiness with market demand.
The flowchart offers a visual representation of the journey from conception to realization for your product, whether you want to head towards manufacturing, marketing, or engage in both simultaneously. This linear depiction of processes ensures that businesses and manufacturers alike can have a clearer understanding of the roadmap and what to anticipate at each phase.
The flowchart begins with the genesis of an idea. As the critical first step, it is where you pen down your innovative concepts, possibly accompanied by drawings or patents. The next step involves the development of 3D CAD drawings, which are crucial for various aspects like patent filing, 3D prototyping, investment procurement, and more. The CAD drawings undergo several revisions until they flawlessly represent the new part idea.
Subsequently, prototypes are created. These are tangible representations of your product that can be tested and analyzed for functionality and design. Prototyping is critical as it saves both time and resources, allowing you to refine the product before entering the manufacturing phase.
The flowchart then diverges into three pathways – Manufacturing Firs, Marketing First, or both. If you choose the Manufacturing First route, molds are built, and production commences, followed by taking the finished product to the market, ready for shipment to buyers. In the Marketing First approach, you can kick-start the marketing campaign with drawings and prototypes, garner commitments from investors, buyers, and distributors, and then venture into mold building and manufacturing.
The flowchart also showcases the possibility of doing both manufacturing and marketing together. In this scenario, molds are built, and preparations for manufacturing are done concurrently with marketing activities.
Overall, the flowchart is a blueprint, illustrating the intricate process of bringing a product from an abstract idea to a market-ready commodity. It highlights the critical steps involved and provides clarity on the options available at various stages of product development.
It’s that easy with Delaney. See our easy to understand flowchart for reference and visit our New Product Development FAQ. Contact us at (941) 225-8209 or [email protected] (* FAST RESPONSE: We make every effort to provide you with a reply to your inquiry on the same business day it is received.)
get a quote
Kickstart Your Project with a Customized Quote! To initiate the quoting process, we ask that you provide us with an in-depth overview of your project. Essential elements such as specifications, materials, desired quantities, and any other pertinent details that may affect the manufacturing process should be included. If available, please also attach CAD drawings and models to ensure that we have a crystal-clear understanding of your requirements.
Our team at Delaney Manufacturing in Sarasota, FL will meticulously evaluate the information you submit. Should we need further clarification or if we believe additional details are necessary, we’ll reach out to ensure nothing is overlooked. We are also here to share our insights, and might propose alternative solutions if they align better with your objectives or budget. Upon thorough analysis, we’ll craft a detailed quote, which will encompass costs, lead times, and our terms and conditions.
When it comes to transforming raw plastic materials into functional components and products, injection molding is one of the most efficient and versatile manufacturing processes available. For those new to this domain, the terminologies and complexities associated with the injection molding process can be daunting. Our goal is to break down the different parts and terms associated with the process, to help you familiarize and become adept with what’s involved.
Informed by the aesthetics, dimensions, functional demands, and environmental considerations, our team is at your service to guide you in choosing the optimal material. Material selection is a crucial precursor to part design as each material carries its own set of design stipulations.
To ensure cost-effectiveness and precision in mold fabrication, part design should be rendered through CAD software. This digital file is instrumental in programming the machinery for mold creation and can also be utilized for prototyping to gain visual and functional insights into the component. We stand ready to support clients in generating a CAD file.
Using the CAD model, we will offer an estimate for mold creation. It is vital to ensure that the mold design being quoted aligns with the production of a high-quality component at the most economical price. Clients obtaining quotes from multiple sources must verify that comparable mold quality is reflected in each estimate. We will supply a specification sheet to facilitate the comparison of quotes.
Our team is equipped to furnish an estimate for the component, based on information ranging from a rough sketch to a comprehensive CAD file with drawings, tolerances, and quality stipulations. The granularity of information shared with us directly influences the precision of the estimate. It’s essential to compare quotes from different sources on an equal footing, and we can share the critical assumptions underlying our quote.
We offer various methods to create prototype components, which can range from simple machining to the development of a prototype mold. The selection of a method is contingent on the client’s intended use for the prototypes. We can suggest and provide the most suitable prototyping alternatives for your needs.
Our industry-standard practice involves an initial down-payment, typically coinciding with the submission of the purchase order and finalized CAD file. Our payment structure is 50% upfront, 40% upon delivery, and the remaining 10% upon approval. This structure balances the mold maker’s upfront costs and safeguards both parties during the approval process.
At this juncture, a consultative meeting involving the client, molder, mold maker, and other relevant entities (e.g., material suppliers) is advisable. This meeting is centered around aligning the part design with the proposed mold design through a structured checklist and establishing a project timeline.
This session entails an in-depth examination of the final mold design. It is highly recommended that the client partakes in this meeting.
During the mold construction phase, questions may emerge. These questions should be addressed as outlined in the Part Design Review. Responses should be documented, and modifications made to the CAD file and drawings as needed. Occasionally, client-initiated design changes may incur additional costs and impact delivery timelines. The next installment of 40% is due upon mold delivery.
Various tiers of mold testing are available to ensure the mold is capable of generating a component that satisfies expectations. We will propose a testing regimen that is reflective of the complexity of the component and the client’s quality standards.
Should the client elect to modify the mold post-initial testing, the final 10% payment becomes due before commencing modification. A detailed quote for modification and any supplementary testing will be provided.
At this stage, the part receives the green light for production, substantiated by written approval. The concluding 10% payment for the mold is required.
Utilizing parts and data accumulated during mold testing, the Quality Manager establishes quality benchmarks and operational guidelines for machine operators and quality inspectors. Quality Control assembles a part book containing this documentation.
It is common practice for the client’s engineering and quality control teams to review and approve the quality benchmarks prior to production commencement.
The inaugural production order activates the integration of the component into our Material Requirements Planning (MRP) system. Delivery schedules are formulated based on material availability and machinery capacity. To expedite the process, clients frequently submit the initial production order alongside the mold purchase order.
Delve into the world of injection molding with our comprehensive glossary that covers everything from A to Z. Whether you’re a seasoned expert in the manufacturing industry or just getting started with your product development journey, it’s crucial to familiarize yourself with the terminology used. This glossary will guide you through the essential terms, providing clear explanations and helping you navigate the intricate process of injection molding with confidence and ease.
A substance added to plastic to alter its properties, such as colorants, plasticizers, or stabilizers.
The component of the injection molding machine where the raw plastic is heated to a molten state before being injected into the mold.
A chemical added to the plastic material which produces a gas as it decomposes, used in the production of foamed parts.
The hollow part of the mold which gives shape to the injected material. When the mold closes, the material is injected into the cavity to form the final part.
The force applied by the clamping unit of the injection molding machine to keep the mold closed during the injection and cooling process.
The system of channels that lead from the barrel of the injection molding machine to the cavities. In a cold runner mold, the material is cooled and ejected as solid.
The part of the mold that shapes the interior of a hollow plastic part.
The total time required to complete one cycle of the injection molding process.
The degree of taper or angle on the walls of the plastic part, which helps in the easy removal of the part from the mold.
Rods in the mold that push the finished product out of the mold after it opens.
The rate at which the molten plastic is injected into the mold cavity.
Excess material attached to the molded part, usually occurring along the parting line of the mold.
The point at which the molten plastic enters the mold cavity.
Similar to the cold runner but is heated, so the material remains molten. This can improve cycle times and reduce waste but is more complex and expensive.
The pressure at which the molten plastic is forced into the mold.
The speed at which the material is injected into the mold, important for controlling the quality of the molded part.
Also known as ejector pins, used to eject the part from the mold.
The tool used in the injection molding process made up of two halves (core and cavity) that come together to form the shape of the part.
The standard parts that hold the core and cavity inserts of the mold.
The space within the mold that is used to shape the plastic material. The plastic is injected into this space, and once it cools and solidifies, it takes the shape of the cavity.
The process of applying force to keep the mold closed during the injection phase. This ensures that the molten plastic stays within the mold cavities.
A process in which an additional layer of material is molded over an already molded part. This can be used for adding a soft grip, change color, or any other functional or aesthetic features.
The line or boundary where the two halves of the mold meet. The parting line is important as it can affect the final appearance and function of the molded part.
Small, typically cylindrical pieces of plastic that are used as the raw material in the injection molding process.
A substance added to plastic to increase its flexibility, workability or distensibility by reducing intermolecular forces.
The process of creating a smooth surface on the mold, which in turn affects the surface quality of the molded part.
A substance made of many repeating monomer units, which are covalently bonded to form long chains.
A polymer material, often in the form of pellets, used in injection molding to create plastic parts. Resin is melted into a liquid before it is injected into the mold.
The channel that guides molten plastic from the injection unit to the cavities of the mold.
The maximum amount of plastic that can be injected in one injection cycle. This term is crucial in determining the capabilities of an injection molding machine.
The reduction in size of the plastic part as it cools and solidifies. Shrinkage needs to be accounted for during the mold design phase.
The feed opening provided in injection molding between the nozzle and cavity or runner system. This is where the molten plastic enters the mold.
The resistance of a material to breaking under tension. It’s important to consider the tensile strength of the plastic material being used, especially for parts that will be under stress in their end use.
Thermoplastic is a category of polymers that become soft and moldable when heated and return to a solid state upon cooling. Unlike thermosetting plastics, they can undergo this process multiple times without degrading. This property makes thermoplastics suitable for various manufacturing techniques including injection molding. Common examples include Polyethylene, Polypropylene, and Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS).
A feature in the molded part that obstructs smooth ejection from the mold, thus necessitating complex mold designs to facilitate the ejection.
The process of allowing gases to escape from the mold cavity. Venting is crucial to avoid defects in the final part due to trapped gases.
A distortion that can occur in the final part if uneven shrinking happens during the cooling phase. It is affected by factors like material selection and cooling time.
A line formed on a plastic part where two flow fronts meet during the molding process. It can be a weak point in the part and must be considered during the design phase.
This glossary is designed to be a resource for both newcomers and veterans in the injection molding industry. By understanding these terms, you can communicate more effectively with manufacturers and ensure that your parts are produced to your specifications.
Have you conceptualized a groundbreaking idea and are now wondering how to transform it into a tangible product? Delaney Manufacturing, an industry stalwart with over 50 years of experience in plastic parts manufacturing, is your ultimate partner in navigating this exciting journey. This step-by-step guide will empower visionaries like you to harness Delaney Manufacturing’s expertise in plastic injection molding and an array of other services to breathe life into your new product ideas.
We can help you take your project every step of the way, from concept to shipping the finished product to Distributors. Use us for every step, or just the ones you need help with.
Drawn for the Injection Molding process
Rapid Prototyping in days, not weeks
Short runs or high volume
Component and Product Assembly
For the retail or wholesale market
Directly to your distribution center
get a quote
Kickstart Your Project with a Customized Quote! To initiate the quoting process, we ask that you provide us with an in-depth overview of your project. Essential elements such as specifications, materials, desired quantities, and any other pertinent details that may affect the manufacturing process should be included. If available, please also attach CAD drawings and models to ensure that we have a crystal-clear understanding of your requirements.
Whether you are:
Our team at Delaney Manufacturing in Sarasota, FL will meticulously evaluate the information you submit. Should we need further clarification or if we believe additional details are necessary, we’ll reach out to ensure nothing is overlooked. We are also here to share our insights, and might propose alternative solutions if they align better with your objectives or budget. Upon thorough analysis, we’ll craft a detailed quote, which will encompass costs, lead times, and our terms and conditions.
