This article will help you understand how to effectively design your products using blow molded plastic manufacturing. If you determine that blow molding is the correct solution for your design needs, please download the Blow-Molding Design Guide for a complete step-by-step overview of the design process and the common questions you will be asked by a supplier.
Here are the four common mistakes companies make during the blow molding design process:
- Designing for the wrong plastic molding process
The two most common types of plastic molding are injection molding and blow molding.Product requirements, including shape, weight, flexibility and tolerances, will determine which molding process is right for you. For a complete overview of these different processes, read the article Blow Molding vs. Injection Molding: Which is right for You? Each process requires different types of molds and machines, and have different economics a purchasing manager should consider when finalizing their design.
- Focusing on Individual Costs Instead of the Big Picture
As a purchasing manager, one of your key performance indicators is your ability to deliver cost-effective solutions. With any plastic molding process, you should consider the total cost of production rather than focusing only on the upfront costs to create a mold. A good supplier will help you understand the economics and payoff periods for various options. Sometimes spending more upfront for a better mold will actually end up saving money over the life of your production cycle. Get answers about design economics and cost estimates for your project here.
- Not using an effective design review process
Designing a new molded plastic product can be challenging. It truly takes a village to ensure that your project meets your functional and aesthetic requirements while coming in at a price you can live with. Build a diverse team! Get input from a wide range of professionals like conceptual designers, engineers, material suppliers, mold makers, processors, and finishers. Each of these people has a different strength that plays a key role in the creation of a successful product.
- Contacting a Blow Molding Supplier AFTER your Design Is Finished
This is one of the biggest mistakes. You don’t need to have a completed design before you request a quote from a supplier. A best practice is to involve a blow molding supplier at the very beginning of the design process. This will help reduce the number of iterations and ensure that your design meets all of your needs. They can also help you plan your production run and avoid unnecessary delays. To learn more about selecting a Blow Molding Supplier, see this article: Blow Molding 101: 11 Questions Every Purchasing Manager Should Ask of Suppliers
Click here to get started on your blow molding project today.