30 Jan 2026
The broken plastic hinge on a toilet seat cover.

What is fatigue strength in plastic parts? Fatigue strength refers to a plastic part’s ability to withstand repeated or cyclic loading over time without cracking or failing. Unlike single-load strength, fatigue strength focuses on how materials behave when stress is applied again and again, even if that stress is well below the part’s maximum strength […]

27 Mar 2016
An up close image of a plastic water bottle cap. You an see the ribs in the plastic design.

Plastic Rib Design Ribs are a great way to add strength and stiffness to a plastic part without significantly increasing material usage or overall part weight. When designed correctly, ribs help prevent flexing, warping, and deformation in large flat surfaces, allowing designers to maintain thinner nominal wall sections. This approach not only improves part performance […]

13 Jun 2013
Plastic utensils made out of biopolymers on a green table.

Finally, there is a green alternative for producing plastic parts. Biopolymers are a different option from petroleum-based polymers that use biologically derived polymers. Going green and corporate responsibility are growing interests for many companies. As world populations increase and natural resources remain limited, manufacturers are looking for materials that reduce dependence on fossil fuels. This […]

02 Oct 2013

Custom plastic products are an integral part of this Country’s economic development and recovery. There is no more versatile material on the planet for use in electronics, medical, automotive, defense, consumer products, toys, and the list goes on. The inventors and entrepreneurs this country generates are well served by considering plastics for a broad range of applications.

28 Dec 2025
A blue ruler with a warped defect, making it curved at one end instead of completely straight.

Understanding Injection Molding Defects Injection molding defects are flaws that compromise a part’s appearance, performance, or dimensional accuracy. While some defects are cosmetic, others can impact structural integrity, function, or downstream assembly, making early detection and prevention critical in production environments. Understanding why defects occur allows manufacturers to make informed decisions around material selection, mold […]

08 Jun 2017
Red, white, and blue plastic polymer granules.

The Role of Plastic Manufacturers in the USA’s Growing Industry There are approximately 90,000 different grades of plastic available to plastic manufacturers in the USA. Categories include adhesives, film, rapid prototyping, recycled, thermoplastic, and thermoset.  This ever-expanding list is due to the fact that plastic is one of the most versatile materials on the planet. […]

23 Nov 2025
A resin sitting within a plastic injection mold cavity.

Shrinkage plays a major role in determining the dimensional accuracy of molded plastic parts. Every resin shrinks differently as it cools, and factors like material type, cooling rate, and mold design all influence how much a part changes size after molding. Understanding these variables helps engineers predict final dimensions, reduce warping, and design tooling that […]

28 Oct 2025
Plastic bottles and caps lined up nicely after being manufactured.

What is sustainable injection molding? Sustainable injection molding refers to the practice of designing, selecting materials, and executing production in a way that minimizes environmental impact while maintaining quality and performance. Rather than simply making plastic parts, it means choosing smarter resins, optimizing energy usage, reducing waste, and extending product lifecycles so the part you […]

When creating a product or part using injection molding, it’s easy to get caught up in that piece’s actual production. Things like material, size, and complexity are all important factors to consider and have a huge impact on production. But what about the look and feel of your product? If your product or part is […]

14 Oct 2016
A checklist on a clipboard with checks made in red marker.

What should I know before getting an injection molding quote?  “I have the CAD drawing. What else could they possibly need?” Does this sound familiar?  Preparing for a plastic injection molding quote may not be as simple as you think.   “…I have the CAD drawing, what else could they possibly need?” While it is […]