09 Jun 2025
A hand selects 4 stars out of 5.

What is product testing?  Product testing is the process of evaluating a product’s performance, appeal, and market fit before mass production. It includes creating a prototype, gathering user feedback, and making improvements — all with the goal of reducing risk and improving product-market alignment. For startups and small businesses, the phrase “test before you invest” […]

25 Jul 2019
A pile of colorful geometric cubes

We are blessed to be living in the age of information. Whether it’s historical publications, how-to videos, scientific data, conspiracy theories, or suppliers for a product you’re looking for, most people in America have it all at their fingertips. Unfortunately, this can also be a curse and create “decision constipation” for some. So, the question […]

13 Feb 2016

Rex Plastics Product Development Plastic Part Design Fundamentals Draft Angle   In this edition of our Product Development series, we’ll briefly overview a fundamental concept for plastic part design, ‘draft angle’. Draft angle, or ‘draft’ is essential for all plastic injection molded products. It facilitates the removal of the part from the mold.  Adding draft […]

12 May 2025
A CNC router works on a piece of wood.

If you’re researching CNC machining options for your next project, you’ve likely come across several different tools — namely the CNC router, CNC mill, and CNC lathe. Each of these machines plays a key role in manufacturing and prototyping, but they differ in capabilities, ideal materials, and applications. In this article, we’ll break down the […]

14 Apr 2025
An upturned, opaque plastic food tray on a wooden table.

When you’re planning a new plastic product, choosing the right manufacturing method is critical. Two popular options are injection molding and thermoforming. Each process comes with its own strengths, costs, and design capabilities — so picking the right one can make all the difference in your project’s success. In this guide, we’ll dive into what […]

27 Mar 2013

While a change to a product after launch can be quite expensive, making changes during the design stage is relatively inexpensive. Plastic part design is no exception. With today’s CAD software, it has never been easier to visualize, test, and modify designs. The Cost of Change    A well-designed plastic part involves numerous variables that […]

17 Jun 2015

Rex Plastics Product Development Plastic Part Design Fundamentals Injection Molding Plastic design is the building block of plastics manufacturing, and can make or break not only the initial investment required to get a product launched, but the long-term profitability of that product. In this series, we will discuss the fundamentals of this very important component […]

A twenty dollar bill slithers through two metal gears. The number 20 on this US dollar is clearly visible.

Scaling up to production cost efficiently involves optimizing processes and minimizing costs without compromising quality. By carefully planning each step and leveraging the right resources, you can achieve a seamless transition from prototype to full-scale injection molding production.   Is injection molding expensive? Injection molding can be perceived as expensive due to the initial costs […]

16 Aug 2021
Three plastic cases rest on top of a stack of more plastic cases

Understanding Mass Production Mass production is the backbone of modern manufacturing, enabling companies to produce large quantities of products efficiently and cost-effectively. This production method involves the use of standardized processes and assembly line techniques to create identical items on a large scale. By using mass production systems, manufacturers can meet high demand, reduce labor […]

07 Jul 2021
white rapid prototype ball

Manufacturing plastic prototypes – where to start The first step in every product’s life is prototyping. Whether it’s a brand new idea or an improvement on an old design, prototyping allows designers to test products before going to production. From consumer goods to industrial, every field across every industry benefits from the ease and affordability […]