To some people, DFM (design for Manufacturability) might seem a little overkill or an unnecessary step in the already lengthy process of developing a new product. However, it is one that we at Sofeast take seriously and is a step that pays off time and time again resulting in saving time, money, and headaches down the line. Here’s why tooling DFM is crucial for successful injection molding.
Want more information on china precision plastic injection die manufacturers? Feel free to contact us.
Let’s look at a scenario where you are thinking about skipping tooling DFM: you think you have a great design, and you move straight into mold tool production, however, during mold tool production, unexpected challenges arise. The design needs modifications, leading to delays, rework costs, and a dent in your budget. Tooling DFM would have helped you avoid this nightmare scenario.
By proactively identifying potential issues early on, Tooling DFM saves you from costly fixes later. It analyzes your design through the lens of manufacturability, highlighting areas that could lead to expensive mold modifications or production delays. Addressing these concerns early in the design phase minimizes rework and keeps your project on track, both financially and temporally.
But DFM doesn’t stop there. It also helps you choose the right material for your needs, minimizing waste and reducing material costs. Additionally, a DFM-optimized design translates to smoother production with less downtime and potential machine adjustments, further saving you operational costs. In essence, DFM helps you get the most out of your investment, ensuring every penny counts towards a successful outcome.
DFM also plays a key role in ensuring your injection molded parts meet the highest quality standards. It considers critical factors like wall thickness, draft angles, and gating, minimizing the risk of shrinkage, warpage, and other defects that can impact part quality and functionality.
In the image below you can see our own internal feedback during DFM on a product about the size of the gate and the requirement to add some material on the inside of the rim which shows the level of detail the team goes into during a DFM review to ensure that we have the absolute minimum gate mark on the surface of the product.
#1
Semion Bronsztejn
Start by
Hi y’all:
I am trying to manufacture some small precision parts in Shenzhen/Dongguan China, and I am looking for a factory capable of precision molding. I have at least 2 questions, but as I go along if more questions will arise, so be it.
1. Can someone recommend a Chinese factory, either small or medium size, capable of small part precision molding?
2. How is it possible, if I have never done business with a Chinese factory or it has not been recommended by anyone, to judge if they can actually hold the tolerances they claim they can? Is there such a thing as as a precision mold? Based on claims of the factories, they all have super high precision equipment to make their molds? That means nothing, since what comes out of these molding machines is low precision stuff. Is it possible to tell from the injection molding equipment they have if they are capable of high precision molding? Is there such a thing as a precision injection molding machine? And if so how which type?
I would like, if possible to get some answers. If anyone can help, I would really appreciate it.
Thanks
Semion
Top
#2Jane Wang
Hello Semion,
If you would like to know if this supplier is reliable and capable or not. you may try to approach by below methods.
1) check how many years this company has been established and how many staff of they are.
2) contact them to get their customer lists so that you may contact one or two their customers they are close to your area to see their reputation.
3) for the dimension precision, you can ask them to send you similar products to show you their experiences in doing this kind of project.
4) most important of all, this company must be medium scale and they promise to return the tooling cost on the proforma invoice if they missed to meet your required dimension precision.
Top
#3Yang Ren
Hey Semion,
I think Jane is right!
-The factory history is VERY important, you know some potential customer willing ask how do you to avoid there quality problems, we said, we have there problems 15 years ago, so we can fix the them.
-the dimension precision, beside the molding design capability, the quality system equality important, a good quality system can make sure every pc of the part delivery to you in good quality, you can ask the suppliers to submit you the quality system certificate to you for your reference, BTW, who, which organization, issues the quality system certificate is a key point, a reliable organization can support you to audit the factory's quality system in a good condition, such as DNV, SGS etc,
Good luck to your project!
Top
The company is the world’s best china injection product mold factory supplier. We are your one-stop shop for all needs. Our staff are highly-specialized and will help you find the product you need.
#4Poul Pedersen
Hello Semion
why at all do the job in China
lots of European companies are competitive in this field
Top
#5Ken Adams
Precision what is your interpretation and expectations. It also depends on how small.It is known to hold a 10 micron tolerance on a 10mm dimension but impossible to hold over a 100mm dimension. So called accurate CNC machines are normally only good for 25 microns with normal precision machining. If used in a proper toolmaking environment using a toolmakers method the same machine can hold 5 microns.If you walk round any mould makers premises while they are working you can see if they are toolmakers or just precision machinists.
Top
#6John Linder
Semion,If you contact me directly I will be glad to share some contact information with you. I have been working with companies in the Shenzhen area for over 12 years. There are many capable vendors there. You need to make sure the middle level managers are effective at any source you choose there. This supplier I am talking about has a class 10,000 clean room for small precision molding
Top
#7Maxima
Hi, Semion. We are a manufacturer in shenzhen which products the precision moulds and plastic parts. and always have been established for 10 years in this field.
If possible, please posted me the details. we will solve all issues.
welcome you warmly to visit our factory.
Top
#8Kevin
Recommendations are like spouses. What is good for me may end up in a nasty divorce for you. Everybody wants/needs something different.
a. My recommendation to you is to make sure whatever company recommendation you use come from someone in your industry that does very similar work. That will increase the chance for a blissful marriage.
b. Also, just like with a potential spouse, don't fall in love too quickly. Start slowly with something non-critical like a second source for an existing part. Because the only truly accurate confirmation that they will meet your needs will come from direct experience.
If you want to learn more, please visit our website injection molding thermosets.