Accumold is a micro-molder.
What is Micro Molding?
It relates to a part that is measured in microns and is no bigger than
0.5 cubic inches. Or, it can be a very small feature on a normal sized part. Micro-features include
extremely thin walls, micro-fluid channels or holes. Both micro-parts and micro-features require
very small tolerances, ranging from .001 inch or tighter. They also typically have complex geometries.
Being able to manufacture these parts consistently and repeatably in both prototype volumes and
high production volumes (millions+ parts per year) at affordable prices is Accumold’s strength.
These parts can be found in micro electronics, cell phones, telecommunications, surgical tools,
hearing aids, medical devices, antennas, connectors and more. Packaging and shipping these tiny
parts in lead frames and tape and reel for protection and high-speed handling are also Accumold
specialties.
There is a lot of interest these days about micro-molding, micromolding, minature parts. It's
got a lot of different names and it's created some confusion. There have been countless articles
in the trade magazines recently and the interest has created a whole new look for the injection
molding industry. But what is micro-molding? Part size is one of the obvious elements of micro-molding,
but is it the only element? Or is it simply defined by the size of the injection press? What
about precision, or does the part just have to be small? At Accumold we believe true micro-molding
is much more than size or machine.
Depending on the part complexity and quantity, it can take 4 to 8 toolmakers to design, build and test an average tool. Cross-functional teams of designers and toolmakers work in concert to build tools that capable of producing production-ready parts the first time.
Tools this complex require a special touch, from conception, through tool-making, to parts production, to storage.
No company can manufacture parts consistently and repeatably if they do not have a strong tool project management program in place. When comparing micro-molders, we encourage you to investigate this key process that is frequently overlooked.
Many “new” products are existing products made smaller. Making “everyday” products
cooler looking, smaller, thinner and lighter can be a huge product differentiation technique. As
a design engineer, if you cannot build a smaller mousetrap, perhaps you should consider adding
micro-features to your designs. Accumold can help here, too. Give us a call to see if your next
successful product design can include micro-parts or micro-features.
Free Sample Packet
Get your FREE sample packet of Accumold micro-parts!
See the fit, finish and micro-features for yourself. Who knows, maybe just sorting through some
of these tiny parts will inspire your next design.
