Case study : Plasticom in resolving parts sourcing challenges #Manufacturing #SourcingParts

In  the manufacturing industry  the  need to  source  specific  parts can sometimes present unexpected  challenges . This case study  explores  a situation where a company facing difficulties  in finding a discontinued  part from previous supplier , sought the expertise of Plasticom, a injection moulding , toolmaking company in Kent. 

Premier Foods , a  manufacturer firm in Kent, encountered  an issue when they  wanted to resource the part from the previous manufacturer. This company has gone out of business and the tooling for this part was lost.   As a result Premier food  who has not purchased this part for a decade , it was crucial to find a reliable alternative.

Engaging Plasticom: Seeking a solution  Premier Foods  approached Plasticom , a renowned  plastic engineering company, known for their expertise in reverse engineering and manufacturing injection parts. Plasticom took immediate action to assess the feasibility of  their project.

THE PROCESS:

  1. Sample collection and application Analysis: Plasticom requested sample of the parts to understand  their  design and functionality . They carefully examined  the application in which the conveyor slats were used to gain comprehensive insights into their purpose and performance
  2. Reversed engineering and 3D printing: Using the samples and the information gathered Plasticom initiated  the reverse engineering process. Skilled  engineers analysed  the part’s dimensions , geometry and material properties . From this analysis a £D part was created allowing  Premier Food  to conduct trials and assess its performance.
  3. Tool manufacturing  and Testing:  Once the 3D sample  was approved, Plasticom proceed to manufacture the new mould tool.  The tool was manufactured and tested on-site ensuring that the quality  and specifications met the customer’s requirements.
  4. Production and Delivery:  Upon final approval of injection moulded samples, Plasticom  commenced production  of the conveyor slat. During the manufacturing   Plasticom maintained  regular updates on the progress. Finally the parts were deliver within the agreed  timeframe.

Results and Benefits : The collaboration  between Premier foods  and Plasticom  yielded several positive outcomes:

  1.  Seamless integration: The  newly manufactured parts seamlessly  fit into  the  production  line without any issues. They have been successfully  running for several months, proving their reliability.
  2. Enhanced durability and Fit:  During the redesign phase. Plasticom  made valuable suggestions that resulted in a more durable and better-fitting part compared to  the original. This  improvement contributes  to the overall performance of the production line.
  3. Effective  communications and timely delivery: Plasticom’ s commitment to  transparent  communication allowed Premier foods to stay informed about the progress of the project.  This ensured  that the parts were delivered on time, minimising disruption to the manufacturing process.

I will conclude the  this case study with the feedback from  Steve Baird – Reliability Performance  Improvement Engineer – Premier foods.

“ We approached Plasticom to assist on our quest, from that moment the whole process was effortless. Due to the suggestions  that were made during the redesign phase , they created a part that is more durable and better fitting than the original part. I would highly recommend Plasticom for all your plastic needs”

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