Scientific Molding Process Enhances Precision and Reliability

Statistical analysis aids in superior component consistency.

Published: Friday, June 11, 2010 - 08:40

(MRPC: Butler, WI) -- MRPC, a single-source provider of medical device components and assemblies, continues its commitment to product quality and responsiveness by advancing the application of scientific molding across multiple manufacturing processes.

Scientific molding is a disciplined process-development practice that uses statistical analysis of key variables to enhance the precision and reliability of thermoplastic components. MRPC has expanded this approach to include silicone molding as well.

“For the medical device companies we serve, the quality and performance of components are vital factors in their choice of manufacturers,” says MRPC president Greg Riemer. “Expanding our use of leading-edge processes such as scientific molding helps demonstrate our leadership in those areas.”

Scientific molding requires process engineers to identify optimal material conditions by evaluating factors such as material temperature, flow rate, pressure, and cooling rate during molding process development. The effects of these variables on one another are entered in detailed charts for each material and on every piece of equipment the molder will use. This enables the manufacturer to properly calibrate machinery and produce the same material conditions no matter which molding press is being used. The results are consistent parts and material properties across each lot.

“Our industry has historically relied upon a company’s collective knowledge and experience to develop a molding process,” says Jeff Randall, vice president of engineering at MRPC. “By optimizing material properties and behavior, scientific molding results in more consistent parts and reduced tooling-development lead times.”

Brunson Parish, senior process engineer at MRPC, is leading the company’s advancement of scientific molding techniques into processes not traditionally included in this methodology, such as silicone injection molding. Parish, who has more than 15 years of scientific molding experience, has received extensive training from RJG Inc., an education-based organization that has helped pioneer the methodology.

About The Author

MRPC

MRPC is a single-source provider of innovative medical device components and assemblies specializing in silicone molding, two-material molding and micromolding. MRPC’s extensive experience in the molding industry combined with a commitment to innovation means our engineering and manufacturing services are on the leading edge of technology.