The Benefits of a Manufacturing Partner with Both Vertical and Horizontal Presses
When it comes to manufacturing medical parts, choosing a partner with the right equipment is crucial for ensuring precision, efficiency, and quality. Many third-party parts manufacturers use horizontal presses in their facilities. They typically have more cavities than a vertical injection molding machine, so are able to produce more parts per cycle. But those that also have vertical presses can significantly enhance the production process and the quality of the final products.
Both horizontal and vertical injection molding machines operate based on the same fundamental principles of injection molding. A vertical injection molding machine employs vertically oriented clamping and injection units and uses gravity to help the molten resin fill the mold cavity. It offers greater flexibility in terms of production efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and the variety of products it can handle. Horizontal injection molding machines are well suited for larger, complex components, vertical presses are ideal for insert molding and producing small, intricate parts with tight tolerances.
A manufacturer that leverages both vertical and horizontal molding machines can be the most efficient and cost-effective partner for medical device manufacturing. Here’s why:
Advantages of the Vertical Injection Molding Machine
While both types of presses play an important role in producing medical equipment parts, vertical injection molding presses offer several unique advantages.
1. Accessibility
The machine’s vertical design enables workers to more easily access the mold from the top, allowing quicker mold changes and reduced downtime. The press’s configuration of open clamps and rotary tables also enables concurrent pre-molding, molding, and post-molding operations, which can lead to reduced production times.
2. Consistency
Vertical presses are particularly effective for insert molding, where pre-formed components are placed into the mold before injection. Gravity helps keep the inserts in place, reducing the risk of misalignment and defects, and ensuring more consistent part quality.
3. Ease of Automation
Vertical injection molding machines are well-suited for automated operations, including over molding and multi-shot processes, enhancing efficiency.
4. Versatility and customization
Vertical machines are versatile and can handle a wide range of manufacturing processes, including insert molding, over-molding, and multi-component molding. This versatility allows manufacturers to meet diverse customer needs and produce parts with tight tolerances across various applications.
The Benefits of Using Horizontal and Vertical Molding Machines Together
It’s clear that a vertical injection molding press offers significant advantages — but customers can achieve the highest degree of flexibility, cost-effectiveness, and precision by choosing a manufacturer that offers horizontal and vertical presses.
- Flexibility and Optimized Production Processes: With both types of injection molding presses, a manufacturer can offer a wider range of molding solutions and accommodate more diverse product requirements. This gives them the flexibility to select the most appropriate machine for each project to ensure efficiency and quality.
- Expanded Capabilities: With both types of machines available, the company can offer a wider range of services, including insert molding, over-molding, and multi-component molding. This expanded capability set allows customers to fulfill diverse manufacturing needs through a single supplier. With the addition of other secondary services, customers can use one partner for end-to-end part manufacturer, saving time and money.
- Cost-effectiveness: Manufacturers can offer more competitive pricing by using the most efficient machine for each project. Vertical machines, for instance, may be more cost effective for certain applications due to their space efficiency, reduced material waste, and faster cycle times for insert molding.
- Broader expertise: A company that operates both types of machines employs a team with broader expertise across different products and production types. This can contribute to more effective problem-solving, innovative solutions, and optimized production strategies — all of which can contribute to a better customer experience and higher-quality products.
A medical equipment parts manufacturer that has both horizontal and vertical injection molding machines in their facility can provide customers with tailored solutions that optimize quality, efficiency and cost-effectiveness across a wide range of requirements. To learn more about what to look for in a partner, download our eBook, “The Ultimate Guide to Vetting Quality Medical Equipment Partners.”
