Look Sharp

For several years Protomold has been expanding our range of prototypes and production parts we can make by increasing our mould bases and press sizes. At the same time we've been aware of the demand for thinner features and Protomold has begun to incorporate additional technology in our mould making process to allow your parts to be taller and narrower.

For example, we now offer:

• Thinner ribs with less draft
• Smaller, more complex features atop tall walls
• V-ribs for ultrasonic welding

Fig. 1

In the past, taller ribs have required more draft than shorter ones, but with the new technology, this is no longer always the case. On small parts, we now have the ability to consider less draft on deep ribs and sharp corners on outside edges.

These new capabilities do not apply to all parts. Initially, they will be limited to relatively small parts, approximately 76.2mm by 76.2mm, and 25.4mm above or below the parting line of the mould. Within a few months, we will expand the footprint of parts to which the new technology can be applied. As with many of our capabilities, the applicability will vary based on a number of factors. The best way to know whether they apply to your parts is to submit your design to ProtoQuote®, which will evaluate your model against our most current capabilities.

Once you have received your ProtoQuote, you can discuss your project with our Customer Service Engineers by calling us at 00800 77686665. Our CSE's can help you understand how your part is going to be affected by our process and if there are alternatives within the Protomold's process to manufacture your part.

Bottom line: if you want thinner less drafted features on relatively small parts, give us a try. As always, you can upload 3D CAD models to ProtoQuote at www.protomold.co.uk/PartUpload.aspx.

Speaking of "bottom line", this technology does add some cost to the mould. We do add a mould advisory to your ProtoQuote under our "Other Info" column. You can still design to the "old" Protomold rules for draft, and avoid the added expense. Give our CSE's a call at 00800 77686665, and they can help you out.

ProtoQuote®
Interactive Quotes

ProtoQuote is new and improved! Try it out today:

Upload your 3D CAD model and we will e-mail you an informative quote.

ProtoFlow® Analysis
Select ProtoQuotes include a ProtoFlow analysis to predict potential mould fill issues.
Watch a video demo.

Design Guidelines

As always, you can visit the Protomold Design Guide for helpful Rapid Injection Moulding design information.

Plastics Trivia Question

According to sillyputty.com, which of the following is not true?:

 A. Silly Putty® went to the moon with the Apollo 8 astronauts.

 B. On its 50th anniversary, Silly Putty appeared in metallic gold.

 C. In 1961, Silly Putty was exhibited at the U.S. Plastics Expo in Moscow.

 D. Heat-sensitive Silly Putty changes color in response to body temperature.

 E. In the year 1976, the U.S. Bicentennial, Silly Putty was put on display at the Smithsonian Institution.

(Honour System: No Googling, Yahooing, or Dogpiling until after you've submitted your guess.)

Last month's question/results:
According to Captain Charles Moore of the Algalita Marine Research Foundation, the North Pacific Gyre, a circular area of ocean twice the size of Texas, contains an average of how many pieces of plastic flotsam per square mile?:

A. 1,000

B. 10,000

C. 100,000

D. 1,000,000

E. 10,000,000

The correct answer is
D. 1,000,000

The responses are represented in the following chart:

Upcoming Tradeshows

Want to talk in person? Stop by to discuss your design.

 Euromold 2008
3-6 December 2008
Hall #6 Stand # E114
Exhibition Centre
Frankfurt/Main, Germany

 MEDTEC Europe 2009
3-5 March 2009
Hall #4 Stand # 557
Landesmesse Stuttgart
Stuttgart, Germany

 Eurostampi 2009
19-21 March 2009
Hall #6 Stand # J25
Parma Fairground
Parma, Italy

 MEDTEC UK 2009
25-26 March 2009
Hall #19 Stand # 4002
NEC
Birmingham, UK

For more information, visit our web site at Protomold.co.uk.

Suggestions

Please e-mail suggested topics for future Design Tips, questions for future Designer Surveys, and obscure bits of Plastics Trivia to news@protomold.co.uk.