According to the American Chemistry Council, plastic parts are a $371 billion industry in the U.S., accounting for more than 673,000 jobs in resin manufacturing.
There are many different processes used to make plastic parts. Quality manufacturers will prioritize the precision of plastic automotive components. Several factors can impact how fast production takes.
This article covers the main factors that impact turnaround times for custom plastic parts production. Keep reading to find out how these might affect production for your project.
Complexity of Design
Part size and geometry are two major factors influencing production times. Designs with intricate details, undercuts, or thin walls may require more time than simpler ones.
This is related to how long it takes to produce models for the parts. The more complex the design, the greater the chance that several refining steps will be needed.
Production Processes
The part’s design is directly related to another factor that can impact turnaround times: production processes. Each method offers distinct advantages for making certain parts. Likewise, the type of component being made can limit the production processes that can be used.
Injection and blow molding are some of the fastest methods available. They also can maintain elevated production speeds even with high volumes. Thermoforming is another very fast method used for simple parts.
If parts require methods like rotational, compression, or transfer molding, production times will be slower.
Materials
The type of material used to make custom plastic parts is another factor that can influence project turnaround. More readily available plastics can expedite things. Specialized materials that need to be specially ordered or produced will extend the process.
Cooling speeds also can be a major factor. Resins containing plastics like polystyrene, polypropylene, and polyethylene have a much lower thermal mass. This lets heat dissipate quickly. Resitns with materials like polycarbonate or nylon can take longer to cool.
Note that thin-walled parts will cool faster than thicker ones. Also, some production methods, like injection molding, have advanced cooling systems that can mitigate slower cooling times for some materials.
Post-Processing and Special Requirements
A final factor that can influence production times is the amount of post-production tooling required for parts. For instance, trimming, coating, painting, or additional assembly can extend the total production time. Likewise, quality control measures may be more robust for some parts than others.
Customization and other special requirements also can slow down production times. If your parts require branding or unique features, this will impact the total turnaround time.
Find Custom Plastic Parts Production for Your Project
Now that you understand the key factors that impact turnaround time for custom plastic production, you can plan better for your project. An experienced manufacturer can further advise you on materials and processes that can help you meet deadlines.
Headquartered in Michigan, Nova Stevensville has been making custom auto parts for decades. We pride ourselves on meeting the unique needs of each client by leveraging advanced technology by highly qualified staff, coupled with turnaround time optimization. Contact us today for pricing or industry insights into auto parts.
