HI-TECH RUBBERS NEW PRODUCTION PROCESS GUIDE REDUCES PRODUCTION INEFFICIENCES

Process Channels, Design Assistance, and Production through Efficient Processing Methods

July 2, 2003
Contact: Kenneth Dodd
909-676-6112
kdodd@finaltouchmarketing.com

HI-TECH RUBBERS NEW PRODUCTION PROCESS GUIDE REDUCES PRODUCTION INEFFICIENCES

Process Channels, Design Assistance, and Production through Efficient Processing Methods

Anaheim, California (PRWEB) July, 2003 -- HI-TECH RUBBER, Inc., a leading elastomer molder of components for the medical device and commercial industries, has released its Quote-to-Production process chart aimed at supporting design engineers with increased speed-to-market and lower development costs. This flow chart is part of the companys Premier Collaboration Assistance Program whereby device designers and product developers are part of an alliance to better address material and process selection.

As such, the flow chart has been developed to address the elimination of possible inefficiencies experienced within the design process by channeling product design and production through an improved review process. Developed with go-no-go methodologies, each step of the design review-to-production process requires a systematic approach.

From careful consideration of the preliminary 2D/3D CAD drawings, to material and process selection (injection -- cold/hot runner, flashless, transfer), and tooling design, this system ensures that the product will be produced to meet its intended functional, safety, and reliability characteristics as a critical molded component. The process chart is available as a complimentary service and is accessed by visiting the HI-TECH RUBBER Website.

According to Dave Mabie, Senior Project & Marketing Manager, "This system allows the designer to consider multiple materials and manufacturing methods in the early phases of development. This ensures testing on a narrowed field of 'best choice' candidates to assure all functional requirements are met before making a final move-to-production decision.

This not only streamlines the design phase, it sustains an enhanced resolution to design for manufacturing."
Steps followed within the qualification process include Failure Mode & Effect Analysis (FMEA). FMEA considers an early identification of potential molding and mold design inefficiencies as a significant concern that may or may not adversely affect safety and performance.

Other facets of the chart include comprehensive metrology work through performance of DOE/Window Studies, gage R&R, and machine and process capability studies.

For more information of the HI-TECH RUBBER production process guide, contact Dave Mabie at 714-632-7710, ext. 133 or visit the companys Website at www.hi-techrubber.com.

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HI-TECH RUBBER, Inc. the leading molder of elastomers offers the design engineer multiple materials and processes to manufacture elastomeric components for a variety of medical device and commercial application products. Molding processes from prototype to high volume production include flashless, transfer, injection, and cold runner technology. Materials available include silicones, liquid silicones, organics, and TPEs.