| Dip Molding |
| Does Steere
have standard tooling sizes available? |
|
Yes! Please refer to the Standard
Tooling Listing located under the dip
mold menu page. |
| Is custom
tooling expensive? |
|
The costs for dip molded tooling are the most
economical of any plastic molding process. Prototypes are available quickly with design
changes made easily. |
| What is the
largest part you can dip mold? |
|
Steere can dip mold a part up to 20" I.D. by
22" I.L. |
| Are PVC
materials resistant to extreme temperatures? |
|
 Steere PVC formulations can resist
temperatures from -20º Fahrenheit to 160º
Fahrenheit for extended periods of time. Short-term
heat resistance is somewhat greater. |
| Does Steere
have any UL® approved materials? |
|
Yes. Our SM1250 is UL® -94V-2 approved. |
| Can you
formulate a material and color exclusively for my product? |
|
Yes. Let our experienced chemists and brand-new,
state-of-the-art lab go to work to create a compound or color that is a perfect match for
your application. |
| What material
durometers (levels of material hardness) does Steere produce? |
|
We have various materials available from a 33
(softest) to 96 (hardest) Shore A scale durometer. |
| Please explain
the dip molding process. |
|
 Basically, dip molding involves heating a metal tool shaped
to the internal dimensions of the required part, and immersing it in a tank of cold liquid
PVC (polyvinyl chloride), or plastisol. The tool is removed from the dip tank, carrying
with it a coating of plastisol. The coated metal tooling is then placed in an oven for
curing. After cooling, the plastisol part is removed from the metal tooling as a finished
product. The dip molding process is
adaptable both in its materials and design capabilities and is generally restricted to the
production of PVC moldings. However, it offers advantages such as modest tooling cost and
the ability to produce small or large quantities, in complex or simple shapes, without
size restriction. Because of low tooling costs, prototypes are produced within a matter of
days. Small product lots become economical with the process, and a wide range of colors
and finishes are available. |
|
|
|
| Blow Molding |
| Why should I
use blow molding to produce a part? |
|
 The ability to reduce components via
part consolidation, simplify design (core removal is not required), and minimize weight
all favorably impact part and tooling costs. |
| What
types of parts can be blow molded? Do you have experience molding convoluted parts?
|
|
The part must be hollow and the part design can
not include critical internal dimensions. Blow molding is excellent for controlling
exterior features and dimensions. |
|
Our experience molding convoluted
parts is extensive, including components created for Chrysler, GM/Delphi, Siemens,
Purodenso and Purolator. |
| Do you offer
design assistance? |
|
Yes. With nearly three decades of blow molding
expertise, our engineers will guide your project from concept to production. |
| What are the
average tooling costs involved? |
|
Actual costs are highly dependent on the
configuration of the part. Generally, the tooling costs involved with blow mold
manufacturing are substantially less than those associated with injection molding. |
| Can I transfer
CAD files electronically? |
|
Yes. We accept data in CATIA, Pro/E, IGES, DWG and
DXF formats. Data can be transferred via the
Internet, direct modem connection, 3.5" floppies, 4mm DAT tape, and 8mm tape.
E-mail files to engineering@steere.com. |
| Please explain
the blow molding process. |
|
A brief explanation begins with thermoplastic
resin. The resin is heated to a molten state and extruded through the die head to form a
hollow tube called a parison. The parison is dropped between two mold halves, which close
around it. The parison is inflated, the plastic solidifies as it is cooled inside the
mold, the mold opens, and the finished component is removed. |
|
|
|
| Dual
Process™ Overmolding |
| What is Dual
Process™ overmolding? |
|
 Overmolding technology is a means of placing materials with differing hardness,
flexibility and temperature properties along the length of a part. |
| Where is this
process currently used? |
|
Dual Process™ technology is currently used in
automotive and truck air induction systems. |
| Why should
this process be used instead of conventional technology? |
|
- Costs reduced up to 25%*
- Permanent, leak-free joints between different
materials.
- Precise control of joint positions.
- Joins chemically dissimilar materials.
- One-piece construction simplifies assembly and field
servicing.
* Percentage based on prior air duct design.
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