Is it Time to Add Molding Capabilities?

When working with John Berg, marketing directory for MGS Mfg. Group on March's "A Modern Moldmaking Trend" feature, which examines what it actually takes to add molding capabilities (whether for sampling or production molding), he shared some questions you should ask first.

Mold shops that are considering sampling should answer the following questions:

• Are you losing opportunities to shops that can sample in-house?
• Do have existing floor space / easy access to additional space?
• Is your project management team confident in adding this to itsplate?
• Can you quickly find and develop the required talent?

If you keep saying yes, maybe you are ready to make the move.

For mold shops that are considering the transition to sampling capabilities with the longer range plan of production molding should assess their customer base now and what the next five to 10 years may bring. Will molding operations put you in direct competition with the very same companies that brought you to your current position?   

Then look closely at the range of injection molds your shop has completed during the last five years and categorize them by mold size, number of cavities, shot weight, resin, manifold, etc.  It would be cost prohibitive to purchase all the injection molding machines required for every application.