Companies no longer need in-house expertise and machinery to get their product manufactured.
Navigating the manufacturing process can be daunting. Design must be optimised for a specific material and manufacturing process. For each tweak of the design, all data has to be shared again with the toolmaker. The tool must be designed for that one machine in another company’s mouldshop. So many traps that one can fall into and bring the project to a halt. Managing a manufacturing project in-house would require recruiting tooling and moulding engineers. Recruiting and training them can be long and costly.
That’s why we offer flexible solutions tailored to your needs. Whether you prefer to hand over the entire manufacturing process or only specific parts, we’ve got you covered. Our aim is simple, running your project while saving time and money
Our experienced engineers are here to work alongside you every step of the way, providing expertise and support to ensure your project’s success. From managing design changes to coordinating with suppliers and handling CAD transfers, we take care of the details so you can focus on what matters most – your vision.
At LBFG, we are committed to transparency and trust in everything that we do. We prioritise keeping you informed and involved throughout the manufacturing process, providing regular updates and open communication. You can have complete peace of mind knowing that dedicated professionals are guiding your product’s progress every step of the way. Let us handle the complexities while you remain in control – that’s the LBFG promise.
Definition of the project specifications
At this crucial stage, we invite you to engage in meaningful discussions with our dedicated team of engineers. Through these collaborative meetings, we aim to ensure a thorough understanding of your project’s unique requirements. Together, we’ll meticulously review the specifications, delving into the finer details to gain clarity on every aspect of your vision.
These sessions serve as a platform for us to share our expertise and insights, guiding you through the options available in manufacturing processes and materials. Our experienced engineers will provide tailored recommendations, carefully considering factors such as functionality, durability, and cost-efficiency for each part of your project.
By actively involving you in this process, we strive to foster transparency and empower you to make informed decisions every step of the way. Your input is invaluable in ensuring that we develop your product, just as you need it.
Material and process choice
Understanding the optimal manufacturing process for your project is crucial, and our engineers are here to guide you through it. Depending on your project’s specifics and the quantity of parts needed, we offer both 3D printing and injection moulding solutions, each with its own set of advantages.
For small production volume and prototyping, 3D printing often proves to be the more advantageous option. With 3D printing there is no need to spend time and money to develop an injection mould, the parts can be made straight away. This is ideal for prototyping during the design phase and for project that would call up to 6’000 parts per annum. Additionally, 3D printing allows for shapes that would not be possible with traditional manufacturing methods. 3D printing regroup several additive manufacturing process, each with their pros and cons for visual appearance and mechanical properties.
Conversely, for medium to large production, injection moulding emerges as the preferred choice. While there is an initial development cost and lead time associated with the design and manufacturing of the mould, once in production, the per-part cost decreases significantly. Additionally, for most parts, injection moulding cycle time is greatly reduced compared to 3D printing.
At LBFG we work closely with you to assess your project’s requirements and recommend the most suitable manufacturing process for your needs. Whether it is 3D printing or injection moulding, we are committed to delivering optimal results tailored.
Injection tool design and manufacturing
We understand the critical importance of injection moulding tools in achieving the highest quality parts at the lowest possible cost. That’s why we collaborate closely with our trusted toolmaking partners to design and manufacture tools that meet your exact specifications.
Whether you require tools made in the UK, Europe, or the Far-East, we have the flexibility to accommodate your needs and budget constraints. We carefully consider factors such as supplier expertise and part design intricacies to determine the most suitable manufacturing location for your project. At this stage we will undertake injection moulding computer simulation to validate the process and part before starting the tool manufacture.
Throughout the toolmaking process, our dedicated engineers meticulously monitor every stage of production. From initial design to final inspection, we provide regular updates and detailed progress reports, complete with photos, to keep you informed every step of the way..
Tool maturation
Tool maturation is a critical stage in the injection moulding process, where the quality and performance of the tool are put to the test. Our experienced engineers are actively involved in every step of this phase to ensure the utmost precision and reliability.
When the toolmaker is ready to inject plastic into the mould for the first time, our engineers are on-site to oversee the trials. They meticulously evaluate the quality and workability of the tool as well as the parts it produces, checking for visual quality, dimensions, geometry and assembly with other parts where applicable.
After each trial, a comprehensive trial report is generated and shared with you, providing detailed insights into the performance of the tool and the quality of the parts produced. Samples are also sent for approval, allowing for transparent communication and collaboration throughout the process. Typically, there are three trials per tool at intervals of a few weeks, allowing for adjustments and refinements as needed. While customers are welcome to attend the trials if they wish, they can trust that our engineers are diligently monitoring and managing the process on their behalf.
Once the final trial is successfully completed and the parts are approved by the customer, the tools are deemed ready for production. Depending on the customer’s preferences, we can either ship the tools to their selected production facility or handle the production ourselves in collaboration with our manufacturing partners.
Production
The start of production marks the culmination of meticulous planning and preparation, where we bring your project to life on a large scale. Depending on the requirements established during the design phase, production may be carried out through either injection moulding or 3D printing processes.
Throughout the production process, our dedicated engineers remain closely involved to ensure adherence to customer specifications and requirements. They oversee the initial production batch, ensuring that processes are established correctly and conduction rigorous quality control checks to guarantee the integrity of the parts. Quality control measures, established during the design phase, are rigorously implemented. This ensures that every part meets the highest standards of quality and performance.
Depending on your preference, parts can be shipped either assembled or not, in packaging formats agreed upon in advance to facilitate seamless integration into your supply chain. In addition to production oversight, our partners conduct regular maintenance of injection moulding tools in accordance with manufacturer guidelines and specifications. This proactive approach ensures optimal tool performance and longevity throughout the production life of your project
At LBFG, we are committed to delivering excellence at every stage of the production process, providing you with the assurance and peace of mind that your project is in capable hands.
Start your project today!
From tool design to full-scale production, LBFG is your partner for precision injection moulding in the UK. Our combination of technical expertise, trusted suppliers, and commitment to quality means your project is in safe hands from start to finish.