Molded Devices Inc. (MDI), headquartered in Riverside, CA, has invested in upgrading the company's Tempe, AZ injection molding operations. Improvements to the 40,000-sq-ft facility include new equipment in the quality lab consisting of a new 28" x 40" programmable Zeiss Coordinate Measuring Machine (CMM) with an articulating head and automated tool changer. An 18" x 18" automated 3-axis Ram Optical video measuring system with dynamic edge technology was also added. Both of these inspection machines are designed to reduce inspection time and eliminate human error in the inspection process.  

All of the inspection equipment is connected to statistical process control software as a part of MDI's continuous improvement program. Hand-held measuring devices were also replaced to incorporate wireless communication with SPC software.

Five new Arburg injection molding machines were purchased to offer expanded capacity and the latest, state-of-the-art molding technology. This gives MDI a total of 14 injection molding presses ranging in size from 33 tons to 440 tons. The addition of the machines also meant a reconfiguration of the manufacturing floor to optimize productivity. The new layout included moving storage and mold maintenance closer to the point of use. Raw materials and finished goods storage areas were also evaluated and changed for cost control improvements.

"The current upgrades to our molding machinery as well as to our quality lab ensure that we are on the path to six sigma molding capability," said Tom Star, president of MDI's Tempe molding operations. "From an injection molding standpoint, MDI has transformed itself into world-class supplier to a variety of markets. The changes we have made at MDI's injection molding facility reflect our commitment to best-in-class service, quality and technical capabilities."

Additionally an Omni-Mark moisture analyzer was added to ensure proper drying of the engineered resins in use and an Avalon Vision "mold watcher" video system was installed to improve mold protection and monitoring of molding conditions.

"We will continue to develop automation offering it a key capability to our cost-down strategy we offer our customers," Star added.

The improvements in the facility and installation of additional equipment are complemented by an in-depth employee training program from A. Routsis Associates, a provider of interactive online plastics training solutions for manufacturing, resin processing, engineering and design. The training is performed with self-paced interactive software including the extensive use of videos. Each training module includes certified testing to ensure comprehension of the training material.

MDI's Tempe injection molding facility offers value-added services including assembly, sonic welding, decorating and in-house tooling build and maintenance. MDI's injection molding operation serves the medical, firearms, lawn and garden, military, automotive and home improvement markets.

MDI consists of a family of companies specializing in dip molding, dip coating and injection molding of precision components. In addition to Riverside and Tempe, MDI's facilities are located in Miamisburg, OH; Sellersville, PA; and Oshkosh, WI. MDI offers the largest dip molding operations in North America, using both automatic and manual systems in our FDA approved facilities to provide quality moldings of vinyl, plastisols or PVC in a wide range of colors and finishes to meet customers' requirements. MDI's dip coating operations, Plasti-Coat, has a skilled staff using automated and manual techniques to apply vinyl or Plastisol coatings directly onto parts for a durable finish that is comfortable to the touch. Plasti-Coat is FDA and MIL spec approved.