RUNNING WITH YOUR DESIGN
Whether from a customer’s pencil sketch or their detailed CAD drawing, the Global Polymer team starts by creating a 3D design that provides a roadmap for moving from concept to production by plastic compression molding. Sometimes we build upon a previous production model; other times we start from scratch. Once the 3D design is firmed up, we create a mirror image for compression molding. The goal is to create a mold that not only meets the functional goals of the part but avoids machining UHMW-PE, because it’s wasteful and adds cost.
CRAFTING TOOLING FOR
MOLDING UHMW-PE
Having long ago discovered few tool builders could produce our UHMW-PE compression molding, we brought the process in-house. This gives us speed, quality control and mastery of another key step in molding UHMW-PE into the parts customers need. An added advantage of machining metal into molds ourselves is it gives us our own R&D department to test new concepts and ideas. And we have plenty of ideas for making things better.
MANUFACTURING YOUR PRODUCT
At Global Polymer, we build or adapt all the presses we use for plastic compression molding. We have the production scale to perform larger projects, but our presses are busy. That’s why we’ve undertaken an expansion adding over 30,000 square feet of manufacturing space and nearly 90 machines. With our proprietary production process and innovative automation, we’ve attained both high volumes and consistency competitors cannot match.
PROBLEMS SOLVED: CASE STUDIES
From skid shoes for agricultural combines to sprockets and rollers for food and drug production to flanges for tank cars, Global Polymer has met the many challenges manufacturers have brought us. A common thread was making full use of UHMW-PE’s durability, weight and other advantages. We’re proud to say we turned those challenges into long-lasting parts and relationships.