Mono-Operative Molding is a new concept in the injection molding field, in which one engineer is in charge of the entire production process, from writing the DFM to actually producing the product that is sent to customers. The basic premise is to cut production times down to a minimum, whilst retaining quality and traceability throughout the entire process.
The reduction in production time is achieved by:
1. Having a single person in charge of a project, so as to reduce manufacturing confusion and handover and communication errors due to a lack of continuity;
2. Dedicated machine time, slashing production times compared to standard multi-operative injection molding;
3. More time per day spent solely on one project, allowing problems to be anticipated and dealt with immediately.
In order to mold using the mono-operative method, factories need to have dedicated space and machinery, as well as spare staff to undertake the work. Obviously, this is not possible for smaller companies, who employ fewer engineers and do not have the excess space and machine capacity to dedicate to individual production runs.
The production quality, options and material choices are the same as traditional mass injection molding production and maybe even a little better, due to such close care and attention being lavished on one production run. From designing, manufacturing and polishing the mold, to actually producing the part, this is a VIP service which allows you to tailor the product to your exact requirements in the shortest time frame possible. The usual metals can be used for mold production, with the production volume and other options being to the customer’s requirements – the same as any mass molding production run, but much more bespoke!
Producing product using the mono-operative method is obviously higher than traditional mass injection moulding and this is something that customers need to bear in mind when deciding on production methods. However, for the customer who needs a very high quality product and fast, this could be the best and most cost effective production method.