Digital procurement replaces lengthy supplier search and speeds up product development
Supplier bundling: With FACTUREE everything can now be manufactured in casting processes from a single source
Berlin, July 2, 2024 – An engineer is developing a new product and urgently needs a pre-series version for injection molded parts. However, the lengthy search for various suppliers for injection molding, post-processing, and surface finishing would cost him valuable time. FACTUREE (www.facturee.de) offers the complete service from a single source. With its large network of over 2,000 manufacturing partners, FACTUREE can now also supply injection molding processes including rapid prototyping and post-processing. This saves buyers significant time, and innovations can be brought to market more quickly and cost-effectively.
In the industry, product development and innovation cycles are becoming increasingly shorter. When speed is of the essence, "rapid prototyping" significantly shortens the development time. "Rapid prototyping" encompasses various manufacturing techniques that allow prototypes and pre-series parts to be produced very quickly, for example, in preparation for subsequent injection molding series production. This enables engineers and designers to create physical models of parts in the shortest possible time to check their shape, fit, and function before expensive tools are manufactured for mass production.
Injection molding is a popular manufacturing process for series production. It allows the precise and cost-effective production of large quantities with low production costs.
Shortening sourcing processes for fast time-to-market
To fully exploit the potential of these processes, it is essential to avoid obstacles. "The fastest manufacturing process does not fully serve its purpose if buyers or engineers spend valuable time searching for suppliers and the parts still go through different suppliers, from manufacturing to post-processing. This extends the time-to-market," explains Lukas Schlicker, Co-Founder and CPO of FACTUREE.
Digital procurement, as enabled by FACTUREE, provides relief here, particularly by eliminating the otherwise very time-consuming supplier sourcing. At FACTUREE, customers who need a part get everything from a single source: supplier search, technical consulting, manufacturing, post-processing, and surface finishing. This saves time and costs, as the coordination of all steps is done through a single interface.
"In addition to numerous other manufacturing processes, we also offer various types of injection molding processes, including conventional plastic injection molding, overmolding, and rapid injection molding. We leverage our network of established manufacturing partners and select the best combination of price, quality, and delivery time for each customer. This also applies to post-processing. We take the tedious search off the buyers' hands, advise them, and guide them to the best solution for them," says Lukas Schlicker.
The right material for each project
In injection molding, as in other processes, the right material choice is crucial to the success of a project. It is essential to consider whether the product is for indoor or outdoor use and whether high rigidity, flexibility, or resistance to environmental influences is required.
Lukas Schlicker says, "Different materials may be required for each project. To meet the requirements of various applications, there should be a wide range of specific and application-dependent material properties. Injection molded parts can be made from all common materials such as polypropylene, ABS, polyethylene, or polystyrene. Additional material options and a wide range of surface treatments are also part of our portfolio."
Various casting processes for different applications
In addition to injection molding, FACTUREE has incorporated other casting processes for the production of metal and plastic parts, such as pressure and vacuum casting, as well as traditional gravity casting with sand casting and investment casting. These offer specific advantages for different applications, from batch size 1 to mass production.
Lukas Schlicker says, "Pressure casting, for example, is ideal for producing high-precision metal parts with complex shapes and thin walls, such as those needed in electronic housings and automotive components, typically made from aluminum, zinc, or magnesium alloys. This process is particularly suitable for larger quantities. Vacuum casting, on the other hand, is ideal for the fast and cost-effective production of plastic parts with smooth surfaces and fine details. It is therefore ideal for producing prototypes, small series, and decorative parts in industries such as automotive, aerospace, and electronics. It is often used for rapid prototype and pre-series production in preparation for subsequent injection molding series production."
FACTUREE also offers its customers traditional gravity casting processes such as sand casting and investment casting. This classic group of casting processes is suitable for the production of large metal cast parts and can also be used for iron-based materials.
Your contact
