Frequently Asked Questions
Question:
Answer:
What is Freeform Polymers?
Freeform Polymers is a manufacturing facility that specializes in plastic injection molding and mold making. A plastics company with full turn key service to help with the entire production process from initial design and prototyping to assembly and shipment of the final product.
What type of client does Freeform Polymers usually work with?
Freeform Polymers is in a unique position that allows us to work with all sorts of clients where we are able to provide the resources necessary to work with large organizations that are mass-producing a few detailed pieces. While our location and size enables us to help local inventors trying to get their idea into the market or startups with prototyping and small batch production as well. Freeform Polymers will help you with your design goals no matter how big or small.
What is the value of having Freeform Polymers doing assembly for us?
Often young companies choose to assemble their product themselves in an attempt to keep costs down. While it usually lowers the immediate spending, it will end up costing more in the long run. Once this is done the company now must focus on the assembly part of production to ensure quality is upheld. You have to hire somebody, train them, and oversee quality assurance for your product. Using the assembly services from Freeform Polymers allows you to skip the hassle while putting that time and money into marketing and selling your product.
How does US and Overseas pricing differ on molds?
Convenience, cost, and quality are the major factors in deciding between domestic and international manufacturing partners. Typically molds made by Freeform Polymers are about 20-30% more expensive than molds made with our partner in China/India. However, molds from Freeform Polymers can be built in less than half the time it takes to design, build, and ship it to the U.S. The customer needs to assess their timeline and if they can financially absorb the wait, if so it might make sense to go overseas.
What is the lead time for mold manufacture?
Freeform Polymers can manufacture many types of molds. We can 3D print molds, aluminum, steel or stainless steel molds. 3D printed molds can be completed in as little as a week. It all depends on the complexity of the part that is being molded. Currently we can turn a steel mold, for a simple part, around in just under two weeks while some of the more complex designs can take up to 6 weeks.
Does Freeform Polymers run regrind?
We have the ability to grind and reapply regrind into our machines. If the customer requests, and the design allows, we can use regrind in the molding process.
What kind of plastics does Freeform Polymers use?
We are able to run a variety of plastics including; PVC, nylon, PC, ASA, PP, PC/ABS, ABS, TPU, TPE and more. We are unable to run silicone or peek at this time.
What manufacturing capabilities does Freeform Polymers have?
We offer a full service machine shop including; CNC, EDM wire and sinker, TIG, MIG and micro TIG welders, lathe and more. We also have ESD grounded assembly areas with ultrasonic welder, pad printer, and a press. For all of your 3D printing needs, we have a STRATASYS Objet 260 3D printer, capable of printing in a variety of colors and plastic types. We can also use it to print small molds for injection molding in smaller batches.
What happens if Freeform Polymers needs a mold to be repaired?
We repair, modify and maintain all our molds here in house with our full service shop. In addition, a portion of our machine work is performing work on molds sent to you us by customers.
Will Freeform Polymers use an existing mold to make plastic parts?
We are always open to receiving molds from other shops. If you have already have a mold made you can bring it to us and, if possible, we will produce plastic parts from it. With our ISO 9001:2015 system, you are guaranteed quality parts and service at a competitive price.