Secondary Operations

The injection molding process is lengthy, with many steps occurring before and after plastic flows through a mold. Before committing to a full production run, part and mold design, as well as mold validation and testing, must be in place. Afterward, the process continues with secondary operations. 

At Reliant Worldwide Plastics, we emphasize quality, reliability, and versatility every step of the way, including after the initial molding. Read on to learn more about these secondary operations.

What Are Secondary Operations?

Secondary work includes any undertaking that happens after the initial molding. These efforts ensure the proper fit and finish on parts. Rather than taking delivery of parts immediately upon molding, our partners can request various secondary machining and finishing services based on their needs. We maintain an extensive array of secondary machines to support these processes, and we leave space in project timelines for such operations to ensure efficient turnarounds.

With supply chains experiencing strains and global sourcing becoming more complicated, there are major advantages to using a domestic team like us to complete your project. At Reliant, clear communication, convenient accessibility, robust experience, and in-house capabilities equal success.

Inserts

Complete Coverage for Essential Secondary Workflows

There are many ways Reliant will support your project after the initial molding process. As our goal is to minimize the amount of outside-vendor work needed, unifying operations under one roof ensures both cost-effectiveness and speedy project completion. The result: maximum ROI and top-notch product quality, which is just as important at the stage as it is during design and manufacturing.

Our secondary services include the following:

  • Trimming, for removing the fine “flash” (excess plastic) that appears along the parts. 
  • Ultrasonic welding, for including metallic objects and fasteners in plastic parts without compromising structural integrity or the plastic’s other properties.
  • Function testing, to ensure every part performs to the level specified by the project. 
  • Assembly and light manufacturing, to assemble multiple parts on-site for end-user convenience.
  • CNC Fabrication, which uses a Diversified Machine Systems (DMS) 5 Axis CNC router machine, to finish precision parts. Our CNC machine allows us to control tolerances for the strictest of standards, and our use of vacuum fixtures enables us to run multiple parts at a given time.
  • Painting, silk-screening, and pad printing, to achieve desired visual attributes or branding.
  • Bonding and heat staking, to combine parts made from different plastics into one durable assembly.

Prepare Your Plastics for Additional Assembly With Our Inserts

We provide an extensive insert service for affixing bolts, screws, and other attachments through accurately placed receptors, and can work with any insert your application requires. Ultrasonic welding, heat staking, and our assembly operations all involve the addition of inserts into molded plastic parts. This service delivers convenience for projects that require the assembly of multiple components.  

Since our founding in 1968, the “state of the art” in plastic inserts has changed many times — as have the processes used for installing them. Our clients can rely on the most up-to-date expertise in this area. Leading the way with our deep understanding of today’s industry standards and best practices, we continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible as new product applications evolve.

To support diverse project requirements, we use several insert designs, which we can manufacture from materials based on the attributes you require. We use multiple installation methods, including press-in, molded-in, ultrasonic welding, and heat staking — all carried out to exacting specifications.

Always on the cutting edge, Reliant welcomes a challenge. In fact, we encourage you to submit your requests based on whatever material or insert application you require. Reliant is ready to assist with innovative secondary operations, from niche specialty projects to major production runs.