In the last decades, the injection moulding industry in the UK has experienced excellent growth and played a remarkable role in the British manufacturing sector. Injection moulding is a mainly used manufacturing process that involves creating precise and intricate plastic parts by injecting molten thermoplastic into the moults.
Identifying the best companies in the field is crucial for businesses and individuals seeking high-quality injection moulding solutions. These companies possess the expertise, advanced technology, and track record of delivering exceptional products and services. There has been a move to reshoring over the past few years, with global political uncertainty and increasing shipping costs being only 2 of the drivers.
Finding the right injection moulding company ensures access to state-of-the-art machinery, skilled professionals, and efficient production processes. It allows businesses to meet their manufacturing needs, whether for automotive, electronics, medical, or consumer goods industries.
One great way of identifying and accessing injection moulders is through the British Plastics Federation.
Now what is BPF ( British Plastics Federation )? Generally, it is a UK trade association that represents the plastic Industry. It is one of the leading companies in the Uk that was founded in 1933. It provides access to various services and resources designed to help multiple businesses succeed in their industry. These include getting hold of industry research and data, technical and regulatory help, and networking opportunities throughout the sector.
With over 500 member companies, including plastics recyclers, polymer suppliers and distributors, additive suppliers, service providers, plastics processors, packaging manufacturers, equipment suppliers and more – the BPF represents over 80% of the UK plastics industry by turnover.
The BPF has over 100 moulding companies within its membership, many of which are trade moulders. These companies offer a diverse range of services. If you are looking for a company to manufacture a plastic product by injection moulding, to have a new tool manufactured, or even to get a rapid prototype produced, the BPF can point you in the right direction.
When choosing the proper injection moulding partner, there are numerous things that you should see when selecting a new supplier. First, you should check how much experience they have in this field and their reputation.
A reputable company will seek to achieve certain standards in all areas, especially ISO9001. Testimonials from existing customers can tell you a lot about a prospective supplier. How many moulding machines are there on site, and what are their capabilities?
This can ensure flexibility in case of machine breakdown or multiple tooling requirements. Is the prospective company experienced in multiple industries -The more diverse the supplier, the more advanced their design and technical support and manufacturing skills.
Do they have an experienced in-house design and tool manufacturing team? An injection moulder with an in-house design team is best placed to optimize the design for manufacture as they have day-to-day experience in producing plastic parts. An in-house tool room will ensure that the tool is built to the highest standards and that any modifications can be done quickly, on-site. A reputable injection moulder should be prepared to offer some guarantees for the moulds they manufacture.
Of course, nothing lasts forever, and a mould tool has a finite life but an experienced injection moulder can indicate an anticipated life for a particular mould. Is polymer selection advice provided as part of the manufacturing process, and how is the polymer sourced? Does the injection moulder offer additional services such as machining, gluing, and assembly?
Are factory tours on offer – a clean, well-maintained factory is a good indicator of a manufacturer’s commitment to quality. Are these tours available at any time?
In summary, the injection moulding industry in the UK is fueled by a group of top-notch companies that excel in delivering high-quality solutions. Rutland Plastics emerges as a leading force with over 65 years of experience, a dedicated team, and a commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction.
Alongside Rutland Plastics, BPF members contribute significantly to the industry. These companies showcase exceptional strengths in areas such as tailored solutions, technical expertise, innovation, and diverse project portfolios. As the injection moulding industry continues to evolve, there are promising growth prospects on the horizon. Advancements in technology, increasing demand across various sectors, and a focus on sustainable practices provide ample opportunities for companies to thrive.
In conclusion, identifying and partnering with the top injection moulding companies in the UK ensures access to cutting-edge technology, skilled professionals, and outstanding manufacturing capabilities.
Whether it’s Rutland Plastics or the other prominent players in the industry, businesses can rely on their expertise to meet their injection moulding needs and drive success in their respective sectors.
