In this article, we talk about some common manufacturing processes used in the creation of testing, scientific and analytical equipment used in life sciences, environmental analysis, material testing and others applications.
This article will be helpful for product managers, designers and other professionals who are tasked with developing such equipment.
Specialized equipment like spectrometers, analyzers, life sciences equipment, large machinery etc are not manufactured in high volumes like consumer products. Therefore, the manufacturing processes used in consumer products (like injection molding) are often not suitable for low volume production.
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Below are some of the commonly used low-volume manufacturing processes that are suitable for analytical, testing, scientific and other equipment:-
1. Thermoforming
Thermoforming involves heating a thermoplastic sheet until it becomes pliable, then forming it over a mold or tool, and finally cooling it to maintain its new shape. Depending on how the air pressure is applied to the sheet, thermoforming can be of 2 types - vacuum forming and pressure forming.
Thermoforming is widely used in industries such as packaging, automotive, aerospace, and consumer goods.
Due to the inexpensive molds, high quality surface finish and versatility in the shape and size of parts, thermoforming is a great choice for low-volume production of equipment enclosures that require plastic.
2. RIM (Reaction Injection Molding)
Reaction molding, also known as reaction injection molding (RIM) or resin transfer molding (RTM), is a manufacturing process used to create complex plastic parts using reactive liquid resins. It involves the mixing and injection of two or more liquid components that react chemically and solidify to form the desired part.
Reaction molding offers several advantages for creating enclosures, including the ability to produce large, complex parts with intricate geometries, excellent dimensional stability, and a wide range of material properties. It al