Injection

Molding

At Buffalo Manufacturing, we recognize that each customer that comes to us for injection molding is unique and has individual needs and goals. That’s why we are happy to offer custom components and molds. Because we’re not just an injection molding company. We’re problem solvers.

From concept to finished product, we’re with you every step of the way. We offer 20 years of manufacturing expertise in all 4 steps of our injection molding process.

Our Injection Molding Process

1. Tool Design
Quality injection molding starts with a tool that is made with precision. Our team of expert engineers support your design requirements through our engineering process. We will discuss the essential details of injection molding such as applications, quantity, material selection, and where you want the tool sourced from (we have in-house capabilities).

2. Computer Simulated Tool Creation
We use a DFM report, or computer simulation, to create a digital tool to see what design flaws there may be (if any). We do a complete part review and work with you to get the design optimal for manufacturing.

3. Tool Production
Our experts then create a real-life tool that you can hold, touch, feel, and inspect. Did it fit with what you had in mind? Are you happy with where the injector marks are? After reviewing all of the feedback, it’s off to production.

4. Parts Production
Once you give us the green light, injection molding production begins and your parts are made on one of our 8 machines. A trained operator sets the molds, dials in the process, and inspects the parts for quality as they are produced.

General Injection Molding Information

What is Injection Molding?

Injection molding is one of the most popular manufacturing processes for producing plastic parts. It is well-known for being a fast process and for being able to produce large volumes of molded products at a time. Here at Buffalo Manufacturing, we have a quick turnaround time, and we’re happy to work with any order size – no volume is too big – or too small – for us.

How Does Injection Molding Work?

There are 4 steps to Injection Molding:

Clamping:
The two sides of the tool (or mold) are shut and clamped down.
Injection:
The plastic is inserted into the machine and is heated as it travels towards the mold. Once melted, it is injected into the mold.
Cooling:
The plastic in the mold is allowed to cool and solidify. This gives it the shape of the mold and turns it into the part you designed.
Ejection:
After fully cooling, your part is ejected from the mold.

What Are the Benefits of Injection Molding?

High Precision:
It’s easier to manufacture parts with details with injection molding over other processes like CNC machining
Lower Scrap Rates:
Injection molding produces less waste as the melted plastic fits precisely in the tool, as opposed to traditional processes like CNC machining that cut away at a block or sheet of plastic.
Repeatability:
Manufacturers can use the tool repeatedly for high volume output.
Cost Efficiency:
Because the tool can be used over and over again, injection molding is more cost-effective and efficient than other processes.

Why Choose Buffalo Manufacturing for Injection Molding?

Fast Turnaround Time

Buffalo Manufacturing prides itself on its quick turnaround time. Our quoting process takes about 1 week or less. Then once we get the order, it takes about 8-12 weeks to get the part in hand.

Versatile Production Capacity

Buffalo Manufacturing will do any size run, from small, to medium, to large. We’re happy to work with you to meet your needs.

Part Size Options

We work with a wide scope of part sizes. We like to say “fingernail to forearm.” However, we are always willing to explore options for our customers.

Variety of Engineering Grade Plastics

  • Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS)
  • Polycarbonates (PC)
  • Polyamides (PA)
  • Polybutylene terephthalate (PBT)
  • Polyethylene terephthalate (PET)
  • Polyphenylene oxide (PPO)
  • Polysulphone (PSU)
  • Polyetherketone (PEK)
  • Polyetheretherketone (PEEK)
  • Polyimides PI Nylon
  • Polyphenylene sulfide (PPS)
  • ULTEM Polyetherimide (PEI)
  • Teflon – Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)
  • Delrin – Polyoxymethylene (POM, polyacetal or polyformaldehyde)
  • Santoprenes®
  • Glass-filled

Applications

We serve a variety of industries, including but not limited to:

Automotive

Aerospace

Medical

Electronics

Commercial/Recreational

Agricultural

Additional Services & Capabilities

We realize that sometimes, injection molding just isn’t enough. We offer the following services to help you put the finishing touches on your product.

Hot Stamping: Put your logo or a decal on the part

Sonic Sealing/Sonic Welding: Using ultrasonic frequencies to weld two plastic components together or insert metal component into plastic

Metal fittings: Putting a piece of metal inside of a hole. Can be used with Sonic Sealing/Welding or Overmolding.

CNC Machining: Typically used for putting holes in the part that can’t be molded in, or for changing a feature. For example, if a part that is 4 inches needs to be 3 inches, instead of making a new tool, the extra inch is machined off.

Assembly & Packaging: We’ll help you with everything and anything you need to get ready for shipping. We’ll even print the labels for you.

Certifications

Buffalo Manufacturing is proud to be AS9100D and ISO 9001:2015 certified.

ISO 9001:2015: Meets requirements for a quality management system
AS9100D: A standardized quality management system for the aerospace industry