Thogus offers extensive engineering support from the initial quote through post-production optimization. Whether you need help with material selection, part design, process optimization, functional prototyping, or tooling: our experts are here to help. When you work with us, we promise to build comprehensive manufacturing solutions for all your plastic injection molding development and production needs.
Our team has been bringing ideas to life since 1950, with product manufacturing processes and support services centered on propelling our customers toward their goals. With our capabilities and material expertise, we’re able to ensure a cost-effective and accelerated production process that delivers high-quality, headache-free results.
Our team of experts is here to provide solutions that work for you and your unique needs, including prototype tooling and risk assessments. Reach out to Thogus today to experience the benefits of working with a manufacturing partner who offers in-depth plastic molding engineering support.
Beyond Injection Molding: Personalized Design Guidance
From the first time you contact us during the initial planning stages through ongoing product and production improvement initiatives, our plastic molding engineering support gives you the tools, resources, and expertise you need to succeed.
Product Risk Assessments
Before a single tool is cut, Thogus engineers analyze your proposed design to see how it will behave in a real molding environment. This helps uncover potential issues early, when design changes are easier and more cost-effective. Our Manufacturing by Design™ methodology also guides each new program launch, keeping design intent aligned with tooling and production requirements.
Manual & Robotic-Assisted Assembly
In addition to injection molding, Thogus provides secondary operations including manual and robotic assembly. Our team selects the appropriate method based on part complexity and production volume, with guidance focused on repeatability, labor efficiency, and cost control.
Material Selection Support
Determining the correct resin is a significant part of plastic molding engineering. It affects part performance just as much as it affects cost and manufacturability. Thogus evaluates the application’s mechanical demands together with expected chemical and environmental exposure. Using deep material expertise, our team recommends the resin system best suited to the part. We can also advise on an appropriate regrind strategy and additive selection as well as colorant compatibility.
Metal to Plastic Process Conversion
Many companies are switching from metal to plastic for its flexibility, lightweight nature, and corrosion resistance. However, that conversion isn’t as simple as it may appear. It requires careful evaluation of part strength and tolerance, along with the assembly method involved. Thogus guides customers through the entire process to make it as seamless as possible. We identify resin systems and design features that match or exceed metal performance.
Tooling & Automation
Component quality and cycle time depend heavily on tool design, automation planning, and overall program economics. Thogus works with customers to build efficient production systems that run repeatably on a large scale. Early plastic molding engineering support is also key in preventing costly downstream tooling revisions.
Regulatory Expertise
High-performance industries like medical and automotive have strict regulatory requirements when it comes to plastic components. Thogus’s plastic molding engineering professionals maintain up to date knowledge of these standards and documentation guidelines to deliver fully compliant components.
Engineering Software Support
Thogus uses industry standard software platforms to help us validate the designs we develop with customers before production begins.
- Finite element analysis (FEA): Identifies stress concentrations and weaknesses in a proposed design
- Mold flow (simulations): Predict fill patterns, warpage, and cosmetic defects prior to the tool being built
- Creo: Parametric modeling software that assists with detailed 3D part and assembly design.
- AutoCAD: Drafting software that creates precise 2D layouts and technical drawings
- Solidworks: A 3D modeling platform that allows for rapid design iteration and tolerance analysis
- ANSYS: Cutting edge simulation software that evaluates thermal, structural, and dynamic performance under real-world conditions
Process Optimization & Continuous Improvement
Molding parameters and cycle strategies that are frequently refined lead to more efficient production. Our team at Thogus continuously monitors process data and makes setting adjustments to maximize output quality and ensure consistency. We believe that ongoing optimization sustains program performance well past the initial launch.
Call Thogus for True Plastic Molding Engineering Support
For nearly eight decades, Thogus has been willing to have difficult conversations when a design, timeline, or cost target can put long-term program success in jeopardy. We also invest in the highest quality tooling and automation for custom plastic injection molding along with ongoing process development to provide complete engineering support. Speak with a team member today and discover the meaning of true manufacturing partnership.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is engineering support included with a molding program?
Yes. Engineering support is included with every Thogus program. With engineering support and vertically integrated capabilities, we’re able to keep production moving forward smoothly.
At what stage does Thogus get involved in a new product’s development?
Early engineering involvement yields better production outcomes, so Thogus likes to join a program at the concept phase. We can provide practical insights into the design, so it doesn't lead to production challenges down the road.
What is Manufacturing by Design™?
Manufacturing by Design™ is our methodology for launching new programs successfully. It aligns design intent with tooling strategy and production requirements to foster long term success.