Category: Features

Plastic Machining or Injection Molding Debate

Plastic Machining or Injection Molding Debate

Why pay for expensive tooling when you can have a part like this at a fraction of the cost? We’ve been getting a lot of questions on the subject of Plastic Machining vs. Molding.

If you are at the cross road of determining whether your required plastic component should be produced by machining or injection molding, here are some facts to consider. The most obvious question is “what is the plastic”? There are many plastics that cannot be molded, or can cause issues depending on expectations for the finished part, especially if a smooth uniform surface is required. The process of transferring plastic into a mold leaves behind surface imperfections on the finished product. During the injection molding process, plastic flows through runners and is introduced into a cavity through a gate. The gate meters the flow of plastic as it fills the part. The consequence of the gate is that when the finished parts are removed from the mold, the gates leave a slight cosmetic imperfection. In addition, many molds use knockout pins to push the part out of the cavity after cooling. These pins leave a slight depression in the place where they contact the part.

Here is What Machining Plastic Can Provide

Machining plastic materials offer minimal tooling and no expensive molds are required.

When the need for part re-designs and revisions are necessary, the transition becomes easy, seamless, fast and cost effective. Machining plastic parts can provide certain materials with closer and tighter tolerances.

When machining plastic components you get unlimited material options, many of which would be impossible to mold. Threads and undercuts with multiple angles can be incorporated into the part with ease.

*Always keep this in mind once you create a mold, you cannot easily change it. Revisions, updates even slight changes will be costly.

Plastics Machining vs. Plastics Molding

Not sure if you should machine or mold? Some interesting points to consider before you make that costly decision

Plastic or Metal?

Before you lock in with metal in your next application, consider plastic or thermoset materials. Some interesting facts for you to consider

Heat Forming Plastics

A look at our plastic heat form process and value added options for secondary manufacturing assemblies and hardware installation.

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Drug Addiction Management

How IVEK's Methadone Dispensing systems are used in Clinics.

A major application for liquid dispensing systems is drug addiction management. Clinics and centers detoxifying patients from opioid addictions often utilize methadone. As reported in 2011 by the National Survey of Substance Abuse Treatment Services, over 306,000 people in the United States receive methadone for substance abuse each year. This medication helps to minimize narcotic withdrawal symptoms and decrease cravings, all without producing the same euphoric effects as drugs like heroine or prescription painkillers.

Administering methadone requires a strict protocol where exact dosages are consistently taken at a scheduled time. When this protocol isn’t followed, there is a risk of overdose. In fact, there are about 5,000 methadone overdose deaths each year, according to Time Magazine (2012).

IVEK has a complete line of methadone dispensers to meet the diverse needs of our customers. All our systems are durable, accurate, and user-friendly. Our most popular system, the Digispense DS1000, is capable of extremely high precision and repeatability. This system features positive displacement ceramic pumps and a whisper-quiet, high-speed brushless DC motor. With only one moving part in the fluid path, systems operate for many years without measurable wear. Also included are factory-made tubing kits with bottle cap connections and a volumetric flask for accuracy checks. The DS1000 is easy to control from the USB or RS232 Interface, which is supported by most addiction treatment software.

For customers who need a more transportable option, we recently released an all-in-one Controlled Substance Dispensing Station (CSDS). This station is portable, secure and easy to clean. It features shorter tubing runs for faster priming and less waste, a fixed dispense tip for no mess dosing, lockable latches, and adjustable spill tray locations for varying cup sizes. We’re currently offering FREE installation and calibration of your existing pump with any CSDS purchase.

Last among our dispensers is the MethaSpense system, which was specifically designed for use in drug addiction management clinics. This system has a two-position bottle cradle that allows for refilling without the loss of prime to the pump or having to transfer liquid from one bottle to another. This design minimizes fluid loss and enhances record keeping while providing a more sanitary diversion of fluid. Our exclusive ‘Liquid Eye’ bubble detector is also integrated. This detector uses an alarm to alert the operator of any air in the fluid line that may compromise precision before a dose is dispensed.

The MethaSpense system is housed in a stainless-steel case that can be easily moved and secured during non-operating hours. The system accepts a variety of bottle sizes and comes with a

patented ‘Zero Transfer’ bottle holder. Key lock security ensures only those permitted are given access to the supply bottle. The system is also easily integrated with commercial patient management software.

IVEK has been manufacturing controlled substance dispensing systems for over 30 years, allowing us to refine our products with customer feedback. Our systems are used in drug management programs worldwide.

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