Automotive component manufacturing comes in many forms. Injection molding, plastic extrusion, metal stamping, and much more are all performed to create some of the most intricate components and additionally, some of the largest, front facing parts for cars, trucks, SUVs, vans, and more.
So then, how does injection molding support automotive component manufacturing for Tier 1 supplier programs? Through a combination of production volume capabilities, part integration, repeatable quality management practices, and an overall process that validates and boosts long, healthy production lifecycles.
Agape Plastics walks through key considerations of how injection molding supports Tier 1 supplier programs.
Manufacturing Advantages
Injection molding lends itself to certain engineering advantages that streamlines post-manufacturing assembly processes, a large benefit to Tier 1 supplier programs where time is the essence and quality cannot be sacrificed. By combining clips, bosses, ribs, ducts, sealing features, and mounting points, among other items, into one whole part, it reduces the need for fasteners, secondary operations, and assembly time.
Additionally, whether it’s custom or stock operations, injection molding supports the manufacturing of lightweight parts as it replaces metal with engineered plastics in appropriate situations. This may not seem much for automotive applications, but it does gradually reduce vehicle mass without impacting functional performance.
Program Control and Quality Management
Tier 1 supplier programs rely on the consistency of injection molding from manufacturers like Agape Plastics because of the built-in program control and high-level quality management systems. Value stems not just in part production, but providing a capable and stable manufacturing process. This happens in two ways. Suppliers traditionally rely on vetted quality management and control validations such as PPAP submissions, dimensional validation, process studies, material traceability, and more.
When suppliers receive all or parts of these qualifying metrics, it allows for supplier programs to better understand both the manufacturing company and the service they provide, in this case, injection molding for automotive components.
A quicker, and more front-facing metric, is through quality management certifications that a manufacturer may have. For companies like Agape Plastics, holding an IATF 16949 certification shows both OEMs and Tier 1 supplier programs the manufacturers quality management systems related to automotive component manufacturing.
The International Automotive Task Force is a globally recognized group made up of automotive manufacturers and trade associations that partner to push the boundaries on product quality, common quality management systems, and the development of worldwide supply chain consistency.
Why Tier 1 Supplier Programs Use Injection Molding
Ultimately, Tier 1 supplier programs rely on injection molding for automotive component manufacturing for specific reasons. The first being, supplier programs need processes that feature tight tolerances, support long model cycles, and the program can be implemented across multiple plants and facilities. Injection molding is a highly repeatable process and when designs for parts have been ironed out, generally, the process can be performed in multiple facilities at the same time.
Secondly, injection molding provides supplier programs the ability to obtain high volume production amounts (in the hundreds of thousands) in a quick amount of time as well as part complexity without sacrificing quality and eliminating part variation.
Common Applications of Automotive Injection Molding Services
Injection molding works best for certain automotive components where high volumes are needed, tolerances can be tight, and material selection can vary depending on part application. These are some of the most common applications for automotive component manufacturing.
- Interior pieces
- Exterior trim
- Fluid handling components
- Electrical housings
- Thermal-management parts
- Structural/semi-structural components
Contact Agape Plastics for Automotive Component Manufacturing Through Injection Molding Services
Agape Plastics opened its doors over 50 years ago with a focus on creating high-quality injection molded components and delivering consistent results to OEMs and Tier 1 supplier programs across North America.
Our history in the automotive industry shows our ability as a recognized and trusted component manufacturer, delivering results at a high level. Additionally, we have been continuously IATF 16949 certified for decades and that allows us to continue pushing the boundaries on quality management in the automotive industry.
Contact Agape Plastics today for automotive component manufacturing from an industry-leading injection molding company.