Fast-growing custom injection molder Co-Mack Technology Inc. of Vista, Calif., has acquired four new Toshiba presses, including an all-electric model. Co-Mack recorded 1999 sales of $10.8 million, up from the previous year's $9.2 million.
"We project a 20 percent growth rate this year," said Joseph McRoskey, Co-Mack president and chief executive officer.
Co-Mack has more than 20 years of experience using coinjection molding, "longer than anyone else in the States," he said. The process involves simultaneously injecting two materials — an outer skin and internal core — into a mold through a common nozzle assembly. It is also known as sandwich molding.
"Our favorite partner is the industrial designer," McRoskey said.
Recently, the Commerce Department's patent and trademark office issued an official notice of allowance for Co-Mack's mid-1999 patent application regarding a furniture leg attachment system and method. Beginning in early 1996, Co-Mack developed the technology for a replacement line for children's furniture maker Angeles Group of Pacific, Mo.
Through-holes in both the leg and the chair require a complex mold.
"Tabs on the leg mate exactly with slots in the chair," he said. "A pin with spring tabs gets pushed in so it is locked. The consumer can assemble the chair without any tools."
Previous models of the chair needed assembly before leaving the factory. Co-Mack's concept eliminated assembly labor and permits flat shipments.
Co-Mack employs 150, and operates a total of 25 presses with clamping forces from 65-1,200 tons. Its principal markets include medical, electronics and telecommunications.
