4front aims to be 'full-service' molder with local focus, global reach

Custom injection molder 4front Manufacturing LLC has invested about $750,000 in purchasing equipment and moving operations 5.5 miles to Phoenix from Tempe, Ariz.

Owner Joseph Baiz made infrastructure improvements at the climate-controlled 22,000-square-foot location starting in October and concluding in late February. 4front had occupied 12,500 square feet in Tempe.

“The facility gives 4front room to add equipment for its molding and mold manufacturing operations,” Baiz said. His goal is to be a world-class full-service injection molding company with a local focus and a global reach.

4front is certified under ISO 9001:2008 and registered as a minority business enterprise.

The company has six injection molding presses including two new Wittmann Battenfeld EcoPower all-electric machines of 62 and 180 tons. The larger press is part of a fully integrated cell that uses a Unilog B6 controller to manage the temperature control unit, dryer and a Wittmann W821 ultra-high-speed robot.

4front also operates a Battenfeld 300-ton HM series hydraulic press and Mitsubishi hydraulics of 90, 180 and 210 tons.

4front invested in Wittmann auxiliary systems that include S3 Primus loaders, an Aton2 F70-150-M dryer, Tempro plus D2:200 and D2:320 dual-zone water TCUs and a Gravimax G14 blender that can mix up to four additives and hold an accuracy of 0.01 percent.

4front purchased a new Branson 2000X d ultrasonic welder last year and offers other secondary operations for pad printing and light assembly. The company's expertise includes processing of engineering thermoplastics such as glass-filled nylons, PEEK, PVDF, PTFE and other reinforced materials.

4front has full mold making capabilities and has procured a new GF AgieCharmilles form 30 electrical discharge machine with an automatic tool changer for mold fabrication. Three computer-numerical-control machines include a Mikron, a Daewoo and a Fadel. The shop also has manual mills, lathes and grinders.

Baiz has spent a majority of his plastics career in automotive manufacturing in Michigan. He moved to the Phoenix area, purchased the assets of mold maker Dimension Mold and Design and, on Aug. 1, 2008, formed 4front Manufacturing.

For prototyping, he uses his Michigan contacts including Complete Prototype Services Inc. in Clinton Township and Protojet LLC in Romeo.

4front employs 21 including four mold makers. Some tool building occurs in Asia.

4front has customers in the automotive, medical, industrial, consumer, aerospace and defense industries.