Plainfield, Conn.-based mold maker Westminster Tool Inc. installed a new Sumitomo (SHI) Demag injection molding machine to its technology center in Sterling, Conn., to accommodate upcoming medical manufacturing projects that require larger parts and higher cavitation.
The 354T SE-EV-A-HD model press will complement the company's two other injection molding presses, a 110T and 150T, and add mold qualification capacity, according to Westminster Tool President Ray Coombs.
"Partnering ... was a natural fit considering the timing, and it's a perfect alignment of each company's needs," Coombs said in a news release.
The staff at Sumitomo (SHI) Demag's North American headquarters in Georgia had been looking for a partner to help it market the machine to the New England region and its growing medical technology sector.
"Several of our features are specifically geared toward the rigid consistency needs of the medical industry," said Bob Brady, Sumitomo (SHI) Demag business development manager for North America.
Those features include Sumitomo's Zero Molding technology, which Brady said aims to reduce defects to zero by stabilizing molding at a lower mold clamp force while maintaining precision and accuracy.
The partnership with Westminster Tool will help the machine builder demonstrate those features to regional prospects on site, Brady added.
The partnership also lets Westminster Tool expand its mold qualification capabilities, conduct internal research and development, and provide a place for training for both companies.
Coombs said several of Westminster Tool's key medical customers own Sumitomo (SHI) Demag presses so the partnership will make for a smoother transition from the mold build to qualification.
"In the medical industry, it's all about consistency," Coombs added.
Founded by Coombs in 1997, Westminster Tool has two facilities specializing in manufacturing complex injection mold systems, composite tooling and high-performance component production for the medical, .aerospace and consumer packaging industries.
Sumitomo (SHI) Demag and its Japanese parent company build all-electric, hydraulic and hybrid injection molding machines at four facilities in Japan, Germany and China for all major markets with more than 3,000 employees.