Project management in component development

Project management in component development

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In the world of thermoplastic composite parts, project management plays a crucial role. It enables the efficient development, production and delivery of customised components that meet customers’ specific requirements. In this blog post, we will explore the importance of project management in component development.

Understanding of project management in component development

Project management at svismold® is a structured approach to planning, implementing and controlling projects. This approach involves identifying goals, tasks, resources and timelines to ensure that a project is completed successfully. For us, it is crucial to plan each composite part project precisely to ensure the highest quality and customer satisfaction.

Clear objectives and requirements

Every project at svismold® starts with clear objectives and requirements. This is the first step in the project management process. Customer requests and specifications are carefully analysed to guarantee that all requirements are understood and documented. This forms the basis for the entire project process.

We listen carefully to our customers so that we can clarify the requirements and possibilities right from the start.

Communication and cooperation

Clear communication and cooperation are crucial to the success of a composite sub-project. svismold® relies on transparent communication with customers and partners. Regular meetings and updates ensure that everyone involved is on the same page and that any problems can be identified and rectified in good time. Teamwork is the key to effectively coordinating different aspects of development through to production.

Project planning and resource calculation

Once the goals and requirements are set, we create a detailed project plan. This plan defines tasks, responsibilities and timetables. Resources, including labour, materials and equipment, are carefully allocated so that the project can run smoothly. The aim is to monitor the progress of the project and ensure that all milestones are reached on time. In order to maintain an overview, we work with modern software and regularly discuss with our customers.

Risk management and adaptability

Project management in component development also requires effective risk management. svismold® identifies potential risks at an early stage and develops strategies for risk avoidance or mitigation. The ability to adapt to unforeseen challenges is crucial. Flexibility and the ability to adapt are core competencies in project management. Our customers can rely on us, because flexible communication means that risks are identified and remedied early enough.

Quality control and monitoring

Quality control is an essential part of project management at svismold®. Strict quality standards and procedures are followed throughout the project to ensure that each component meets the highest quality standards. Regular monitoring and auditing ensure that the project is on track and customer requirements are met.

Project management as a factor for success

In component development, project management is the key to success. For companies like svismold®, it enables the efficient implementation of customised projects that require the highest quality and precision. With clear goals, careful planning, transparent communication and constant quality control, companies in thermoplastic component development can satisfy their customers and drive innovation.

Innovation: Vacuum holding technology

Innovation vacuum holding technology

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As a Swiss company, svismold® is known for its innovative solutions in the field of thermoplastic composite technology and injection moulding. However, the company does not rest on its laurels, but is always looking for new ways to improve the precision and efficiency of its processes. One of these innovative solutions is their vacuum holding technology.

Innovation: Vacuum holding technology

Innovative holding technology revolutionises the production

This method makes it possible to hold cut-outs of the UD tape precisely in the injection moulds by vacuum in order to inject them with hot polyamide. There are no edges that need to be sanded down or otherwise embellished. The thermoplastic composite part is ready and requires no further finishing. This has enormous advantages, also in terms of design freedom.

Vacuum holding technology allows products to be adapted and individualised exactly to the customer’s wishes. Savings in materials, time and costs are possible and the products are finished very quickly. No post-processing of the product is necessary, which saves an enormous amount of time.

But how did this innovative solution come about? The story begins just over 5 years ago when the svismold® team was once again looking for a way to increase the accuracy and efficiency of their processes. They experimented with different technologies and finally came across the vacuum holding technique.

From the very beginning, the svismold® team was convinced of the effectiveness and efficiency of this technique. They tested it in various situations and found that it actually helped to increase the precision and speed of their processes enormously. This is how vacuum holding technology became an integral part of svismold® applications.

Today, svismold® is known for its innovative solutions in the field of thermoplastic composite technology. Vacuum holding technology is just one innovative solution the company has developed to satisfy its customers and improve its processes.

Innovation is paramount at svismold® and the vacuum holding technology is a perfect example of this. By combining traditional injection moulding and thermoplastic composite technology, the company has developed a method that is not only precise and efficient, but also increases customers’ design freedom. With svismold® as a partner, companies can be sure they are getting the latest and most effective solutions in injection moulding and thermoplastic composite technology.

The future of thermoplastic components: Innovations, trends and challenges

The future of thermoplastic components

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Innovations, trends and challenges.

The world of thermoplastic components is undergoing rapid change. With new innovations and technological advances, these components are not only crucial for the industry, but also for a sustainable future.

In this blog post, we take a look at the future of thermoplastic components, the trends that are driving them and the challenges that need to be overcome.

Innovative materials and composition

One of the most exciting features of future thermoplastic components are the material innovations. Manufacturers are striving to develop materials that are not only lightweight and durable, but also environmentally friendly. A remarkable development is the processing and use of recycled plastics, so-called recyclate, in the production of such components. This approach reduces the carbon footprint and shows that thermoplastic composite parts can become more sustainable.

Tapes made from natural fibres and sustainable materials are becoming increasingly important. Furthermore, these materials can convince with an outstanding design aspect. Basalt or flax, for example, can be used here. These materials not only look good, but also impress with their technical properties.

Individualisation and tailor-made solutions

The requirements for thermoplastic composite parts are also becoming more specific. The requirements for thermoplastic composite parts are also becoming more specific. This is where CAD technology comes into play. Through advanced software and 3D modelling, the desired parts can be designed and developed in close collaboration with customers. This allows for unprecedented customisation and precision.

The role of quality control

In the future, thermoplastic components will become even more complex and demanding. This requires stricter quality assurance – and auditing. Innovative technologies such as automated quality controls will play a central role. Among other things, svismold® relies on an automated camera inspection that checks 100% of the parts. This is our approach to ensuring that our thermoplastic composite parts meet the highest quality standards.

A promising future

The future of thermoplastic components is promising and full of possibilities. With innovative materials, tailor-made solutions, a clear focus on sustainability and precise quality assurance, this industry will continue to be fit for the future. That is why we see ourselves as pioneers on the path to an environmentally conscious and technologically advanced future

JEC World 2023 in Paris

JEC World 2023

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From raw material suppliers to processors and end users – all global players in the industry come together here. More than 1,100 exhibitors presented their composite solutions and innovations to over 36,000 visitors. A fair dedicated to composites, bringing together innovations and applications for various sectors: aerospace, construction, automotive, marine, sports and leisure, industry and energy.

The JEC World exhibition is the largest international event for the composites industry.

Die JEC World 2023 fand vom 25. bis 27. April 2023 in Paris statt und wir, svismold® waren stolz darauf, Teil davon zu sein!

Our services in the development and production of thermoplastic composite parts were particularly in focus.

Our innovative combination of tried and tested injection moulding with thermoplastic bonding is ideal for replacing metals or thermosets. The various svismold® processes score with many advantages such as weight savings, efficient material consumption, automated processes and production without post-processing. The design is also freely selectable and the surfaces can be adapted exactly to the product requirements.

A fair dedicated to composites, bringing together innovations and applications for various sectors: aerospace, construction, automotive, marine, sports and leisure, industry and energy.

Svismold at the JEC World exhibition in France

You could meet us at the joint Composites United stand in Hall 6 R 28.

At JEC World we presented, among other things, the H4 surf fin, which we developed and produce together with FCS. The H4 fin is the first thermoplastic composite fin and impresses with its extreme stability despite its size. The surfing experience is unique thanks to manoeuvrability and speed. The FCS H4 professional fin is made of UD tape and fibre-reinforced polypropylene and is manufactured using the special svismold® vacuum holding technique, which holds the cut-outs of the tape in the moulds without hooks. This prevents them from slipping when injecting. The production is efficient and possible without reworking, so that we can currently produce about two H4 fins in just one minute. A great example of our technology!

Benefits of our svismold® technologies

Save weight

Use material efficiently

Optimised processes through automation

No postprocessing

Flexibility and strength can be precisely adjusted

the design is hardly restricted

We would like to thank all visitors. We were very pleased to be able to welcome you in person and to have exciting discussions. We are delighted with your interest in our thermoplastic services and look forward to future contacts and exchanges. If you missed us at the fair, please feel free to contact us by email or phone.

svismold – stronger together

svismold - stronger together

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Kunststoffwerk AG Buchs is a successful manufacturer of plastic measuring tools from Switzerland for over 51 years. Since 2015, not only folding rules and calipers made of plastic have been produced there, but also high-quality thermoplastic composite parts.

After the composite folding rule had established itself in the market in 2018, the business line with focus on thermoplastic composite parts was assigned its own name in 2019 – svismold®. Here, traditional injection moulding is combined with precise composite technology – stronger together.

Since then, svismold® has been able to demonstrate further specifications – for example, the vacuum holding technology developed in-house.

 

The production is very cost and material efficient. This can be noticed especially in series production with medium or high print runs. In addition, the process is completely automated by fully equipped robots and the camera control system checks the quality of every single part. This results in an extremely fast production of free-falling products.

Based on project work, svismold® develops innovative solutions. The svismold® process can be particularly advantageous for metal-replacing parts in sports, car manufacturing and other technical industries. Not only can weight be saved traditionally. svismold® impresses with precision and design freedom. The product can be tailored exactly to the user’s wishes.

Pinpoint flexibility

Due to different tapes and orientations of the fibres, the stability and flexibility can be individually and precisely adapted to your product.

Weight reduction

With svismold® foamed, we can demonstrate a weight reduction of up to 30%.

Design freedom

With our tape-reinforced thermoplastic composite parts, there are virtually no limits to your design.

How svismold® can help you.

Our technology has some advantages.

From weight reduction to pinpoint flexibility and design freedom, our techniques are used in many areas.

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We are looking forward hearing from you.
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Fakuma 2021

We were there!

From 12-16.10.2021, the Fakuma plastics trade fair in Friedrichshafen invited visitors to take part in expert discussions.

Exciting ideas from lids to innovative plastic products were presented.

You could come and visit us in Hall B4 at the Community Stand 4103. We were very happy to be part of it this year.

Due to the pandemic, the fair was cancelled last year. So of course we were particularly pleased to be able to talk to you in person. Exchanging ideas is more exciting and interesting that way.

We thank you for the many visitors and the great exchange. Many new ideas and projects were discussed and may now take shape.

From the first idea to analyses and tests to the finished product, we accompany, support and develop with you.

Svismold stands for innovation – stronger together. For this purpose, classic injection moulding is combined with composite technology. This results in extremely stable cost- and material-efficient products. As a metal substitute, composite products are comparatively more stable and durable. During production, 100% camera testing is carried out to ensure consistent quality.

The sourcing of the material allows for customisation of strength and flexibility. This gives the process a creative freedom – from the surf fin to the hockey stick to the tine cutter – there are virtually no limits to the shape. The fibres are inserted into the plastic with pinpoint accuracy and reinforce exactly where it is needed. The additional carbon layer provides more stability and makes the end product even more robust.

Thermoplastic composite technology combined with old-fashioned injection moulding technology gives tradition new forms – more stable, more durable and all this in a material- and cost-efficient way.

Surfing through the crisis with Swissness and innovation

Surfing through the crisis with Swissness and innovation

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When the Corona pandemic paralyzed everything worldwide in March 2020, the Rheintal-based plastics specialist svismold also braced itself for hard months

However, a production process developed shortly beforehand together with OST Ostschweizer Fachhochschule and the combination of short supply chains with Swiss partners with automated production in Switzerland proved to be success factors in the crisis. Slumps in orders were fully absorbed by the new product – a high-tech surfing tiller. The Swiss surf squad also tested the Finn for the 2021 Olympic qualification.

This time it was not to be, but we wish the team all the best and keep our fingers crossed for the next qualification.

How it all began

March 2020, everything was perfectly prepared: The factory-fresh high-tech surfing equipment had been delivered to the Australian surfing outfitter FCS, the surfing season was just around the corner, and the planned Olympics in Japan had introduced surfing as a discipline for the first time. A perfect promotional event for the market launch of the latest product from svismold® – a brand for particularly high-quality products from Kunststoffwerk AG in Buchs, Sankt Gallen.

But then came the pandemic. Trade shows were canceled, customers suspended their orders, the Olympics were on the brink and eventually canceled, borders were closed, supply chains around the globe suddenly cut off. “At the market launch of our latest product, of all things, into which more than two years of work had gone, things looked quite bleak,” recalls svismold® Managing Director Martin Rudolph. Since 2017, the Institute of Materials Engineering and Plastics Processing at OST has been working with svismold® to produce carbon fiber-reinforced surf fins fully automatically in Switzerland, thus bringing production of the fins, which were previously handmade in Asia, to Switzerland – with success.

Robust supply chain and high demand

More than a year after the start of the pandemic, it is clear that the timely innovation for new products and the partnership with Swiss suppliers for plastic raw products and machinery paid off: “Our customer FCS took delivery of around 40 percent more surf fins than planned, and we were even able to develop and produce a set of smaller surf fins for special applications at high speeds in the middle of the pandemic in September 2020,” says Rudolph. This made it possible to offset the corona-related slump in orders in other areas. “The success of the surf fin in the global market took FCS from new customer to largest single customer in less than a year – commercially, it was a highly welcome success for both parties.”

This continuous development is also possible because, despite its strong international orientation, svismold® focused on the shortest possible supply chains and Swiss suppliers. As a result, the company has been able to maintain high production utilization rates even during periods when others have struggled with replenishment issues due to disrupted supply chains around the world. A model that may become more popular again after the pandemic is over.

Instead of short-time work and fear of the future, svismold® is currently even going one step further and is already tinkering with the next products together with the researchers at OST, investing money and time in new projects co-funded by the Swiss innovation agency Innosuisse. “The process we were able to develop with OST for the production of surf fins also offers opportunities for other lightweight construction applications, such as in aviation, shipbuilding and sanitary applications,” says Rudolph. He definitely wants to continue the successful cooperation with the IWK, the Institute for Materials Technology and Plastics Processing.

2 years after market launch for the World Cup

In 2021 they did not go to the Olympics but in 2022 the FCS H4 Finn still became world champion.

Brazilian Filipe Toledo won his first world championship title with the professional fin produced by svismold®. 

FCS H4 Surf Fin

FCS H4 Surf Fin

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In 2020 developed svismold® together with the Australian surf equipment supplier FCS the perfect fin.

100% Automatic Camera Control

Constant high quality

The development phase took about 1 year

In one month svismold® could produce up to 6'000 fins

The Main Goal

Other than in many other projects, the leading goal was not to reduce the weight, but to garanty a constantly high quality throughout the production.

Many surf fins are made by hand so the stability, flexibility and other factors can vary immensely through the same series of fins.

FCS

FCS is an australian surf euipment supplier. They are well known for their well-equipped selection of surf fins.

Surf fins made by hand are never the same.

Each set will differ and each fin will differ from each other. Hence, surfer can never completely trust that the set they buy will work exactly like the one before. This is extremely frustrating, especially for proffessional sports.

FCS goal was to achieve constant high quality throughout the serial production. Asking a Swiss company was not an obvious choice. Switzerland and surfing? This country is rather known for its incredible chocolate and cheese. However, svismold’s combination of traditional injection molding with innovative technology seemed like the perfect choice. And svismold® did not disappoint.

Hand-made fins are not accurate enough

Each fin is different. The flex and speed, therefore, differ from one product to the other. Especially for professional use the users need to be able to expect the same high quality from each set.

We needed the perfect fin with a constant high quality.

FCS

Our solutions

We used FEM analysis to figure out what the perfect fin would look like.

Flexibility and Strentgh

Within a fin there are different areas that need precise tape placement. Due to unidirectional tape it was possible to define the flexible edges but strong body of the high-end surf fin.

A surf fin needs to be strong enough to withstand the powerful water currents but also flexible enough to ensure a smooth maneuvering.

Hence, the choice of polypropylene as the injection plastic with inlain glass fibers strenghtend with carbon unidirectional tape was the perfect match.

The analyses have shown the best results with these materials.

Aerodynamic Form

The fin must glide through the water effortlessly. At the same time it must withstand enormous water currents. Moreover, the user needs to be able to control his board.

Flexibility and Strength

Flexibility and strength are extremely important for a surf fin to be controllable, fast and yet robust.

Material

The materials to make the perfect fin were crucial. We decided that the unidirectional carbon tape strengthened the body of the fin the best. Due to the precise placement of the fibers the flexibility and strength could be pinpointed to the areas where they were needed.

Smoothly Surfed through the Pandemic

Thanks to the high quality surf fins, svismold® did not face too many financial obsticles through the pandemic. With the helpful holding technique that was developed beforehand and the swisswide short support chains plus the automated processes order burglaries were completely outbalanced.

Used by Professionals

Professional surfers admit that the flex and curve of this H4 surf fin is phenomenal. In 2022 Filipe Toledo won his first World Surf Championship title with his set of FCS H4 Surf Fins.

Talk to us!

We are looking forward hearing from you.
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