Design Assistance and Prototyping

Hagans Plastics will review your design and assist you with optimizing it for the forming process. If you do not have a design we can help you connect with our design partners.

If you have a sample or existing product without 3d data it can be laser scanned with our Faro Arm and converted into a 3d model using our Polyworks software. Once we have the 3d data, prototype tooling can be created using our MasterCam software and 5 axis CNC routers. Prototype tooling is a cost effective alternative for creating samples or short production runs to prove out your design.

Our number one goal is to make sure our customers are successful with their design.

Master Pattern, Prototype, and Hard Tooling, Fixtures

In the early days most tooling was created in wood by pattern makers, there are times when this still a cost effective solution. We continue to maintain a complete pattern shop while also adding new technology to it. New technology added includes laser scanning, 3d modeling and 5 axis CNC machining. State of the art equipment enables us to CNC machine tooling out of wood, RenShape or aluminum plate. Our tooling shop has the ability to design and create support tooling (CNC Router fixture, drill fixtures, bending fixtures, and assembly fixtures) as needed in house.

Hagans Plastics numerous years of experience and the needs of our customers helps us determine the correct solution. Having these solutions in house reduces lead times and provides a cost effective resolution.

Vacuum Form and Thermoform

Vacuum / Thermoforming is a process where a flat sheet of thermoplastic material is heated and with vacuum pulled over or into a mold. We form parts as small as 1.00” to 2.00” inches and as large as 6 ft. by 10 ft. Materials can be as thin as .020(.5mm) and as thick as .500(12.7mm). Many colors, textures and finishes are available including translucent and transparent. Key advantages of vacuum forming as compared to other processes are lower tooling costs and quicker lead times. This process lends itself well to prototyping or research and development. It can also be a long-term solution if the right design considerations are established.

Hagans Plastics is continually investing in state of the art equipment; our machines are equipped with 1000-watt quartz heaters that have instant on, instant off capabilities. The efficiency of this type of heater means faster cycle times with lower cost. Vacuum form equipment is designated by the sheet size it can form, our equipment starts at 2 ft. x 2ft. and goes up to 6 ft. x 10 ft. On a daily basis we are forming materials ranging from .020 thick up to .500 thick.

One of the keys to successfully designing a plastic part is material selection; regulatory requirements such as UL and FAA burn ratings are common factors. Let us know what standard you need to meet and we will help you select a material that can be certified to your requirements.

Pressure forming is similar to thermo-forming where vacuum is used to draw material into a mold. Using a pressure box air is introduced to the topside of the part. With the addition of pressure it is possible to achieve the appearance of an injection-molded part with considerably lower tooling cost. Sharp corners, texture in the mold, undercuts and vents are just a few of the features you can obtain with pressure. As the parts become larger the advantage becomes greater. Our equipment can form material sizes up to 5 ft. x 8 ft. so we should be able to meet most requirements.

Any plastics suitable for vacuum forming can be used to pressure form. With the addition of pressure other materials that are off limits to vacuum forming can be used; an example would be glass filled materials. Using only vacuum, glass fibers would not allow the sheet to conform to the mold, with the addition of pressure it can be forced into the desired configuration.

5 and 3 Axis CNC Routers

Injection Molding

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Our sales professionals are able to answer your questions and assist you with the prototyping and development process. Contact Us

Hardware, Velcro, Secondary Finishing for Vacuum Formed Parts

After a part is formed and trimmed it is not uncommon for some assembly work to be required. With our complete fabrication area we can add snaps, Velcro, latches and hinges to your part. Our capabilities also include sonic welding, solvent bonding, using various adhesives and applying VHB tape.

Our goal is to supply completed parts to our customers for immediate use upon receipt.

Quality Control with Faro Laser Technology

Hagans Quality Department operates from a new 600 square foot, environmentally controlled inspection lab. The quality lab provides the equipment and environment needed for our inspectors to accurately verify key product characteristics throughout the manufacturing process.

In addition to first piece and in-process inspection performed to support manufacturing, Hagans also has the ability to perform and report even the most complex first article inspections utilizing our state of the art Faro Arm with laser scanning capability.