Moldworx LLC, a full-service contract manufacturer specializing in custom design and build of injection molds, precision automation, assembly and laser marking equipment, and injection molding services, announced the company’s expansion to a new facility.

The stand-alone facility measuring more than 24,000 square feet has allowed the Gilbert, AZ–based company to combine its mold making and equipment manufacturing operations with its injection molding services. With all capabilities under one roof, the company can achieve greater efficiencies and collaboration among departments, said Moldworx. It currently employs 35 people.

Moldworx’s injection molding department recently added two injection molding presses, bringing its total to 10 machines ranging in size from 55 to 400 tons. The company plans to begin offering white room molding for medical applications in addition to its contract manufacturing services that include overmolding, heat staking, and the development of automation for product assembly and work-flow process design and engineering.

Recently, the company began making FDA-approved face masks to help fill demand for these items because of the coronavirus pandemic. The company was contacted via Facebook by someone wanting to 3D-print face masks through the #makethemasks movement. Moldworx was able to modify the original 3D-printing file, create an injection molded version, and then design and build the mold.

The masks are made from a pliable thermoplastic polyurethane material, and are designed for a comfort fit with reusable, replaceable FDA-approved N95 filter elements. The mask accommodates these simple filter elements or a twist-on cartridge filter that is currently produced by W.L. Gore. To date, Moldworx has produced 2,000 masks to be donated to healthcare professionals in Arizona. “We estimate we can produce and ship 2,400 units a week with the ability to quadruple production, if needed,” said Jim Taylor, Moldworx President and CEO.