Westminster Tool invests in software, equipment

An injection mold is only as good as the parts that it produces. This concept is the driving force behind Westminster Tool’s recent investments which include Moldex 3D molding simulation software, an RJG eDart System for process monitoring as well as increased RJG Master MolderSM support and a Sepro America 5-axis CNC robot.

These investments reinforce Westminster’s commitment to ‘Bridging the Gap Between Concept and Production’ – a proprietary in-house program – to implement higher levels of performance for their customer base to better meet customers’ requirements. ‘Bridging the Gap’ is a strategic focus that allows customers’ complete injection mold solutions to leave Westminster Tool with a scientifically developed, repeatable production process. This “production ready” injection mold solution can reduce overall project lead times and increase speed to market.

Westminster Tool Inc., located in Plainfield, CT, is a mold manufacturer that specializes in innovative mold manufacturing and production solutions for plastics and composites. “We believe that our customers deserve fully integrated solutions that help bring high-quality products to market faster,” said Ray Coombs, company owner and president. “That is why we are dedicated to investing in manufacturing technology and in developing a workforce that takes personal ownership in partnering with customers, thus bridging any gaps along the process from concept to production."

Westminster Tool has been providing customers with design for manufacturability (DFM) services for the past six years. This DFM service offering capabilities has been further enhanced with the addition of Moldex 3D simulation software. The software provides Westminster with the ability to simulate the injection molding process within the design phase prior to the commencement of any manufacturing operations such as cutting steel.

Recent investments in Westminster’s Technology Center have been directed towards equipment, software and personnel. The latest additions include a 5-Axis CNC robot and an RJG eDart System. This has allowed Westminster to provide customers with a higher level of process validation, ensuring that customers’ injection molds have a robust production molding process that produces dimensionally accurate parts prior to the mold leaving Westminster’s facility. To maximize the effectiveness of the RJG eDart technology, Westminster also increased its level of Master Molder support.

Debbie Freligh, a project manager with Westminster, completed the Master Molder II course. This extensive two week class focused on Decoupled III molding techniques that can populate data and provide improvements that lead to a repeatable robust process. “I am excited to have received the training from RJG and Nypro University. It has provided me with the knowledge and skills needed to utilize the RJG eDART system to its full potential,” Freligh said. “We now have the capability to offer our customers a fully developed and documented Decoupled III process and cycle template. This new offering will significantly reduce the time our customers spend qualifying a new mold at their facility, and will allow for even better control and monitoring of variation during molding runs.”

Westminster’s most recent strategic partnership is with Sepro America LLC out of Warrendale, PA. Westminster has a 5x-25 Sepro robot installed on their all electric Maruka Toyo 110 injection molding machine (can be transferred to the Maruka Toyo 150 press as well). This new offering provides customers an opportunity to validate their end-of-arm tooling in addition to qualifying their mold and production molding process. Westminster’s medical customer base is finding this particularly helpful when qualifying molds.

Westminster Tool will be exhibiting at NPE2015 in booth # S-19084 in Orlando.