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A Force in two-shot:

A Unique collaboration

A case study that details the collaborative supplier partnership between Hymid and our supplier, ARBURG Limited.

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A long-standing partnership

Hymid has a long history of successfully partnering hi-tech customers to deliver innovative manufacturing solutions, but a foundation of that success has been Hymid’s 25-year collaboration with ARBURG Limited.

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​Hymid’s two-shot expertise is enabled by ARBURG’s advanced two-shot technology. This ongoing supplier partnership helps deliver exceptional results for Hymid’s customers when their manufacturing challenges are best overcome by a two-shot injection moulding solution.

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Collaborative Partners

The collaboration between Hymid and ARBURG stands as a testament to enduring innovation and unwavering commitment. With a partnership spanning over two decades, Hymid – a leading plastic injection moulding service provider, and ARBURG, a pioneering force in the injection moulding technology world since 1923, have continuously pushed the boundaries of what is achievable in the realm of two-shot injection moulding.

 

This enduring relationship has been marked by Hymid’s choice of ARBURG’s cutting-edge machinery, a journey that began with the delivery of their first ARBURG injection moulding machine in the late 1990s. Over the years, Hymid has evolved into a key player in the UK plastics space specialising in two-shot and technical moulding services, earning a stellar reputation for delivering technically superior single and two-shot injection moulding components to blue-chip clients across the hi-tech sector.

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WHAT IS TWO-SHOT?

 

Two-shot injection moulding is a more sophisticated moulding process that allows for the creation of complex parts with multiple materials in a single production cycle.

 

Unlike traditional single-shot moulding, it can eliminate the need for secondary over-moulding or post-moulding assembly processes. This innovative approach enables the integration of multiple different functionalities, textures, or colours within a single component. The result is a more efficient manufacturing process, reduced costs and products with superior aesthetics and functionality.

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Traditional single-shot moulding offers a cost-effective solution for simple injection moulding applications, but is not always the best manufacturing solution; two-shot moulding might be more appropriate.

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"We have worked very closely with the team (Hymid) to enable them to become an innovator in the market, and recognised as one of the best two-shot moulding companies in the UK”

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Colin Tirel, Managing Director

ARBURG

Innovative Solution
Providers

The pinnacle of this collaboration came to light in the recent upgrade of one of Hymid’s critical two-shot injection moulding machines, an ARBURG 470 ‘S’ 1100 400/170 110 tonne hydraulic accumulator machine, affectionately named ‘ARBURG 8’. Faced with an unforecast uplift in demand from a major medical device client and tight timelines, Hymid turned to ARBURG for a solution.

 

ARBURG 8 originally commissioned in 2013 as a general-purpose injection moulding machine, needed significant modification to enable it to meet this unforeseen surge in demand, whilst ensuring continuous production for other standard projects.

 

ARBURG, known for its technical prowess and commitment to innovation, embarked on a unique journey with Hymid. The challenges were twofold: overcoming dosage speed limitations on both the injection units and upgrading the machine’s cycle. What made this undertaking even more remarkable was that - at the time, this specific modification had never been attempted by ARBURG outside of their production facility in Germany, and certainly not under such time pressures.

 

In a series of technical meetings, technicians and engineers from ARBURG and Hymid collaborated closely to navigate the complexities of the modifications. ARBURG’s proposed solution was both bold and comprehensive - a simultaneous upgrade of the hardware and software.

 

ARBURG proposed a groundbreaking modification - replacing the existing accumulator system with a more powerful 30kw motor and a larger 45 cubic cm accumulator to achieve significantly higher injection speeds, exceeding the documented capabilities of the machine. Furthermore, any machine modifications would need to take place in a tight window - between planned production runs and on-site, rather than move the machine back to ARBURG’s manufacturing facility in Germany.

 

The aim here was to minimise production downtime and ensure Hymid was able to operate business as per usual.

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"We had to ensure we had the

coordination and orchestration

of the remainder of the 

production facility to ensure

that the supply of components

was unaffected."

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Tom McMurtrie OBE, Managing Director

Hymid

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A Job Well done...

This audacious project demanded not only technical expertise but also unwavering confidence. Both teams understood the risks involved, but their commitment to innovation and collaboration fuelled their determination to try.

 

The successful upgrade to ‘ARBURG 8’ now stands as a testament to the superior engineering solutions provided by ARBURG and the technical moulding capabilities of Hymid. The modification has yielded a substantial increase in dosage speeds for both injection units and improving the cycle time, greatly benefiting Hymid's customer base helping to lower cost and speed up time to market.

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NATIONALLY RECOGNISED

 

The success of the ARBURG-Hymid collaboration to upgrade ‘ARBURG 8’ received national recognition at the Plastic Industry Awards 2023 - the ‘Oscars’ of the injection moulding industry in the UK and Ireland. Amidst fierce competition, Hymid and ARBURG secured the Prime Partnership - Supply Partners Award, a testament to their exceptional teamwork and innovation solutions in the face of stiff industry challenges.

 

Winning this prestigious award has confirmed both partners as high-quality customer-centric solution providers, focused on helping solve problems on time, to specification and without the need to interrupt the supply of crucial components.​

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"Hymid takes great pride in winning a PIA award with ARBURG.

 

Our experience goes to show that if you purchase a two-shot ARBURG machine you are buying a capability and that capability can be adjusted through the life of that machine"

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Tom McMurtrie OBE, Managing Director

Hymid

Need Support?

Hymid can help unlock your product’s true potential. From intricate designs to streamlined production, unleash a world of possibilities with our expert team. Contact Hymid today and discover how two-shot moulding can revolutionize your manufacturing process.

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If you'd like to find out more about two-shot injection moulding and how it can benefit your product click below: