The Inherited Tool / Job part 4

We have covered most aspects of getting the parts manufactured and the mold in the previous tips. This one has more to do with the hidden things, packaging, shipping, and the little things that get us all.

Packaging, did we learn how the customer received the parts? Were they to be bulk pack? Layered packed, individual packed? I have seen everything from full shots with runner going into bulk packaging, this being where the OEM would sort out the parts; too parts being package and shrink warped at the press. Thus at one end we have no value added and the customer gets a great rate, to a highly value added service which even included drop shipping the end product to the wholesaler retailer.

In either case how the parts are packaged has to be a concern. This step should have been determined up front and maybe in most cases it is, but maybe it is not. But after molding and manufacturing of the part is complete, how we get the parts to the customer is critical. The prevention of scratches, the prevention of damage to the parts. Possibly in critical applications the packaging of small lots of parts where testing can be done and production on the OEM parts can be completed even if we find problems. This is possible with complete identification of the package.
So once we determine the method of packaging how do we mark, serial number or identify when our parts were made?
1- Date stamp is the easiest if we can get away with it, but this does not tell the whole of the story. What time of day were they molded? What order were they molded in?
2- Serial numbering parts... for high liability parts this may be the best way...
3-  Serial number the boxes or bags we package in.
4- date stamp the bags or boxes, including time and or package number.

The concept here is that if we do it right we have no problems. If we know our process is prefect than no problems, hopefully we don’t even have to worry about this end. But we all know something somewhere somehow a fellow by the name of MURPHY shows up. When he does wouldn’t it be nice to ask: Which box did these parts come out of? How are the previous units and or try a different box. What you have done is to give the OEM the option that may get the issue resolved, and if it is a fluke or hiccup on your part, it did not consume the entire production run. Say for example the production run was 10,000 pieces and they are 100 per box, which is 100 boxes. If they went to next box in order and it was fine than you only lost 1 box and they did not shut down. Yep it is a lot to hope for but in this JUST IN TIME World it may save everyone. This all really depends on the quality and inspection scenario that is used.

Anyway when getting the new old job remember it is the little things, details that can get you. The more information and details up front you have the better off you are.

Thanks for the time and as always comment are appreciated.

Steven L Silvey
Silveys’ Plastic Consulting
360-882-3183
peipai@aol.com