What is Bruce Plastics minimum order quantity for standard products?
Minimum orders for our standard handles start at 500 pieces for most styles. For our feet, bumpers, suction cups, and thread protectors, minimum order requirements will range from 5,000 to 30,000 pieces, depending on the specific part.

Minimum orders for our Poly-Tech® binder posts start at 500 to 3,000 based on quantities per box of each style post.

For all Bruce Plastics standard parts, minimum order value is $100.00.

What is Bruce Plastics lead-time for standard products?
For standard parts in stock, the lead-time is normally one business day. If a standard part is not in stock when the order is placed, lead-time is normally less than 3 weeks.

QUESTIONS ABOUT CUSTOM MOLDED PARTS

What is Bruce Plastics minimum order for custom molded parts?
Bruce Plastics does not have an absolute minimum order quantity for custom molded parts. Establishing the minimum order for a specific component is part of the quotation process.

Can Bruce Plastics supply prototypes for custom molded parts?
Bruce Plastics can supply SLA models and molded prototype samples.

Does Bruce Plastics build tooling for custom molded parts?
Bruce Plastics has a complete in-house mold building facility and also has partnerships with domestic and offshore mold makers. Bruce Plastics’ network of toolmakers in North America and offshore, plus our in-house mold shop, gives us the flexibility to select the best of these three alternatives for each customer.

How does Bruce Plastics maintain tooling?
Bruce Plastics does mold maintenance using our extensive in-house tool building facilities. This allows the mold maintenance to be done quickly and economically.

How long does it take to build a mold for custom molded parts?
Tooling lead-time varies depending on part design and the number of cavities in a mold. It normally takes 7 to 10 weeks to have a production mold built. However, prototype molds can normally be built faster.

What is insert molding?
Insert molding is the process by which components such as metal or plastic pins, studs, terminals, fasteners, etc. are molded into a plastic part. Insert molding integrates multiple parts into one finished product, and can be used to strengthen plastic parts with metal and/or composites inserts.

What is overmolding?
Overmolding is a process whereby two different plastic materials are molded together to produce a unique part. The first material is used to mold a rigid plastic substrate. The second plastic material, usually a rubber-like plastic elastomer, like our Polylastomer® compounds, is molded over the substrate. The overmolding process allows designers and engineers to create a strong structural product with excellent ergonomic comfort for the end user. Overmolded parts can add further appeal by being molded in two different colors.

GENERAL QUESTIONS

How do customers establish an open account at Bruce Plastics?
We request that you send us the names and fax numbers of three of your current suppliers and your bank so that we can contact them for credit references. If satisfactory replies are received, we will establish an open account.

What plastic materials does Bruce Plastics mold?
Bruce Plastics molds parts from almost all Thermoplastic materials. These include all “commodity” polymers such as Polypropylene, Polyethylene, Polystyrene and rigid and flexible PVC. Bruce Plastics also produces molded plastic parts from most “engineering” polymers such as ABS, Acetal, Nylon, and Polycarbonate and also our exclusive Polylastomer® Thermoplastic Elastomers. In addition Bruce molds parts from commodity and engineering polymers filled with fiberglass, talc, calcium, etc. and materials that meet UL, FDA, NSF requirements, including flame retardant standards such as UL Subject 94 V-0. Most parts can be molded in colors to match customer’s mating parts.

Does Bruce Plastics mold parts from thermoset plastics?
Bruce Plastics does not mold parts from thermoset plastics. However, there are engineering thermoplastics that Bruce Plastics can use to mold parts that have many of the critical properties of thermoset plastics. We will be glad to review your needs to help you find the best material.