In The Hopper

Build Better 3-Plate Molds 

When 3-plate molds make better sense over hot runner applications, Progressive has the components that advance mold building and maintenance processes beyond others. 

For example, Progressive’s new Friction Puller liberates molds from the constraints of stripper bolts and springs and improves mold life cycle and performance by means of the following unique features: 

• Internal venting  - ensures consistent holding power with no extra through holes and no additional machining in the back of the mold required

• Self-locating – designed to allow the resin assemblies to self locate even if plates shift due to thermal expansion or machining variances

• Indicator Arrows – remove guesswork during installation and adjustment

Four sizes of the Friction Puller are available off-the-shelf.  

Additional exclusives for 3-plate molds include:

• Extended Sprue Bushings – With wear resistant coatings, they reduce the sprue length, helping to reduce cycle time and shot size.  Progressive offers six sizes that are interchangeable with other brands.

• Puller Pins – Ready-made and available for standard plate thicknesses, while Puller Pin Bushings save moldmaker time, but more importantly offer better performance and ease of replacement for those who will later live with the tool.

• Roller Pullers – Offer greaseless, Friction Free™ control of parting line sequences with no mechanical latches to break.  Very straightforward to use and mounting hole pattern is compatible with others.

View a live demo of most of these competitively priced products by clicking HERE,  or access our online catalog.

Pinpoint Cooling to Difficult-to-Reach Locations  

When space is limited, Progressive’s Inlet Cascade offers more flexibility in mold cooling technology. 

“Space is often restricted for cooling lines,” comments Randy Winton, R&D Manager for Progressive.  “Our exclusive Inlet Cascade combines the ‘in’ waterline with a cascade to cool a targeted area.” 

Special features of the Inlet Cascade include: 

• Perfect for reaching a center runner and gate in small inserts

• Reduces machining required in the insert

• Available in a wide range of cascade tube options

• Can also be used in high heat tools and die cast applications

Progressive also offers special finished cooling components, such as Brass Extension Plugs. Rather than ordering as a standard and adapting to suit the mold, the mold designer can specify the finished length, saving tool maker
time – something that is especially valuable at the final mold assembly stage.  

Other unique cooling components such as Custom bubbler tubes to very small diameters (.020”/.5mm), custom blade material to very long lengths (36”/915mm), and custom
cooling cores made from print are also available. 

For information or to order, email Tech@procomps.com or consult the
online catalog.

It's Been Said...

Progressive encourages customers to provide feedback on the products they use.  Recently, Marc Thibault, CEO of I. Thibault in Quebec, called our attention to their use of the exclusive StacKit System for a stack mold used to manufacture collapsible crates. 

“The decision to use StacKit instead of a conventional rack and pinion system was based on several factors,” he said.  “The cost and delivery were favorable, plus it involved less machining and was easier to install, saving valuable time.  The cycle time on this mold was around 27 seconds with high annual volume and the StacKit System runs very well and is very durable.” 

Learn more about how the StacKit System can simplify stack mold building and maintenance by accessing the online catalog.

Distribution Expansion

Japan Tool & Die Co., Ltd. has represented Progressive Components Asia as a Channel Partner since 2006, when they began offering customers in that region such items as the CounterView, Needle Bearing Locks and SRT Slide Retainers from the exclusive Friction Free Line.   

Since then, this Tokyo-based company’s product range has increased to include Collapsible Cores, Minicores and Air Valves, as well as Socket Connectors, Progressive’s complete range of Date Stamps, the FlexiCore, Turbo Baffles and a variety
of Side Locks. 

Japan Tool & Die has exhibited on behalf of Progressive at two prominent Japan trade events, including Intermold Japan, also known as the Japan International Die & Mold Manufacturing Technology Exhibition, and the International Plastics Fair, better known as IPF 2008, Asia’s leading plastics and rubber trade show.  

To contact this Channel Partner, call 81-3-3733-6311 or email jtd@jtdtky.co.jp.

ProComper Spotlight

Michelle Thompson
Customer Service Coordinator 

Progressive prides itself on the caliber of its Customer Service Department and continually
strives to improve on ways to serve the customer. 
It takes the focused effort of several individuals to make it happen, and leading the charge is
Customer Service Coordinator Michelle Thompson, who joined Progressive’s team in 2007. 

Asked to highlight the most important aspects of her job, Michelle lists the following:

• Training and development of Customer Service Specialists

• Addressing customer requests, complaints, and concerns

• Managing daily activities and issue resolution

• Process Improvement

Michelle has already seen notable achievements by her team since she came
on board. 

“Although we had an accuracy rating of 99.31%, we worked on strategies that allowed us to gain a 30% improvement on our order entry and processing accuracy in 2008,” she said.  “Factors that contributed to this achievement included reorganizing roles and responsibilities within the department, improvements to our processes and systems and the acquisition of important training and tools for the team.” 

Michelle appreciates customer feedback and may be contacted at Michelle.Thompson@procomps.com, or speak with any member of the Customer Service Team by calling 800-269-6653.