Engineering Design Yields Cost-Saving Benefits
Expertise in thermoformed tray design produces multi-purpose tray from one mold
Arnold, MO - ITW Rippey Corporation is a manufacturer of polyvinyl alcohol products (PVA) for critical cleaning devices. Specifically, the brush rollers produced by ITW Rippey Corporation add to a complex operation of a much larger process. The manufacturing cleanrooms of technical companies worldwide depend on products such as brush rollers. The semiconductor industry is one such technical field and ITW Rippey has served this industry for over 26 years.
Setting aside the highly technical requirements of producing the PVA brush rollers, other areas of concern in regards to critical cleaning processes need to be identified. At ITW Rippey this means the handling of the brush roller is a major concern, thus packaging under these special conditions becomes of utmost importance.
ITW Rippey approached VisiPak with the handling and packaging concerns of the brush rollers. VisiPak responded with one of its most innovative designs. The brush rollers are now contained in a thermoformed tray providing high value to protecting the sensitive product.
"Although product protection and minimizing movement of the product is paramount, the reciprocal snap-perimeter design of the tray is what makes it most effective. The tray actually snaps to itself when placed in an opposing position, forming an excellent seal," said Rod Whittier, Thermoformed Products Manager, VisiPak. The combined elements of all features results in a shipping tray, which then forms a shipping container keeping the product free of dust and debris.
The innovative design feature of the thermoformed tray allows for the production of a single tool, thus eliminating thousands of dollars in mold and die costs. The tray is formed from eco-friendly .035 PET for a rigid part with a crystal-clear appearance allowing for visible inspection in each phase of the developmental process.
"VisiPak is constantly trying to finds ways to offer the best solution for our customers, and we feel as though this particular tray design not only saves the customer money, but doubles its value to their process," said Jeff Barket, Director of Sales and Manufacturing for VisiPak and all the Sinclair & Rush Companies. "That's not bad in a down economy," Jeff continued, "and there is a benefit for VisiPak too, as we are able to prove the value of the services we can offer."
For more information visit VisiPak on the web at www.visipak.com/ or call 800-949-1141.
About ITW Rippey Corporation:
ITW Rippey Corporation designs, produces and manufactures a complete line of Symmetry(TM) PVA and F2(TM) products to meet the individual needs of each unique application. Through research and development, ITW Rippey designs custom sizes, shapes and configurations to meet the unique needs of OEMs and manufacturers to achieve their critical cleaning objectives. The manufacturing of PVA brush rollers is a complex process that requires stringent process controls to create a consistent and reliable final product. As the pioneer in the use of PVA for critical cleaning applications in the high technology industry, ITW Rippey is uniquely positioned to design and manufacture a technically advanced new level of PVA products for the most demanding process applications. For additional information on ITW Rippey products, please visit http://www.rippey.com/products.htm
About VisiPak:
Clear plastic packaging is the VisiPak specialty and this includes extruded and thermoformed packaging options. With the addition of clamshell packages and transparent boxes to the original line of clear plastic tubes, VisiPak is the clear choice for all your transparent packaging needs.
Leveraging its position as the largest extruder of clear PETG plastic tubing in the U.S., the VisiPak division of Sinclair & Rush is proud to be a leader in the field of designing and manufacturing clear plastic packaging. VisiPak was the first packaging manufacturer to bring clear plastic mailing tubes to the direct mail industry and has introduced other innovative packaging solutions like PermaSeals, Hang Tubes, and Donation Containers. Expanding into thermoformed packaging, VisiPak now offers Clamshells, Blisters and Trays, with many stock clamshells ready to ship. If a custom package is required, the VisiPak design team can offer great design flexibility in full custom creations or, at reduced tooling costs, can modify a mold to fit the requirements. Clear plastic boxes are yet another VisiPak clear packaging option and involve no tooling costs.
There are two primary manufacturing plants located in the suburbs of St. Louis, Missouri. The Kirkwood plant operates 10 state-of-the-art extruders while the plastics molding facility in Arnold manufactures caps and plugs as well as producing the thermoformed product lines. Arnold is also the home of the sales and design teams. VisiPak can serve your global needs through manufacturing and distribution facilities in the U.S., Mexico, United Kingdom, China, and Australia.
Visit us on the web at www.visipak.com/
