Since our beginning in 1972, Matrix Tool has been noted for high precision tooling for the Automotive Electrical Connector industry. In the late 1980’s Matrix transitioned to a full-service provider of both tooling and injection molding for the Automotive sector. Despite global sourcing initiatives, Matrix remains a preferred source for some of the most complex and demanding Electrical Connectors being produced today.
Automotive Plastic Injection Molding & Electrical Connectors
Overall, Matrix is a world class supplier with excellent technical support, technology and business processes. Matrix is a tremendous partner to have in our supply chain.
— Mike, Principal Plastics Engineer
The Automotive Industry has developed some of the best practices as it relates to part design, technology adoption and cost containment. In the world of electrical connectors, the Automotive Industry has few peers when it comes to complexity, precision and production volume. This is an environment that Matrix has thrived in for nearly 50 years.
Evolving With Our Customers
Matrix Tool has been a high precision tooling source for Automotive Connectors since our founding. Then, like so many other tool builders, our Automotive customers wanted Matrix to sample the injection molds and run limited production. What started with a few sampling presses in the late 80’s has grown into a world class injection molding facility with 40 presses.
The Word Getting Out
Perhaps the greatest testament to Matrix Tool’s success producing Automotive Connectors has been the customer referrals we’ve received along the way. Matrix Tool has built a well-earned reputation for producing some of the most complex, high precision electrical connector molds in the industry. The majority of our long term success has been through customer referrals and by word of mouth. It’s a reputation we have to earn and prove with each new project we’re awarded. Despite the globalization of Automotive Industry, our customers know who to turn to for a system critical electrical connector.
Best Practices
It’s well known that the Automotive Industry has been an early adopter and driver of innovation and technology in the world of injection molding and electrical connectors. Matrix Tool has equally embraced this path, as we have over a dozen degreed Plastics Engineers positioned in every manufacturing related area in the company.
Technology and Innovation
Throughout the entire Matrix facility, you will find the extensive use of RJG’s eDART® Systems monitoring and controlling processes via in-mold cavity pressure transducers. Matrix has broad experience with this processing technology—not only to use it in-house, but also to guide our customers in its proper use and implementation. Matrix has also developed sophisticated work cells that include high speed automation, robotic sprue pickers, full-speed servo robots, automated inspection equipment and mold protection thermal cameras as well.
Extremely capable, solutions-based leader in the Industry. We cannot compliment them enough regarding capability, quality and service.
— Mark, Global Sourcing Manager
A Better Way?
While Matrix has embraced all of the leading plastics injection molding technology, we have developed a niche capability in the world of micro Automotive electrical connectors. Perhaps the best way to demonstrate this capability is to relate a recent example.
Changing a Paradigm
We had an Automotive customer approach us for a difficult, 16-cavity electrical connector part. Because of the critical nature of the application, they wanted to incorporate a lot of plastics technology into the tool: hot runner system, RJG pressure transducers, etc. We could have quoted what the customer had asked for, but we looked at the proposed layout and mold stack dimensions and we wanted to take a totally different approach.
Is Bigger & More Complex Always Better?
We offered the customer an alternative that reduced the cavitation from 16 to 8, while still producing the same annual volume. Sound too good to be true? It’s not! By reducing the cavity spacing and eliminating the hot manifold, we were able to reduce the overall mold frame size and could now run the tool in a micro injection molding machine.
Our high speed Sodick micro injection molding presses have incredible speed and repeatability. After several conversations with the customer, we were able to convince them of this approach. In the end, it saved the customer 10’s of thousands of dollars while reducing the complexity and risk associated with their original design layout. Bigger isn’t better, better is better!
Technically sound, highly equipped, ready to meet your next demanding injection molding project. To find out more about our technical abilities or to discuss your next project, Contact Us.
