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Willfried Mende GmbH logo – plastics processing

Plastic injection moulding that takes your part safely into series production

We guarantee that injection-molded parts and assemblies will be successful when technology, cost-effectiveness, and delivery reliability come together. We support you every step of the way—from the initial component concept through tooling development to reliable mass production.

  • Since 1923
  • All from one source
  • Made in Germany

Why do developers and buyers work with us?

We address the questions that matter in every project: function, cost, timelines and reliable series supply – with solutions that fit your part and your volume.

  • Parts that work in the field

    Support with design, material selection and specification – so your parts perform reliably in real use.

  • Series that pay off

    Design for manufacturability, the right tooling strategy and stable processes – for economical unit costs and production costs that remain predictable.

  • Delivery dates you can rely on

    Aligned manufacturing and delivery concepts that keep your production planning on track.

Everything from a single source – from idea to series

From part concept to stable series – five aligned steps from a single source: development, prototyping, toolmaking, series production and quality.

Thermoplastic, thermoset or elastomer – which process does your part need?

These injection moulding processes are used depending on requirements for strength, temperature and flexibility – important considerations for the right choice.

  • Thermoplastic injection moulding

    Robust parts in high volumes, economically reproducible. The standard process for housings, moulded parts and assemblies.

  • Thermoset injection moulding

    Dimensionally stable even under high thermal and mechanical load. Suitable for parts with special requirements for dimensional accuracy.

  • Elastomer injection moulding

    Flexible, sealing parts for applications with a sealing or damping function.

  • 2K injection moulding process

    Combines two materials for appearance or functional integration.

What actually happens during injection moulding?

Every injection moulding machine consists of two main assemblies: the injection unit, which melts and injects the plastic, and the clamping unit, which opens and closes the mould. The injection moulding process runs in six steps:

  1. Plasticising

    The plastic granulate enters the heated barrel of the injection moulding machine through a hopper. A rotating screw conveys, compresses and melts the material and meters the melt for the next shot.

  2. Closing the mould

    The clamping unit brings the two mould halves – nozzle side and ejector side – together and holds them closed with high force.

  3. Injection

    The screw pushes the melt under high pressure through the gate into the cavity of the mould. Melt temperature and injection speed determine mould filling, surface structure and dimensional accuracy.

  4. Holding pressure

    As it cools, the plastic shrinks. Holding pressure compensates for this volumetric shrinkage – for dimensionally accurate parts without sink marks.

  5. Cooling

    The part solidifies in the temperature-controlled mould. Cooling time accounts for a substantial part of the cycle time – well-designed mould temperature control therefore reduces unit costs directly.

  6. Opening and demoulding

    The mould opens and ejectors release the part from the ejector side. The sprue is separated, and the next cycle begins.

  • Prototype first, then series – into production without risk

    Near-series samples – including by 3D printing – show whether form and function fit before toolmaking. Series production starts only after approval.

  • Your own tool: the foundation for consistent quality

    Development and manufacture of injection moulds for durable and economical production – matched to the part, the material and the quantity.

  • From a small C-part to a safety-relevant A-part

    Whether a single component or a complex assembly: we manufacture injection-moulded parts, moulded parts and plastic parts for a wide range of applications – from series components to safety-relevant parts.

Since

1923

Family business since 1923 – your reliable plastics processor from Saxony

The Mende brand has combined family tradition with modern plastics processing since 1923 – as a company and partner to the plastics industry.

Discover our history

Location

Klingenberg, Germany

Common questions about plastic injection moulding

What does plastic injection moulding cost?

Production costs (unit costs) depend on the tool, the material and the quantity. Higher quantities reduce the cost per part, because the tooling costs are spread across more parts.

From what quantity is injection moulding worthwhile?

For small series and prototypes, alternative processes such as 3D printing are suitable. Injection moulding becomes economical from medium to high volumes.

Which material is right for my part?

The choice of material determines surface structure, stability and cost. We advise you when comparing possible plastic materials – including against metal – based on your requirements.

What types of injection moulding processes are there?

Thermoplastics can be melted again, thermosets remain dimensionally stable after curing, and elastomers stay flexible. The choice depends on the function of the part.

How long does it take from prototype to series production?

After the prototype is approved, toolmaking and initial sampling follow. The duration depends on part complexity and the scope of the tool.

Do you also take care of the toolmaking?

Yes. Development and manufacture of the injection moulds are part of our services – everything from a single source.

Do you also produce small series and C-parts?

Yes, we manufacture both A-parts with high safety requirements and C-parts in smaller quantities.

Ready for your next project?

We support you with material selection, toolmaking and series production – with personal advice and technical expertise.

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