LeVic Plastics is one of the most reliable companies for plastic mold manufacturing in Missouri. For many years we have assisted with projects of all sizes and have helped create high-quality parts and products for countless clients. Our company’s history dates back to 1971 from our founder Bill Stober’s garage. However, the history of plastic mold manufacturing in Kansas City and throughout the US goes back much further.
This article will provide a quick history lesson on some of the people who helped get the plastic injection molding industry started. After reading this, you’ll have a better understanding of injection molding’s early beginnings and how it evolved into today’s version of plastic mold manufacturing in Missouri.
The Hyatt Brothers
Injection molding can be traced back as far as 1872 in the United States. Many people credit the Hyatt Brothers, John and Isaiah, for patenting the first ever injection molding machine. This machine helped lay the groundwork for the future and more sophisticated designs involving plastic mold manufacturing in Kansas City.
However, back in 1872, the machine was used for basic everyday items like buttons and combs. Still, even though it was used for simple products, the first injection molding machine helped us get to where we are today.
Arthur Eichengrün and Theodore Becker
Injection molding soon became a very popular production method in the United States and took off rather quickly. Its popularity soon spread overseas to Europe. Various inventors helped injection molding evolve into one of the most successful production methods of the early 1900s.
Two of those inventors were Arthur Eichengrün and Theodore Becker; both were well-known German scientists. These two began using cellulose acetate, which helped make the injection molding process safer and less flammable. Later, cellulose acetate was made available in a powder form and could be readily injection molded.
James Watson Hendry
There were many other injection molding developments in the early to mid-1950s. One that really stood out was James Watson Hendry’s invention of gas-assisted injection molding. This greatly improved overall quality and production.
Later, he fine-tuned the process and learned how to develop complex, hollow items. These developments helped almost completely overtake steel in production during the 1970s. Hendry’s impact was monumental in the world of plastic injection molding. His innovation, along with today’s technology have been essential parts to the success of plastic mold manufacturing in Missouri.
Contact LeVic Plastics Today!
Do you have a project involving plastic injection molding, EDM machining, or CNC machining in Missouri? If so, LeVic Plastics is here to assist. Since 1971, we have been helping our clients design and create the best products and parts using our proven tooling services in Missouri. We thrive on consistency, hard work, and customer service at LeVic Plastics, and we’ll make sure your next production run is completed as efficiently as possible.
To get started, give us a call today at (800) 231-1232 or contact us online to get a free quote. We look forward to working with you on your next large project or limited production run in Missouri.
