B.W.I. UK LTD
In early 2010, BWI UK approached Eastland to supply NR and NR/BR compounds, to assist them with their moulding production transition from Delphi’s Portugal operations to the BWI plant in Luton, following an acquisition from Delphi. A partnership was quickly established as Eastland worked closely with BWI to trial and approve BWI’s formulations at Eastland on the appropriate mixing line. Laboratory scale mixing trials were used initially, before ramping to full production batches for moulding trials in Portugal. All compounds were approved in Portugal and formulation’s ‘fine tuned’ to meet BWI Product specification, especially critical load deflection and durability characteristics.
During the early development and approval of compounds, Eastland’s technical ability and the scope of laboratory equipment ensured that a smooth and efficient introduction to injection moulding for the B.W.I technical department ensued.
The approval trials in Portugal allowed for a successful switch to manufacturing in the U.K. for BWI, and Eastland continue to work with BWI now on future product development using our in house development laboratory, thus drawing on both BWI’s and Eastland vast experience to deliver high quality products for the automotive industry.
Graham Beadle (Purchase Manager)
B.W.I UK LTD
FIBRAX LIMITED
Eastland have worked with Fibrax developing compounds not only to meet automotive specifications but to allow smooth production of complicated injection moulded parts. Fibrax produce complicated components with deep under cuts and different thickness’s of rubber throughout the part. Together compounds were developed which not only ran smoothly through mufti cavity machines, they reduced scrap by preventing tearing when releasing from the mould and ensuring a consistent cure throughout the parts. During the current high costs of raw materials any saving on scrap is essential to remain competitive and protect margin in the demanding Automotive markets.
Together Eastland and Fibrax have also developed a self-lubricated moulded part to allow easy quick assemble in a continuous automotive production line and on selected production lines have halved the amount of tool changes for cleaning.
Fibrax have helped Eastland develop compounds for several projects which have enabled Eastland to attack new developments and markets and continuously improve their portfolio for highly specified technical compounds.
David Reece Technical Sales Director said Eastland Compounding is a proven strategic supplier to Fibrax Ltd and continues to provide outstanding service in terms of technical support, open commercial dialogue and a faultless supply stream to our busy mould shops here in Wrexham UK and Sanok Poland.
Fibrax Ltd specialises in rubber injection moulding for the Automotive industry on a Global scale and this together with our domestic business is totally reliant on a secure and reliable supply source for rubber compounds.
We congratulate everyone at Eastland on your 10th anniversary and look forward to years of future cooperation and mutual business success.
John O’Brien (Managing Director)
Fibrax Limited
METFLEX PRECISION MOULDINGS
2001 - Metflex were producing high quality clean compounds through mill mixing and Barwell extruding. Although the process did produce quality products Eastland proposed that through their mixing and In line Straining capabilities they could improve the quality of the compound and offset increased raw material costs for Metflex. Over a period of 2 years Eastland gradually re designed formulations and mixing cylces which delivered a clean, homogenous compound satisfying all the requirements of the gas diaphragm industry. The NBR diaphragm had to achieve vigorous testing including pressure testing to EN549 @ 0.2mm thickness. Metflex not only gained improved efficiencies but they benefited from the difficulties attached to rubber mixing including legislation and purchase and storage of raw materials. Further compounds were targeted in other markets including Acoustic damping. The performance of a rubber surround is very complex as both stiffness and damping of any rubber material will change with frequency. How Metflex chooses its formulations is based on many years of testing and working with suppliers and customers. A real understanding of how to compound and formulate for such a complex area takes years of careful research. The compound is now mixed at Eastland and together both companies develop unique surround materials for individual drivers. With the help of Eastland Metflex have been influential in the development of their products for under – sea clamping devices and anti-vibration blocks.
Steve Parry, Director of Development & Quality Metflex said we have an excellent working relationship based on trust, all information is shared and Eastland could not have supported Metflex better over the past 10 years. Metflex philosophy is to find niche products and to find better ways of working with their suppliers. This means total trust which is what we have. We liaise with Eastland to choose the right material for your application
We see Eastland as our partner in compounding and will bring our customers to visit Eastland when required.
Eastland now mix over 90% of all rubber compound processed in Metflex.
Steve Parry (Director of Development & Quality)
Metflex Precision Mouldings