From concept to producible component
Custom-made plastic parts
Having a plastic part made requires alignment between material choice, engineering, manufacturability and production. PEZY supports the process from concept and prototype through mould-making, validation and series production. We operate from our own facilities in Groningen and a carefully selected partner network. The production route is tailored to your application, volumes and quality requirements.
These companies rely on PEZY to turn their product into reality.
The basis for a manufacturable plastic part
We start from application, use, environment and cost targets. We combine your domain knowledge with over thirty years of experience in plastics engineering. That way we can develop an idea or technical concept into concrete requirements and investigate which choices have the greatest impact on the next steps.
Use and ergonomics
We examine forces, movements, touches and repeated actions. The design must suit the user, with attention to intuitive use, comfort and service life.
Environmental conditions
Temperature fluctuations, moisture, chemicals, UV exposure, vibrations, dust and impact are included in the requirements. The chosen material and construction must match the actual operating conditions.
Loads and mechanics
Static and dynamic loading, compression, bending, torsion and fatigue require focused assessment. With FEA and practical experience we investigate material selection, wall thicknesses and rib structures.
Volume and cost targets
A single prototype, a small series of for example 100 to 5,000 units or larger quantities: volume and testing objectives influence the production route. We weigh up 3D printing, CNC machining, vacuum casting, rapid tooling and injection moulding against each other.
Integration and assembly
We assess the fit with electronics, mechanical parts, seals, connectors and other plastic components. Tolerances and ease of assembly are taken into account in the joint technical development.
Sustainability and circularity
Recyclability, PCR materials, biobased plastics and Design for Recycling are explored early. We evaluate which options align with the performance, lifespan and processing of the part.
Standards, safety and material requirements
Which requirements apply depends on the product, the application and the market. We map out the relevant design criteria and required substantiation early on. A plastic component is not automatically subject to CE marking or certified; the requirements for the finished product must be assessed separately.
-
Protection and fire behaviour
Depending on the application we investigate dust and water protection, for example IP65 or IP67, mechanical impact resistance and IK requirements. For fire behaviour a material class such as UL 94 V-0 may be relevant. A material classification is not the same as approval of the complete product.
-
Substances and traceability
Applicable requirements around RoHS and REACH are taken into account in material selection and documentation. We look at provenance, available material data and substance risks so that supply‑chain choices are well substantiated.
-
Requirements for specific applications
For medical applications quality management requirements such as ISO 13485 can be relevant. For food contact we assess applicable EU rules, including Regulation 10/2011 for plastics, or the relevant US FDA requirements. The necessary route is determined by the application and the target market.
-
Preparing validation and certification
Risk assessments, technical documentation and cooperation with appropriate test laboratories support the trajectory. We agree which tests are required and who is responsible for the assessment and any certification.
From concept to a manufacturable product
We translate specifications into a design where function, appearance and production come together. Wall thicknesses and rib structures, tolerances and fits, gate points and venting, surface finishing and colour are developed in concert. Assembly and serviceability are also part of Design for Manufacturing (DFM). By engineering the enclosure and functionality together, we investigate how the component as a whole can be made and used better.
Material selection and circular solutions
Material selection affects strength, weight, lifespan and cost, among other things. We assess materials from the perspective of the application and look beyond a single property. Designing for and from recycling helps ensure options for the next life phase are considered.
Engineering plastics
Materials such as ABS, PC, PP and PEEK differ in properties and processing. The load, environment and production route determine which plastic is suitable.
Metals where functionally required
Aluminium or other metals can play a role in the product or the combination of components. We assess whether their properties provide a functional complement to the plastic parts.
Composites
If the application warrants it, we include composites in the material consideration. There too, performance, manufacturability and post‑use processing are assessed together.
Recycled and bio‑based variants
We investigate circular or recycled plastics and bio‑based alternatives. The choice must suit the intended use and production; changing the feedstock does not automatically make a component suitable for reuse or recycling.
Testing prototypes before mass production
In our Pilot Factory in Groningen we link prototypes to a test plan. We define which properties must be demonstrated and refine the design based on the results. This allows technical and practical issues to be investigated before volumes are scaled up.
Mechanical strength and function
Compression, bending, drop and fatigue tests help assess how the part responds to the expected loads. The test setup is tailored to the intended use and service life.
Dimensions and tolerances
Using measurement equipment we check critical dimensions against the specifications. This establishes whether the part fits and what variation is acceptable for assembly.
Surface quality
We assess texture, gloss, colour consistency and defects such as sink marks or flow lines. This ensures aesthetic requirements are evaluated alongside functional requirements.
Assembly and fit
We test the interface with electronics, seals, screws and other components. Where necessary we improve the design for assembly, maintenance and service.
Thermal behaviour
Temperature and heat management tests provide insight into expansion, contraction and heat dissipation. We assess behaviour within the temperature conditions agreed for the application.
Real-world conditions
Climate, chemical exposure, UV and vibration can be part of the test plan. These tests support the assessment of performance and lifespan under relevant conditions.
Tooling and preparation for serial production
Once the design is sufficiently substantiated, we develop the mould and the production process. Simulations, mould manufacturing and test injections support one another. Aluminium, steel or a hybrid solution is chosen based on volume, geometry, lifetime and other requirements.
-
Match the mould type
Aluminium can be appropriate for pilots and smaller series. Steel is an option for higher volumes or other tooling requirements. Hybrid solutions can help when the geometry or application calls for a combination.
-
In-house toolroom
In Groningen we build and maintain moulds in-house. The short lines of communication with engineering and production help to incorporate findings from simulations and test runs in a targeted way.
-
Golden Sample as reference
An approved Golden Sample, together with the documentation, serves as a reference for tolerances, surface, colour and functionality. This records which version is expected in further production.
-
Handover and scaling up
For production in the Netherlands or with selected partners in Asia we support the handover. Technical documentation, guidance for the first runs and agreements on quality assurance are part of the preparation.
Plastic product development
From first idea to a product where material, construction and production are aligned.
More about plastic product development
Designing for the next lifecycle
Investigate how lifespan, repair, reuse and recycling can become part of your design.
More about circularityWhy PEZY
Developing and manufacturing plastic components with PEZY
At PEZY, design, plastic engineering, prototyping and production come together. You work with a single point of contact who maintains coherence between the component requirements and the chosen production route. This applies to a precision part, a robust enclosure or a product made up of multiple interacting components. We combine in-house facilities with selected partners. Attention to manufacturability, quality and circularity runs from the initial analysis through to preparation for series production.
3 locations
Design, engineering and production in close collaboration.
Pilot Factory
From first prototype to small series, in-house.
30+ years
Product innovation since 1995.
Great Place to Work
Recognised on the basis of feedback from our employees.
Discuss your plastic components
Would you like plastic parts manufactured or an existing design improved? We will discuss the application, material, quantities and quality requirements. From an initial prototype to a production run: together we will determine which development and validation steps are needed.