Hallam Plastics

Formerly a division of the Vic Hallam Group, manufacturing wooden Cabinets, Hallam Plastics Limited was established in 1971. There was a growing recognition that within the manufacturing process of speaker boxes, wood could be replaced by plastic mouldings, and as cabinet makers a SWOT analysis allowed Hallam Plastics to act on this opportunity.

Primarily operating as a trade plastics moulding company, Hallam Plastics Limited offers Engineering Structural Foam and traditional injection moulding here in the UK. Over the years, the company has won desirable contracts within the audio, computing and power tool markets, supplying companies such as NCR, THALES, IBM UNYSIS and Black and Decker along the way.

Engineering Structural Foam (ESF) injection moulding is similar to conventional injection moulding using the same thermoplastic materials, but with much more potential. With material shot weights up to 16kgs, the unique features of ESF means that your parts can achieve the strength of metal, but with the advantage that complex curves bring, as product specific features can be introduced into your structural components whilst reducing your component inventory and costs.

Hallam Plastics has continued to position itself at the forefront of its market place for technical expertise in the manufacturing of lightweight structural components. A fundamental understanding of its micro and macro environment has enabled the company to establish itself as a leading force in terms of being the first structural foam moulder in Europe to offer twin shot ESF moulding.

The company’s approach has always been to assess whether it can truly add value to its current or potential customer’s products, and a market focused approach has seen Hallam Plastics horizontally integrate into providing traditional injection moulding of up to 1000t, with the addition of a paint plant to support both plastic processes.

A recent case study which has exemplified the exceptional work that Hallam Plastics has been doing in the medical industry is one with Brandon Medical Limited, an award winning UK-based technology company with 65 years of healthcare experience. Following advances in lighting technology, the company’s attention was refocused onto an existing product which was currently being manufactured using  Spun aluminium.

Primary research highlighted that the product, although effective, required updating to take advantage of developments in this lighting technology. A complete product overhaul was executed, with the brief stating to take advantage of all opportunities in order to improve the user experience, form, fit and function using the most cost effective fit for the purpose manufacturing process available.

Issues with original product included its weight, heat dissipation, cleanliness ,cost of spun aluminium components and difficulty in assembly. After careful consideration Engineering Structural Foam was selected as the preferred option for the manufacturer. Using Engineering Structural Foam provided a number of benefits, including a reduction in weight, reduction in heat transference , elimination of joint and split lines, introduction of Antimicrobial additives to promote cleanliness, as well as a reduction in bracketry to ease the assembly process, a superior user experience and a reduction in costs.

Testimonial

The incredible strength &  versatility of ESF moulding allowed us to create a  cost effective single component. “Peter North – Brandon Medical”

Hallam Plastics also offers ancillary operations including assembly, machining, painting and EMI RFI shielding. If you have a new product that requires redesign, looking for an alternative supply ,or general technical support, why not give Hallam Plastics a call? The team are always happy to help on 01773 531 151.
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