In project team work for economic production
How can a sophisticated sieve be produced economically?

Starting position
The need for an existing sieve for a liquid container was put out to tender again. Right from the start, elfo aimed to develop an economical manufacturing process. Due to the existing part design, a “common” punching-insert moulding process was not applicable. For this reason, a more advanced tooling concept was considered, with which the sieve could be manufactured in a production process without manual work.
Project team
The enquiry was handled by a project team from the engineering and parts production departments. Different variants of possible tool concepts were considered. After evaluating the different variants, it was decided to go for a concept with punching and folding of the filter material in the injection moulding tool. The basis for the tool design was laid.
Engineering process
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Engineering
Variants of tool concepts
Different variants of possible tooling concepts were considered and evaluated.
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Engineering
Decision tool concept
After evaluating the different variants, the decision was made in favour of a concept with punching and folding of the filter material in the injection moulding tool.
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Settings
1-cavity per-series tool
For the proof of concept, it was decided to design and build a 1-cavity pre-production tool.
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Production
Functional sampling
The function of the new tool concept could be tested with the 1-cavity pre-series tool.
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Engineering
Optimisation of the tool concept
Based on the findings from the functional sampling of the 1-cavity pre-series tool, a tool concept for series production could be created.
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Cases
Series production concept
On this basis, a concept and offer for series production could be submitted to the customer.
1-cavity per-series tool
Pump sieve

Section 1-cavity per-series tool
Here is a section through the 1-cavity pre-production tool that was used for the proof of concept.
