Accumold

Accumold. Accumold is a world-leading specialist in high-precision, micro-scale injection molding, recognized for manufacturing some of the planet's smallest and most complex plastic components. Founded in 1985 and headquartered in Ankeny, Iowa, the company serves a global clientele across demanding sectors like medical technology, telecommunications, and microelectronics. Its expertise lies in overcoming extreme technical challenges in micromanufacturing, often involving parts with micron-level tolerances and high-volume production.

History

The company was established in 1985 by toolmaker Roger Hargens, initially focusing on conventional mold making and injection molding services. A pivotal shift occurred in the early 1990s when Accumold began specializing in micro molding, investing heavily in specialized equipment and proprietary processes to master the production of increasingly miniature components. This strategic focus allowed it to capitalize on the growing demand from emerging industries like microfluidics and minimally invasive surgery. Key milestones include achieving ISO 13485 certification for medical device manufacturing and expanding its facilities multiple times to accommodate advanced cleanroom environments and state-of-the-art metrology equipment, solidifying its reputation as an innovator in micromanufacturing.

Products and Services

Accumold's core offering is the production of highly engineered, micro-sized plastic parts through advanced micro injection molding. This encompasses a full suite of services from initial design for manufacturability consulting and prototyping to full-scale, high-volume production. The company manufactures intricate components such as micro gears, surgical device tips, lens arrays for optical sensors, and complex lab-on-a-chip substrates. It also provides comprehensive value-added services including assembly, packaging, and stringent quality control utilizing advanced coordinate-measuring machine technology. These services are supported by in-house tool making capabilities for creating precision molds often using electrical discharge machining and micromachining techniques.

Technology and Capabilities

The company's technological edge is defined by its mastery of specialized micro injection molding presses, capable of handling shot weights as low as fractions of a gram with exceptional precision. It utilizes advanced engineering thermoplastics, liquid silicone rubber, and other high-performance polymers suitable for demanding applications. Critical to its success are proprietary processes for handling and controlling resin flow in sub-gram shots, as well as expertise in micro mold design and fabrication. Its facilities feature ISO Class 7 and ISO Class 8 cleanrooms to ensure part integrity for medical device and optical applications. Sophisticated metrology equipment, including scanning electron microscopes and optical comparators, allows for verification of micron and sub-micron level tolerances.

Industries Served

Accumold's components are critical enablers for several high-tech industries. The medical device and diagnostics sector is a primary market, where its parts are used in drug delivery systems, implantable devices, surgical robotics, and point-of-care testing equipment. In telecommunications and data communications, it produces fiber optic ferrules, connectors, and lens elements essential for high-speed networks. The electronics and semiconductor industries utilize its micro components in sensors, actuators, and micro-electromechanical systems. Additional key markets include automotive electronics, defense technology, and consumer electronics, particularly where device miniaturization and reliability are paramount.

Company Information

Accumold operates from its corporate headquarters and primary manufacturing campus in Ankeny, Iowa, within the Des Moines metropolitan area. The company is led by President and Chief Executive Officer Aaron Johnson. It maintains a significant workforce of engineers, toolmakers, and manufacturing specialists dedicated to micromanufacturing. Accumold holds several critical certifications, including ISO 13485 for medical devices and ISO 9001 for quality management systems, underscoring its commitment to rigorous standards. The firm is widely cited in industry publications and is a regular participant in major trade shows like MD&M West and SPE ANTEC, contributing to the advancement of micro molding technology.

Category:Manufacturing companies of the United States Category:Companies based in Iowa Category:Medical technology companies