Insulated wire producers need to control packaging costs. A patented spool flange design is allowing significant spool production cost savings to be passed on to the wire producer.

Robert Ripplinger invented the EconoReel™ which is now being offered by Pittsfield Plastics Engineering, Inc. The wall thickness of traditional 6-1/2” flange diameter spools is 0.125”. The new design has a wall thickness of 0.039” resulting in a lighter weight spool with the same strength as the heavier spool (see photo). Less weight means less plastic and a lower material cost.

The injection molding cycle is reduced by 70% because the thin wall cools and solidifies faster than the thicker walled flange. Shorter molding cycles means more parts per hour or less machine time and lower labor costs. The costs savings related to the improved productivity and material cost leads to lower spool prices.

Pittsfield Plastics Engineering, Inc. continues to expand its product line in an effort to meet the needs of the wire producer. Several additional EconoReel™ sizes and other patented spools and reels will be introduced to the wire industry in the coming months

Ribbed constuction produces a light weight plastic reel