Secondary Operations
Cranfield Group’s secondary operations transform injection moulded components into complete, market-ready products. We understand that manufacturing doesn’t stop at moulding – that’s why we can take ownership of your entire production process, managing everything from initial moulding through to finished assemblies.
Our comprehensive range of post-moulding processes eliminates the need for multiple suppliers. Whether you need printed graphics, welded assemblies, or complete kitted products, we flex our capabilities to match your requirements. This integrated approach simplifies your supply chain whilst maintaining quality control throughout production – a true outsourced solution that lets you focus on your business while we handle the manufacturing complexity.
Why Choose Cranfield Group
Integrated Manufacturing for Superior Results
Our secondary operations capabilities deliver complete outsourced solutions:
- Complete Manufacturing Partnership – We take ownership from moulding through assembly, delivering finished products not just components.
- Problem-Solving Expertise – When assembly challenges arise or specifications change, we find solutions that keep production moving.
- Flexible Capacity – In-line and offline processing options that scale with your needs, from small batches to high-volume production.
- Quality Continuity – Components remain within our quality system throughout, ensuring complete traceability and consistent standards.
- Continuous Improvement – Always striving to enhance processes, reduce assembly time and improve product quality.
- Technical Integration – Our engineers optimise designs for efficient secondary processing, solving problems before they arise.
Our Capabilities
We offer a full suite of post-moulding processes, including:
Pad Printing
High-quality graphics and text application on curved or irregular surfaces. Ideal for logos, instructions and regulatory markings with excellent durability.
Hot Foil Printing
Metallic or pigmented foil application for premium finishes. Perfect for branding and decorative elements requiring visual impact.
Ultrasonic Welding
Permanent joining of plastic components without adhesives or fasteners. Creates strong, hermetic seals for assemblies.
Insert Moulding
Metal or plastic inserts incorporated during the moulding process. Provides secure fastening points and eliminates post-mould insertion.
In-Line and Offline Assembly
Component assembly directly from the moulding machine or in dedicated assembly areas. From simple two-part assemblies to complex multi-component products.
Kitting
Grouping related components into ready-to-use sets. Includes packaging multiple parts, adding documentation and creating retail-ready products.
Industries we serve
Our secondary operations are applied across a wide range of sectors, each with its own requirements for functionality, durability, and presentation. Here are some of the industries we regularly support:
Automotive
Ultrasonic welding for fluid reservoirs, pad printing for control panels and complete sub-assembly manufacture.
Dosing & Dispensing
Assembly of pump mechanisms, valve systems and complete dispensing units ready for installation.
Electronics
Insert moulding for threaded bosses, ultrasonic welding of enclosures and anti-static assembly processes.
Health & Safety
Clean assembly environments, tamper-evident welding and regulatory marking application for medical devices.
Metal Replacement
Insert moulding for hybrid metal-plastic assemblies combining the benefits of both materials.
Rubber Industry
Assembly combining rigid plastic housings with rubber seals and gaskets into complete products.
Telecoms
Hermetic welding for outdoor equipment, EMC-compliant assembly and identification marking systems.
Trade Moulding
Flexible secondary operations supporting diverse customer requirements from decoration to complex assembly.
Transform your moulded components into finished products with our comprehensive secondary operations. Contact us to discuss how we can streamline your manufacturing process.
Quality Control
Our ISO 9001:2015 certification extends across all secondary operations, ensuring the same rigorous quality standards from initial moulding through final assembly:
Process Control
- Validated procedures for all secondary operations
- Regular equipment calibration and maintenance
- Operator training and certification programmes
- In-process inspection at defined intervals
- Final inspection before packaging
Traceability Systems
Complete documentation tracks components through every secondary operation, maintaining full traceability from raw material to finished product. This comprehensive approach ensures consistent quality and enables rapid response to any queries.
Additional Services
Supporting Your Complete Manufacturing Needs
Our integrated capabilities ensure efficient progression through all manufacturing stages:
Expert engineering support to optimise components for efficient manufacture and superior performance.
Rapid prototype production and testing to validate designs before committing to production tooling.
High-precision manufacturing of thermoplastic components from prototype to high-volume production.
Specialist manufacturing of rubber components using dedicated thermoset processing equipment.
Complete mould tool solutions from design through manufacture, maintenance and lifetime support.
Complete assembly services transforming components into finished products. From simple two-part assemblies to complex multi-component builds.
Custom packaging design and flexible logistics solutions. From bulk packaging to JIT delivery supporting your production schedules.
Not sure which services you need? Our technical team can guide you through the options and develop the right solution for your project.
Frequently Asked Questions
Your Secondary Operations Questions Answered
Can you process parts not moulded by you?
Our secondary operations are integrated with our moulding services to maintain quality control throughout the manufacturing process.
What printing colours are available?
We offer a wide range of standard colours plus custom colour matching for corporate branding requirements.
How strong are ultrasonic welds?
When properly designed, ultrasonic welds can be as strong as the parent material, often exceeding adhesive bond strengths.
Can you handle multi-stage assembly?
Yes, we manage complex assemblies involving multiple components and processes, including testing where required.
What volumes can you accommodate?
From small batches to high-volume production, our flexible capacity adapts to your requirements.
Ready to transform basic components into finished products? Our secondary operations team can develop efficient processes that reduce costs and improve quality. Contact us to explore integrated manufacturing solutions.