How does Brink Services USA collaborate with the main Brink Group operations in the Netherlands for mold maintenance projects, including any knowledge or resource sharing?
Michael Klestinec, Managing Director, Brink Services USA: Brink Services USA is the U.S.-based branch of the Dutch company Brink B.V. It is fully equipped not only to repair but also to manufacture new mold components for all Brink-designed molds located in North America, and it also builds completely new molds — both European- and North America-designed — for the region’s packaging market. By using the same CAD and CAM systems and high-speed five-axis CNC mills as Brink, we can efficiently share CAM programs, tooling lists and design data, ensuring seamless communication and rapid turnaround.
It is also important to highlight the key differences between European and North American thin-wall plastic packaging mold designs. A typical North American mold builder will often design round modules with round locking tapers for most round containers and lids. In contrast, European mold builders, such as Brink B.V., commonly design square or rectangular modules with a wedge-lock taper and wear plates.
This distinction sets Brink Services USA apart from most North American mold repair shops. We have both the expertise and capability to repair European and North American-style molds. For North American designs, we typically rely on our ID and OD grinders to handle the majority of component rework. For European Brink B.V. designs, we leverage our parent company’s knowledge and use a finish-milling approach to restore components to precise specifications…