RUCO Blog

When Parker McCrory Mfg. Co. began looking for a local manufacturing partner in 1970, they chose Ruco Products, Inc. More than 50 years later, that partnership is still going strong — built on shared values, quality craftsmanship, and a willingness to grow together.

Parker McCrory, or Parmak, was founded in 1921 in Kansas City, Missouri. Originally, they produced farm radios and wind chargers. But, their true impact on the agricultural industry came in the 1930’s with the introduction of electric fencing.

At Ruco, we have been manufacturing key components for Parker McCrory’s fencing systems since 1970. Currently, we produce their fence insulators and gate handle parts. We also help with small or low-volume pieces as needed.

“Having worked together for five decades, we know what is important to Parker McCrory. This allows us to prioritize their needs and deliver a seamless customer experience,” says Sabrina Kowalik, Vice President of Ruco Products, Inc. “Whether we’re carefully maintaining their molds or finding the perfect color for their parts, they know they’re in good hands with our team.”

Along with molding the parts, we also package the insulators for them. To meet their specifications, we bag them in quantities of 10 or 25. This means that when they arrive at the Parker McCrory building they are ready to ship to stores. This saves their team time and maximizes efficiency.

Parker McCrory’s fencing products are designed to perform outside – often in tough conditions. To protect plastic parts from sun damage, we add a UV stabilizer to some of their parts that improves longevity and prevents brittleness.

Additionally, we mix in other additives to deliver the best product for Parker McCrory. For components that tend to expand and grip tightly in the mold, we use a mold release agent. This makes removal easier, reduces waste, and helps to maintain the part’s integrity. Along with these additives, we also use a colorant to achieve their product colors of choice – black and yellow.

We also take pride in maintaining their existing molds. Parker McCrory is cost conscious and strives to extend the longevity of their equipment. Routine maintenance and inspections keep things running smoothly. In fact, we recently sent a mold out for repair of a hydraulic cylinder that was leaking fluid. Staying on top of these issues prevents unexpected downtime.

Despite decades of change in both the agriculture and manufacturing industries, our relationship with Parker McCrory has remained steady. Our commitment to quality, managing costs, and evolving to meet changing needs helps them deliver products that farmers rely on every day.

When manufacturing and assembly happen under one roof, everything moves faster. By eliminating the need to ship parts between vendors, companies can accelerate production, streamline communication, and reduce costs. A turnkey approach simplifies the supply chain, shortens lead times, and frees clients to focus on what they do best. In this post, we share what to look for in a partner, how to set up an assembly project, and common pitfalls.

What to Look for in an Assembly Partner

A successful partnership should have these three characteristics. The first is open, transparent communication. Next, find someone with a solid plan and layout for assembly. This will ensure your manufacturer works efficiently. Finally, your partner should be looking to the future. If they are managing and tracking inventory, they can respond quickly to requests instead of causing delays while they wait for parts to arrive.

Setting Up an Assembly Project

The strategy for set-up is often dictated by the product. However, the process for engaging a manufacturer should stay the same. Before our team creates a quote, we ask for a sample of the product. This informs our base bid.

Then, we recommend doing a time study, as it increases the accuracy of the quote. That information is used to develop a proposal for the work. Once accepted, we request any molds, if we’re handling the injection molding in-house.

Next, we determine the layout for production. We start by identifying the number of workstations needed. Then, we make sure the required materials or resources, like power or parts, are accessible. After those decisions have been made and our approach is optimized, we can begin work immediately or perform a test run for our client’s review.

Common Pitfalls

When it comes to finding the right assembly partner, there are a number of pitfalls to avoid. One of the largest mistakes would be skipping the time study. If you don’t understand the labor costs, the ramifications could be detrimental to your business.

While the first time study is important, we recommend reevaluating it if the project changes. Depending on the modifications, the cost of labor may be increasing. Doing these periodic check-ins will allow you to see if the work needed is still on par with what you were initially quoted.

Working with Ruco

Our assembly services are tailored to each client and product. We can handle full or partial assembly, sourcing external components when needed. Our team also offers boxing, shipping, quality control measures, and inventory management as part of this comprehensive service. We use these tools to cover a wide range of production needs:

• Drill
• Boring device
• Saw
• Hot stamper
• Compressed air
• Inventory staging areas
• Assembly tables

To create a seamless client experience, Ruco handles all the details related to product assembly in-house. In addition to manufacturing parts, we also manage stock and store inventory. This allows us to begin work quickly and minimize delays, as we keep what we need on-hand.

Another service we offer is sourcing. Our team can identify suppliers for external components. Once selected, we manage the relationship, keeping materials in stock and finding alternatives when necessary.

Contact our team today to learn more about our assembly capabilities.

For more than 30 years, Ruco Products, Inc. and Elanco have grown side by side—what began with a simple molding task in 1989 has evolved into a full-scale manufacturing and product assembly partnership that spans the globe.

When we began working together, our team was only responsible for molding their cattle implanters and accessory components. Elanco handled the assembly in-house. Then, in 2014, they decided to outsource the entire project to Ruco. A natural progression of our partnership, we were easily able to take on this new work, because of our familiarity with the product and the client.

At first, we sent all completed implanters to their central facility. But, as their business model evolved over the last 2-3 years, we began shipping to each of their affiliates. Now, we receive orders from a variety of global locations, which has resulted in smaller runs for our team.

As part of our collaboration, we keep many of their parts in stock. When an order comes in, we check our inventory to see what we need and determine if we can start moving forward. Based on our supplies, we will assemble the pieces we can and place an order for what’s missing. This allows us to move quickly and efficiently.

Managing their inventory at our warehouse helps us work proactively. When we see that something is getting low, we can initiate an order. Often, we already have their resin in stock and can begin molding immediately. Once the molding is complete, our team will add all the other components, as they arrive.

One of the larger challenges we’ve faced over the course of our partnership is managing the change in order quantities. In the past, larger orders were placed and shipped to one location. This lowered the price of individual parts. Now, with smaller orders shipping to individual locations, we are trying to run as lean as we can without compromising quality or driving up costs.

Our flexibility has made our company an asset to Elanco. We often adapt with their business and react to customer feedback. If a country or individual location wants to do things differently, we are willing to make changes. In fact, their Mexican customers were unhappy with the needle used in each implanter. We worked with Elanco to find the best solution. Now, we use a new needle in only the implanters we produce for Mexico.

In addition to our work with the implanters, our team has been partnering with Elanco on a new development project. Currently, we are five years into the 10-year effort. As changes arise, we work with the toolmaker or material supplier to make modifications and conduct new tests.

Our decades-long partnership with Elanco is built on adaptability, trust, and shared goals. As their business continues to grow and change, we’re proud to be a reliable, responsive part of the process.

Companies invest considerable time and money in developing molds for their plastic products. When designing a new product or reshoring from overseas production, they need a trusted partner to walk them through the process. In this article, we draw on decades of experience, sharing our best practices for creating and maintaining a mold.

How We Partner with Toolmakers
Our team works with toolmakers when we are producing a new product or if we are working with a client who is bringing their production back to the States. In both instances, the client doesn’t own a mold and needs to have one made. We also partner with toolmakers when an existing mold needs repair or modification. However, if a business is using our 3D printer to make a small run or item, a mold isn’t needed.

Creating a New Mold for Plastic Injection Products
At Ruco, we start by preparing a quote for the project. When the bid is accepted, we ask the client to provide their 3D files. Then, those documents are sent to the toolmaker. As the mold is constructed, our team helps manage the process, acting often as the go-between.

The time to create a new mold varies. This depends on the complexity and size of the project. However, we recommend planning on at least six to eight weeks.

The cost to produce a mold often makes choosing a partner intimidating. Our team can work with any maker of your choice. Or, we can provide a list of trusted partners from which you can select a vendor.

The key to success when creating a new tool is flexibility. Mold designs are rarely perfect right off the bat. Often, companies need to make modifications to their plans. The biggest challenge is often getting a product to easily eject from the mold. Small changes to the end product can reduce cost and improve production efficiency. Weigh the pros and cons of part attributes and simplify where you can.

Additionally, companies should account for an extended processing time on the initial run. Testing the mold and getting it ready before you do a full run will make your experience go much more smoothly. We recommend companies allow five to 10 days for this in your production schedule.

Maintaining Molds for Plastic Injection Products
Manufacturers face a high, upfront cost to have a mold made. Maintaining the quality and integrity of our clients’ molds is of the utmost importance to our team. To keep things running smoothly, we take the following steps.

At the end of each run, we do a surface clean of the mold while it’s still in the machine. We also put protectant on it every time it comes out. Along with these maintenance procedures, our team performs a more in-depth inspection at regular intervals. The frequency of these checks varies from tool to tool.

To do this, we take apart the mold, examining it for wear and tear. Then, we lubricate the components. When applicable, we check any springs, replacing those where needed. If a tool needs more significant repairs, we send it to a toolmaker. This typically takes two to four weeks.

Doing these steps takes little time but can help eliminate future issues. Regular mold maintenance allows our team to catch problems between runs instead of during production. Staying on top of these details reduces delays.

Whether you’re launching a new product or reshoring from overseas production, our team will guide you through the process, while minimizing downtime and managing costs. Contact us to learn more.

For more than two decades, Ruco Products, Inc. and Sierra Bullets have worked in close collaboration. Together, we produce millions of bullet tips and thousands of bullet boxes every year, while maintaining a rigorous quality control process. But, that’s not how we started.

When Sierra Bullets first approached our team, they wanted to create sturdier bullet boxes. At the time, they were made of cardboard. Ruco, with its plastic injection molding capabilities, was the perfect fit for the project.

Since that time, our work together has grown. We now manufacture bullet boxes in 11 different sizes, as well as bullet tips in two sizes and a variety of colors. A typical run for tips is 1-2 million pieces, while boxes are most often produced in the 20,000 quantity range.

Producing a high quantity of bullet tips comes with challenges. The first of which is their size. As they come off the mold, they can be hard to contain. To capture the tips, our production team developed an inventive solution. They made an open-ended box out of plexiglass. When connected to the chute, the bullet tips are funneled into the collection bin. There, compressed air is positioned to blow straight down. This has significantly improved containment.

To meet Sierra Bullets specifications, we also implemented a rigorous quality control process for the bullet tips. When they are in production, we take a sample size of the part every hour. Those are examined under the microscope for any flaws or issues. Then, at the end of each day, we send Sierra Bullets a production sample for them to run through their machine to ensure the tips are within spec. If the tips pass inspection, that production run is approved and can be released for shipment.

This is important because proper orientation of the bullet tip is critical to an uninterrupted manufacturing process for Sierra. When manufacturing bullets, Sierra’s machines shake the tips into alignment, so they can be pressed into the bullet. They must meet the specified tolerances for this to work. If not, they will jam up the machines and slow production.

While the bullet tips require more assembly after they are produced, the lidded boxes leave the machine fully formed. Each features a living hinge to save Sierra Bullets time on production.

Along with manufacturing these goods, we also use the Kanban system to manage their inventory. We keep one full order of all box sizes in our warehouse. Then, when Sierra Bullets needs a specific size, we send it to them from our inventory. Once those are out the door, we initiate a new order to replace what was sent. This approach allows us to immediately fill an order at any time.

Through innovation, collaboration, and a shared commitment to quality, Ruco Products and Sierra Bullets have built a partnership that has stood the test of time. By continuously improving their manufacturing processes and adapting to new challenges, they’ve streamlined production and supported Sierra’s growth.

In an era where innovation drives success, the latest advancements in 3D printing technology are revolutionizing how businesses prototype and produce. With our new, upgraded 3D printer, we’re not just enhancing quality; we’re expanding possibilities. By enabling the use of diverse materials and delivering superior results, this state-of-the-art machine empowers companies to streamline their design processes, cut costs, and bring their ideas to life faster than ever before.

Although Ruco has had a 3D printer in the past, our new, Form 4 printer expands our capabilities. With the old model, we could only work with one material type, and it had an inconsistent quality. However, the new machine can handle a variety of materials and produces a higher quality result.

“We are excited about the possibilities the Form 4 printer offers. Along with producing products, it also has the capability to print a mold insert. This is a game-changer for businesses who are working to manage expenses,” said Sabrina Kowalik, President of Ruco Products, Inc.

Who benefits from 3D printing?
Our Form 4 printer is a great fit for new customers who need a prototype. Companies can print a first run, test it, and then, revise it. It allows businesses to finetune plans and analyze how a part could be improved without investing a lot of time or money.

“If a company has a mold made for a new product and there is a design issue, they have lost valuable time and made a significant investment that can’t be recouped. 3D printing makes it easier for companies to invest in innovation and test new solutions,” said Kowalik.

The 3D printer also works well for businesses who have small quantity runs. They can skip the process of having a mold made and immediately begin production. However, items larger in size may take longer to make.

Which projects aren’t a good fit for 3D printing?
3D printing doesn’t make sense for every project. For example, the part can’t exceed the printer’s size parameters. The machine is also not as exacting as a mold, so if the item has a very tight tolerance on dimensions, this won’t be the best solution. We don’t recommend using it for anything that needs a large quantity – unless it is really small. For example, for a part volume of roughly an inch cubed, it wouldn't make sense to do a run over 200 parts. On large parts, where we could only print one part per run, it's smart to do 50 or less. This is because, big items are very slow to produce with it, so a mold might be a better fit for these kinds of projects.

What is the 3D printing process like?
First, we take your 3D file and convert it to the correct file type. Then, we set up the part orientation in the Formlabs software. It has some auto features where it will help the user orient the part and add supports. But, the user usually has to do some fine-tuning to make sure the part will come out as desired. Next, we spot check the file to make sure it will come out right. Then, we send it to the printer.

After processing, the parts have to be washed. Then, they are cured in the oven. Depending on the material selected the length of the wash and time to cure will vary.

For prototypes, more steps can be needed. If the part needs to be tweaked, you can modify the file internally. Then, when we receive the revised design, we will follow the process outlined above to produce a new version. This can be repeated through multiple iterations, if needed.

What happens if a company doesn’t have a file?
If a company doesn’t have a design file to start, our team has the capability to mock-up simple parts in Solid Works. Our engineer on staff will draw it and submit the plans to you for review and approval. However, if something more complex is needed, our team will collaborate with outside experts to develop a plan.

Contact us to get a customized quote for your next project or to learn more about our 3D printer’s capabilities.