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Excellence in Custom Wheel Manufacturing: Custom Engineered Wheels Inc.’s Production of 20,000 8.5″ Wheels for a Leading Cooler Manufacturer

Summary

CEW, Inc. recently completed a project to manufacture 20,000 8.5” wheels for a leading manufacturer of high-performance coolers. This case study details the specifications of the wheels, their uses and applications, scalability, manufacturing process, and the rigorous quality control measures implemented to ensure the highest standards.

Project Specifications

The project focused on developing robust, high-quality 8.5” wheels designed to meet stringent performance criteria. Key specifications included:

  • Diameter: 8.5 inches
  • Material: High Impact Polypropylene (HIPP)
  • Temperature Range: 0°F to 120°F
  • Features: Smooth operation, high durability, and compatibility with various cooler models

Uses and Applications

These wheels are specifically engineered for use in high-performance coolers that keep contents cold under extreme conditions. Applications include:

  • Outdoor Recreation: Coolers for camping, fishing, and hunting trips
  • Marine Use: Coolers designed for boating and fishing vessels
  • Event Catering: Mobile coolers for food and beverage services
  • Commercial Use: Coolers for transporting perishable goods in the food industry

Scalability of the Project

The initial production run of 7,000+ wheels demonstrated CEW’s capability to scale operations efficiently. The project highlighted the ability to:

  • Ramp Up Production: Utilize advanced manufacturing techniques to increase production rates without compromising quality
  • Manage Inventory: Implement effective inventory management strategies to handle large orders
  • Ensure Consistency: Maintain high standards of quality across large production volumes

Manufacturing Process

CEW employed a meticulous manufacturing process to ensure the wheels met all specifications and performance requirements:

Material Selection

High-quality High Impact Polypropylene (HIPP) was chosen for its durability and performance under stress.

Injection Molding

The wheels were manufactured using state-of-the-art injection molding machines. Consistent quality was maintained through precise control of temperature, pressure, and cycle times.

Assembly

Each wheel was assembled with PM Sleeves (also known as PM Bushings) and other components to guarantee smooth operation.

Finishing

The wheels underwent finishing processes to enhance durability and aesthetic appeal.

Quality Control Steps

Quality control was integral to every step of the manufacturing process to ensure the final product met the highest standards:

Material Testing: Incoming HIPP materials were rigorously tested for quality and consistency
In-Process Inspections: Continuous inspections during molding, shaping, and assembly ensured adherence to specifications
Performance Testing: Completed wheels were subjected to load testing, temperature resistance tests, and operational trials
Final Inspection: A thorough final inspection ensured each wheel met all specified requirements before shipment

Conclusion

The successful completion of this project underscored CEW’s commitment to excellence in custom wheel manufacturing. By delivering high-performance 8.5” wheels that enhance the functionality and reliability of coolers, CEW has further solidified its reputation as a leader in the industry. The rigorous quality control measures and scalable production capabilities demonstrated in this project provide a robust foundation for future collaborations with leading cooler manufacturers.

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