Littlestar's IndiCert small fix for a big problem

Heli-Coil-type inserts are used in millions of assemblies across all manufacturing industries. Littlestar Plastics created the IndiCert to quickly identify whether the inserts were installed correctly. It's a small solution to a large problem. If even one threaded insert is installed correctly it can cause an entire shipment to be rejected.

 

MACHESNEY PARK – Littlestar Plastics, which has for 25 years engineered and produced high tolerance plastic components for major manufacturers, now is selling one of its innovations on the open market.

Littlestar created the IndiCert to quickly identify whether threaded inserts were installed correctly. Threaded inserts are fasteners that are used to convert long-lasting threads in plastic, metal, wood or composite materials. Before an assembly containing threaded inserts is completed, the assembler twists the IndiCert into the insert. If the driving tang is still in place or the threaded insert was improperly installed or not installed at all then the IndiCert will not seat.

Littlestar works with companies in industries ranging from automotive and medical to food service and fuel cells, but its major work is done in the precision aerospace field. The IndiCert was developed initially for its aerospace customers. Because Heli-Coil®-type inserts are used in so many products across so many industries, Little Star is selling them through a newly created website, www.indicert.com. The company offers 25 different sizes to fit any threaded insert. Custom sizes are available.


Littlestar's IndiCert small fix for a big problem
Mistake Proof Made Simple

Phil Preston, president of Littlestar, said there has been no way to quickly identify whether all the threaded inserts have been installed and installed correctly. When even one is missed, it can cause a shipment to be rejected, which is bad for the company doing the assembly but even worse for t...

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Phil Preston, president of Littlestar, said there has been no way to quickly identify whether all the threaded inserts have been installed and installed correctly. When even one is missed, it can cause a shipment to be rejected, which is bad for the company doing the assembly but even worse for those facing delays farther up the supply chain.

“A lot of the companies we work with are on very tight schedules and if they miss testing dates it can cost them millions,” Preston said. He said the brightly colored IndiCerts will make it easy to verify at a glance whether or not there is a problem. “You know you have an issue if you have a hole where an IndiCert should be.”

It’s a simple fix but typical of Littlestar, which was founded by Preston in 1991. Littlestar, which has nearly 50 employees, is the rare plastics company that can both design and manufacture components, parts or assemblies and produce them through fabrication, machining or injection molding.

“We’re really a solutions company,” Preston said. “Companies come to us because our engineers know how the manufacturing process works. We can get into a design, break down the process and find a way to make it better.”

Littlestar Plastics, which is based at 1189 Anvil Road, is both ISO9001 and AS9100 certified.



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Published by Littlestar Plastics on Mar 07, 2017

Littlestar Plastics

T: 815-636-8600
F: 815-636-8679

Address
1189 Anvil Drive
Machesney Park, IL
61115
United States
View map

 

Littlestar Plastics

T: 815-636-8600
F: 815-636-8679

Address
1189 Anvil Drive
Machesney Park, IL
61115
United States
View map

 

Company Categories

Materials - Plastics & Elastomers