Welcome to Grand Rapids, Michigan—a city renowned for its dynamic culture, thriving arts scene, and welcoming community spirit. Known as "Beer City USA," Grand Rapids boasts a vibrant craft beer landscape, with over 80 breweries enhancing its reputation as a haven for beer enthusiasts. Yet, it offers so much more than just its rich brew!
Art lovers will find their muse in Grand Rapids, home to the world-renowned ArtPrize, an annual event that transforms the
city into a gigantic gallery with stunning installations around every corner. Complementing this creative energy, the Grand Rapids Art Museum, with its impressive collections, invites visitors to explore the world's artistic wonders.
Nature enthusiasts can savor the tranquility of the Grand River, which meanders gracefully through the city, providing picturesque parks and trails like the Fred Meijer Trail Network, perfect for hikes, bike rides, or leisurely
Grand Rapids, Michigan
4 | HelloGrand Rapids, Michigan • Fall Issue
Hello Grand Rapids, Michigan • Fall Issue |5
strolls.
Family life thrives amidst top-tier schools, diverse communities, and countless recreational options like the John Ball Zoo or Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, where learning and fun seamlessly blend. Grand Rapids' culinary scene, diverse and delectable, promises a feast for the senses, highlighting everything from fresh local produce to international delights.
In Grand Rapids,...
Grand Rapids, Michigan
Grand Rapids, Michigan: The Vibrant Heart of the Mitten State
Welcome to Grand Rapids, Michigan—a city renowned for its dynamic culture, thriving arts scene, and welcoming community spirit. Known as "Beer City USA," Grand Rapids boasts a vibrant craft beer landscape, with over 80 breweries enhancing its reputation as a haven for beer enthusiasts. Yet, it offers so much more than just its rich brew!
Art lovers will find their muse in Grand Rapids, home to the world-renowned ArtPrize, an annual event that transforms the city into a gigantic gallery with stunning installations around every corner. Complementing this creative energy, the Grand Rapids Art Museum, with its impressive collections, invites visitors to explore the world's artistic wonders.
Nature enthusiasts can savor the tranquility of the Grand River, which meanders gracefully through the city, providing picturesque parks and trails like the Fred Meijer Trail Network, perfect for hikes, bike rides, or leisurely strolls.
Family life thrives amidst top-tier schools, diverse communities, and countless recreational options like the John Ball Zoo or Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, where learning and fun seamlessly blend. Grand Rapids' culinary scene, diverse and delectable, promises a feast for the senses, highlighting everything from fresh local produce to international delights.
In Grand Rapids, the warmth of its people fuels a spirit of innovation and community, making it an ideal place to live, work, and flourish. Whether you're a newcomer seeking new adventures or a lifelong resident proudly calling this city home, Grand Rapids truly offers the best of all worlds.
Your Blueprint for Success: Navigating the World of Plastic Injection Molding
Plastic injection molding is one of the most widely used methods for creating parts in manufacturing. It allows for consistent quality, repeatable production, and the ability to scale from small runs to millions of units. While the process itself is highly technical, the path to success can be
simplified into three main considerations: design, material, and production volume. Each of these factors has a direct impact on cost, performance, and the overall success of a project.The first step is design. A strong design begins with attention to detail, especially in areas that influence how
6 | HelloGrand Rapids, Michigan • Fall Issue
Your Blueprint for Success: Navigating the World of Plastic Injection Molding
Plastic injection molding is one of the most widely used methods for creating parts in manufacturing. It allows for consistent quality, repeatable production, and the ability to scale from small runs to millions of units. While the process itself is highly technical, the path to success can be simplified into three main considerations: design, material, and production volume. Each of these factors has a direct impact on cost, performance, and the overall success of a project. The first step is design. A strong design begins with attention to detail, especially in areas that influence how the part will be released from the mold. Draft angles are a critical element here. These slight tapers on the vertical walls of a part allow it to be ejected cleanly, reducing wear on the mold and preventing defects. Without adequate draft, parts may stick, causing damage to both the mold and the product. Wall thickness is another key feature. Consistent wall thickness helps ensure that the resin flows evenly during injection, preventing warping, sink marks, or weak spots. Good design is not just about appearance, it is about making sure the part can be molded efficiently and repeatedly. The next factor is material selection. Plastic resins are not interchangeable, and choosing the right one requires an understanding of the conditions the final part will face. Some resins excel in high heat environments, while others are chosen for strength, flexibility, or chemical resistance. For example, nylon offers durability and impact resistance, while polypropylene provides flexibility and cost efficiency. The wrong material choice can shorten product life or cause failure in critical applications. Engineers often weigh properties such as tensile strength, heat deflection temperature, and resistance to moisture or chemicals before making a final selection. Resin cost is also a consideration, but in most cases performance should take priority over price. Success in plastic injection molding depends on aligning design, material, and volume with the right tooling strategy. The third element, production volume, is closely tied to tooling decisions. Injection molds can range from simple prototypes made of aluminum to complex, multi-cavity tools built from hardened steel. A company planning a short run of parts may benefit from a less expensive aluminum mold that delivers adequate performance for a limited number of cycles. On the other hand, a product expected to sell in the millions requires a durable steel mold designed for precision and longevity. Tooling cost is one of the largest upfront expenses in injection molding, so it is important to match the mold to the expected production volume. Investing in the wrong tooling can either drive up costs unnecessarily or lead to breakdowns and delays if the mold cannot handle the workload. Balancing these three areas, design, material, and volume, creates the blueprint for success in plastic injection molding. Neglecting any one of them can lead to costly setbacks. A well-designed part that uses the wrong resin may fail in service. A perfectly chosen resin may be wasted on a part with poor draft angles. Even with the right design and material, production can stall if the tooling cannot meet demand. Each decision interacts with the others, so the most successful projects take a comprehensive approach. Another aspect to consider is communication between teams. Designers, material specialists, and mold makers all bring unique expertise. When they collaborate early in the project, potential problems can often be identified before tooling is built. For example, a designer may specify a feature that is difficult to mold, but with feedback from the toolmaker, the part can be modified for easier production. Early alignment can save time and reduce the chance of expensive redesigns once production is underway. In today’s competitive manufacturing environment, efficiency and quality are essential. Plastic injection molding provides both when the process is approached thoughtfully. Companies that take the time to balance design requirements, choose appropriate materials, and match tooling to production volume often find that projects run more smoothly. This not only lowers costs but also improves the reliability of the final product. By treating these three factors as a connected system rather than separate steps, manufacturers can navigate the world of plastic injection molding with greater confidence. In the end, injection molding is both a science and an art. It requires technical precision, but also a clear strategy. The blueprint for success is not hidden or overly complicated, it lies in focusing on the fundamentals that guide every project from concept to production.
Ryan Eggleston
thickness is another key feature. Consistent wall thickness helps ensure that the resin flows evenly during injection, preventing warping, sink marks, or weak spots. Good design is not just about appearance, it is about making sure the part can be molded efficiently and repeatedly.The next factor is material selection. Plastic resins are not interchangeable, and choosing the right one requires an understanding of the conditions the final part will face. Some resins excel in high heat environments, while others are chosen for strength, flexibility, or chemical resistance. For example, nylon offers durability and impact resistance,...
the part will be released from the mold. Draft angles are a critical element here. These slight tapers on the vertical walls of a part allow it to be ejected cleanly, reducing wear on the mold and preventing defects. Without adequate draft, parts may stick, causing damage to both the mold and the product. Wall
Success in plastic injection molding depends on aligning design, material, and volume with the right tooling strategy.
About the Author
Ryan has 20 years of leadership in military medicine and the medical device industry, spanning product development, operations, and quality. He holds a BS in Biomedical Science and an MBA from the University of Michigan. A Veteran advocate, he supports service members through mentorship and transition coaching.
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Myth vs. Fact: Foundation Repair Edition
The truth can help you make informed, confident decisions. This extends to foundations and repairs. Let’s address myths and facts together.In residential construction, some people may believe that foundation problems occur only in aging homes. While it is true that older buildings may show more
visible deterioration, the underlying causes of foundation movement are not age-specific. Soil conditions, water saturation, and improper grading can impact structures of all ages. Newer homes, particularly those built on expansive clay or unprepared fill, are not immune to these stresses.
8 | HelloGrand Rapids, Michigan • Fall Issue
Myth vs. Fact: Foundation Repair Edition
The truth can help you make informed, confident decisions. This extends to foundations and repairs. Let’s address myths and facts together.
In residential construction, some people may believe that foundation problems occur only in aging homes. While it is true that older buildings may show more visible deterioration, the underlying causes of foundation movement are not age-specific. Soil conditions, water saturation, and improper grading can impact structures of all ages. Newer homes, particularly those built on expansive clay or unprepared fill, are not immune to these stresses.
Another persistent myth is that cosmetic patching, such as tuckpointing bricks or applying crack sealants, resolves the problem. These superficial treatments may mask visible damage temporarily, but they do little or nothing to stabilize the underlying structure. Foundation settlement requires a comprehensive response, not a surface correction. Unaddressed structural shifts can lead to misaligned doors, bowed walls, or even slab separation.
The belief that homeowners can execute their own repairs may compound the risks. Tuckpointing and epoxy application kits may appear straightforward, but foundation stabilization involves far more than surface work. Professional assessment identifies the true cause of movement, whether it stems from hydraulic pressure, drainage failure, or soil heaving. Based on that assessment, contractors may install helical piers, rebuild footings, or modify subsurface drainage systems. These are engineered solutions that require specific training, not trial and error.
Soil movement beneath a structure exerts unpredictable forces. When water accumulates near the base of a foundation, it increases lateral pressure and introduces cycles of expansion and contraction. Over time, this repeated stress can damage the footing and weaken load-bearing elements. A reliable foundation repair plan accounts for both current damage and the conditions likely to persist or worsen.
Foundation damage is not just about what is visible above ground, it can result from persistent geological and hydrological stress below the surface.
While it may be tempting to delay repair until cracks widen or floors tilt, earlier intervention reduces overall impact. Proper reinforcement of foundation elements and redirection of water flow help preserve not only the building's structural integrity, but also its long-term usability. In this field, piecemeal repairs rarely succeed; a full understanding of soil behavior and load distribution can prove necessary for restoring balance to the structure.
Charlie Hill
surface correction. Unaddressed structural shifts can lead to misaligned doors, bowed walls, or even slab separation.The belief that homeowners can execute their own repairs may compound the risks. Tuckpointing and epoxy application kits may appear straightforward, but foundation stabilization involves far more than surface work. Professional assessment identifies the true cause of movement, whether it stems from hydraulic pressure, drainage failure, or soil heaving. Based on that assessment, contractors may install helical piers, rebuild footings, or modify subsurface drainage systems. These are engineered solutions that require...
persistent myth is that cosmetic patching, such as tuckpointing bricks or applying crack sealants, resolves the problem. These superficial treatments may mask visible damage temporarily, but they do little or nothing to stabilize the underlying structure. Foundation settlement requires a comprehensive response, not a
Foundation damage is not just about what is visible above ground, it can result from persistent geological and hydrological stress ...
About the Author
Charlie Hill is the founder and Managing Member of Great Lakes Waterproofing Solutions, established in 2020 in Kalamazoo, Michigan. With a rich background in residential construction—having built over 150 homes—he now leads the company’s innovative, family-driven approach to safeguarding properties through cutting-edge waterproofing techniques across the Great Lakes region
