What is Daka-ware?

You may have seen posts on our social media accounts or website that reference Daka-ware.  Most likely, you haven’t heard the term before and are wondering where it originated from and what it means. We would like to give you a brief Davies Molding history lesson to explain Daka-ware.

Where did the name Daka-ware come from?

As you probably already know, Davies Molding has been around for a long time. We’ve been designing and manufacturing insert-molded knobs, handles, cases and custom components since 1933. We have over 80 years of thermoplastic and thermoset molding experience! When we were molding products in the 1960’s, we used Daka-ware as a trade name.

Daka-ware referred to our line of compression molded phenolic knobs, handles and ashtrays. Yes, you read that correctly, ashtrays- they were quite popular at that time. Daka-ware, phenolic parts, can withstand much higher temperatures than ABS or PVC plastics. We still have tools that have the Daka-ware name on them, so chances are, you will still come across the Dakaware name when you see a Davies knob. Here is how it all came about.

History of Dakaware

In the 1940s, Davies Molding introduced a groundbreaking material for our products: Bakelite. Bakelite, the world’s first synthetic plastic, revolutionized the molding industry. Recognizing its vast potential, Davies Molding began producing a line of high-quality molded products using Bakelite under the brand name “Daka-ware.

The 1950s and 1960s witnessed the golden era of Daka-ware. With its superior quality and unmatched durability, Daka-ware products gained immense popularity across various industries. The brand became synonymous with reliability and precision, attracting a loyal customer base.

As the molding industry continued to evolve, so did Dakaware.

We expanded our product offerings, incorporating new materials and technologies. The brand started utilizing thermosetting plastics, such as phenolic and urea, which offered enhanced versatility and improved performance.

Today, Daka-ware continues to be recognized for superior quality and a rich history in the molding industry. Davies Molding has embraced new materials, advanced injection and compression molding manufacturing techniques, and cutting-edge technologies to meet the ever-changing needs of the plastic molding and composite molding industry. Our products have evolved to include a diverse range of components, handles, knobs, clamps, and more, serving industries like automotive, electrical, and industrial manufacturing.

With over eight decades of expertise, Daka-ware has left a mark on the molding industry. We continue to have a commitment to innovation, exceptional craftsmanship, and unwavering quality standards which has solidified our position as a trusted name among manufacturers and engineers.

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