When one has specific needs that call for specialized pieces made from plastic, there are many methods that could be used. Depending on the intended function and necessary durability of the part, the option field will become more narrowed. For most situations, custom injection molding is known to be easy, affordable and generally efficient.
In this process, molten plastic is forced into a mold in order to create a specified product in a way that is quick and affordable. This method can be used to produce a single piece, or as a way to mass produce exact copies. There are quite a few reasons why many manufacturers find this to be their preferred way to such items.
Perhaps the thing that initially draws most manufacturers to this method is its incredible versatility. Virtually any item may be created through this process such as car interior parts, bottle caps, combs, toys, figurines, various types of containers and even electronic housings. It seems there is almost nothing too large, small or uniquely shaped that can not be done using this technique.
For high volume manufacturing of a particular piece, this can be the ideal production option in many cases. Creating specialized molds with multiple identical cavities allows for many copies to be made during a single cycle. This makes reaching the quota quick and saves money by cutting the amount of time the machines are being run.
A number of very strong and convincing advantages can be found in this efficient method of production. It starts with having literally tens of thousands of source materials from which to choose, and continues on with reduced scrap related waste, quick and easy process repetition, and more affordable labor costs. Little, if any, manual finishing is usually required since the molds generate such precise copies each time.
The disadvantages are few, though they could be rather formidable under certain circumstances. For instance, there are some limits as to where the plastic components may be utilized or how much pressure they may tolerate. The biggest issue is usually the cost of the initial tooling investment, but this is usually recouped quickly if a large number of items are produced.
Specific requirements such as the piece's intended function, location and necessary pressure tolerance is going to powerfully affect what substances may be used in its construction. Polymers like nylon, polyethylene, polystyrene and epoxy are just a few of the many thousands of available material choices. Under certain circumstances, even elastomers, glass, some metals and confections could be utilized in the process.
In this process, molten plastic is forced into a mold in order to create a specified product in a way that is quick and affordable. This method can be used to produce a single piece, or as a way to mass produce exact copies. There are quite a few reasons why many manufacturers find this to be their preferred way to such items.
Perhaps the thing that initially draws most manufacturers to this method is its incredible versatility. Virtually any item may be created through this process such as car interior parts, bottle caps, combs, toys, figurines, various types of containers and even electronic housings. It seems there is almost nothing too large, small or uniquely shaped that can not be done using this technique.
For high volume manufacturing of a particular piece, this can be the ideal production option in many cases. Creating specialized molds with multiple identical cavities allows for many copies to be made during a single cycle. This makes reaching the quota quick and saves money by cutting the amount of time the machines are being run.
A number of very strong and convincing advantages can be found in this efficient method of production. It starts with having literally tens of thousands of source materials from which to choose, and continues on with reduced scrap related waste, quick and easy process repetition, and more affordable labor costs. Little, if any, manual finishing is usually required since the molds generate such precise copies each time.
The disadvantages are few, though they could be rather formidable under certain circumstances. For instance, there are some limits as to where the plastic components may be utilized or how much pressure they may tolerate. The biggest issue is usually the cost of the initial tooling investment, but this is usually recouped quickly if a large number of items are produced.
Specific requirements such as the piece's intended function, location and necessary pressure tolerance is going to powerfully affect what substances may be used in its construction. Polymers like nylon, polyethylene, polystyrene and epoxy are just a few of the many thousands of available material choices. Under certain circumstances, even elastomers, glass, some metals and confections could be utilized in the process.
About the Author:
Genevive B. Mata has taught plastics molding techniques for over 15 years. He specializes in injection molding and thermoforming. If you are interested in learning more about plastic injection molding services then he recommends you visit his friends at PTM: Custom Plastics Injection Molding Company.