Injection molding

Molding of plastics allows to obtain finished products of desired shapes and sizes, which translates into their popularity and wide application in many industries and industries. Injection molding is one of the most efficient and most widely used methods of producing complex plastic components. Injection molding is used to form thermoplastics and thermosets. The technique consists in injecting plasticized material into a mold, in which the raw material then freezes to take the desired shape. The injection molding process is carried out in special devices called injection molding machines. The construction of the injection molding machine enables heating and liquefaction of the material, and then its application. After filling the mold, it is cooled (in the case of thermoplastics) or heated (in the case of thermosets). The construction of the injection molding machine also affects the injection techniques used. Injection molding of plastics can be performed with:

• sequential injection,
• multi-component injection,
• injection molding,
• blow injection.

Plastic injection molding step by step

Injection molding of plastics consists in injecting a mold plasticized under the influence of high temperature into the cavity of the plastic mass. The plastic injection process takes place under a certain pressure. When solidified in the form, the material takes the desired shape. Thanks to this, it is possible to obtain a product of virtually any shape, which opens up a wide range of applications of this method of plastic molding in the toy industry, medical, automotive and aviation industries.

Injection of plastics requires a proper mold. The injection mold must be designed and created for each manufactured item separately. This makes the plastic injection process profitable, especially in large-scale production. The process itself is based on the cooperation of the injection molding machine and  the injection mold attached to it . The injection molding machine is designed to inject plastics into the empty space in closed injection molds. After the appropriate time, the mold opens and the finished element can be removed from it. At the same time, another injection molding cycle begins.

Injection molding – advantages and disadvantages

Injection molding of plastics is very popular among manufacturers of fittings and components made of thermoplastics and thermosets. Why? Because this method of producing components has numerous advantages. Among the most important are:

• high precision and aesthetics of molding, thanks to which injection molding is perfect for the production of complex components and small details,
• speed and efficiency, which makes injection molding one of the most efficient production methods on the market, enabling quick and efficient execution of high-volume orders while maintaining precision and high repeatability of shape,
• reduction of labor costs to a minimum, thanks to the possibility of full automation of control and control of the technological process of injection molding,
• minimizing energy consumption, waste and emissions of harmful compounds, which is due to the high repeatability of the production process,
• flexibility of production – the construction of the injection molding machine, as well as the specificity of the production process itself, enable the introduction of changes in the process, such as changing the color or the use of materials with different parameters of physical and chemical resistance.

What about the cons? Does injection molding have any disadvantages? The main one is the high cost of technological equipment (so-called injection moulds), as a result of which injection molding of plastics is not suitable for the production of small series of products. In addition, handling the process requires the employment of highly qualified technical staff. There are still not many such specialists on the market. Despite the cost and technological requirements, plastic injection has become the most popular method of their formation, which is used by other industries. This is primarily due to the increasing requirements set by the final recipients of products, who are looking for aesthetic, durable and precisely made products.

Check also:  heads for plastics ,  calibrators for plastics.

Find out:  What is injection molding?

What is the cost of making an injection mold?