Plastic Injection Molding
Overview
Injection molding is a simple process in concept: Plastic is melted, injected into a cavity, and removed when it has hardened. The process is economical, efficient, precise, and yields low waste. When deciding if injection molding is the solution for you, it is important to account for the intricacies of this molding method and considerations involved in the case application. Source understands the best possible uses of the injection molding process, as we
ll as understanding the relationship of the parts/case, resin, and molding factors involved. Source has injection molding presses ranging in size from 24 to 1,300 tons. Automated production allows us to accommodate high-volume requirements at competitive pricing. In addition, we have small precision molding machines capable of meeting short run needs while holding extremely tight tolerances required for medical and military applications. Our relationship with an offshore partner allows us to offer you custom tooling and part components at a fraction of the prices you are used to paying.
Injection molding starts with small plastic pellets (usually 1/8” in length) being fed from a hopper on the molding machine into a reciprocating screw, which carries the resin through a heated barrel. Pressure generated by the motion of the screw melts the plastic as it is pushed toward the front of the barrel. The screw retracts as molten plastic is forced in the cavity in front of it. When enough plastic accumulates to fill the mold, the screw is pushed forward hydraulically. This pressure forces the molten plastic, or shot through the machine nozzle and into the closed mold.In the mold, the plastic flows through channels called runners and passes into component cavities through gates. Water or another fluid circulates through a cooling system in the mold to extract heat and begin to cool the plastic part, or case. The plastic is held at a high pressure until it solidifies. After the parts have cooled, the mold opens and the parts are removed.
As the parts cool in the mold, the next shot is prepared in the barrel. The mold opens and the cooled part is ejected. The mold closes and the next cycle begins. Since the cooling time is usually the longest step in the process, it usually determines the cycle time, which therefore establishes production rates and cost per part.
Click here to see how the injection molding process works.
Injection Molded Case Applications:
- Air brushes
- Art supplies
- Automotive components
- Consumer electronics
- Industrial equipment
- Lawn and garden equipment
- Kits
- OEM instruments
- Medical equipment
- Pens
- Recreation
- Telecommunication
- Tools
Features and Benefits on Injection Molding:
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Rugged packaging solution – one piece construction that is virtually stress free - Lightweight and resilient
- Excellent load-bearing properties
- Uniform wall thickness
- Variety of finishes – textures
- Resins can be tailored to suit the application – e.g., to satisfy FDA requirements, chemical compatibility, heat stress applications
- Vivid colors – color match possible