Injection Molding, Explained This cost-effective and efficient manufacturing process is rather complex. Injection molding involves melting a material and injecting it into a specific mold with a hydraulic or electric machine and is set, resulting in shaped rubber or plastic. This process is used widely today because of the flexibility in mold design and type…
There are a vast number of different plastics available for injection molding purposes, each with its own unique properties and characteristics. It’s nearly impossible to have an exact count because new plastics are constantly being developed, and plastics can be combined to take advantage of specific characteristics of each, and additives can be used, such…
Plastic Injection Molding, Explained Plastic injection molding is a manufacturing process that injects molten plastic material into a mold cavity under high pressure. During this procedure, the plastic cools and solidifies inside the mold, creating a unique shape. The plastic injection molding process is widely relied upon in various industries because of its versatility, efficiency,…
Plastic Welding, Explained Plastic welding involves creating a molecular bond between two compatible thermoplastics. This bond is much stronger than other plastic joining processes — like adhesives and riveting. As such, it’s a common manufacturing process used throughout a variety of industries. Here, we’ll break down the specifics of plastic welding and help you determine…
What is Moldflow Analysis? A moldflow analysis simulates the injection molding cycle before your mold goes into the final production stage. The purpose of it is to optimize the mold design and create the best parts possible during the production process. These analyses are typically performed on a virtual version of the mold. During the…
Plastics are a critical building material across most industries. Because plastics can be used in everything from decorative pieces to mission-critical components, engineers must be able to gauge the mechanical strength and suitability of the materials used. The tensile strength of plastic and other mechanical properties play a critical role in determining which materials are…
Injection Molding Tonnage, Explained Achieving the right injection molding tonnage is one step in the complex process. This measurement — also known as the clamping force — determines the size and strength of the injection molding machine needed to create your part or component. You can also think of it as the measure of power…
Plastic flow simulation can help manage the complexity of plastic injection molding when an experienced engineer performs and interprets the analysis. Proper analysis can eliminate unplanned costs. Plastic injection molding is much more complicated than it appears to the untrained eye. The resin choice, mold design, process parameters, and part design must work harmoniously to…
Many Factors Impact Mold Longevity Injection molding can be a cost-effective way to make your product idea a reality. However, it requires upfront tooling costs that can be in the tens of thousands of dollars or more, depending on the complexity of the mold and materials used. When making a sizable investment into your product,…
Have you ever picked up an injection molded part and seen what appear to be faint lines in the part, or maybe they were cracks? Most likely they were just knit lines caused by the molding process. If you’re unfamiliar with what causes them, and ways to avoid them, we’ll dive into the subject of…