In these advancing times, the use of plastic has increased drastically. Many people now use it for varying reasons. From automotive parts to synthetic body parts, from creating essential components and ensuring seamless performance, most of the leading industries in the world opt for plastic injection machine moulding.
To fulfill the growing demands of the businesses, various types of molding are accessible with their features and benefits. The industry’s goal and needs determine the best kind of molding is the method which will be best for them.
Many industries use two shot injection molding to ensure the product is highly durable and resistant to breakage. Click here for more information. Several methods are also applicable along with that method, which makes injection molding one of the fundamental ways of producing parts at cost-effective rates.
To provide you with a comprehensive understanding, we have listed some of the best types of plastic molding that firms use for manufacturing parts. Keep in mind that these types do not apply to all industries. Instead, you should do research and choose the option which is best suited for your company.
1. Extrusion Molding
This process includes pressing hot plastic with a shaped hole to create a lengthy plastic part with this type of molding. The shape will be customizable so that the liquid plastic gets pressed. It is known as die.
It is custom-made for the specific needed goal. Many people also refer to this method as pressing dough via a press for making shaped cookies. Other types use extrusion for getting raw liquid into the molds, with the difference being that different ways use the mold to make needed shapes. In this particular method, the extrusion makes the shape with the help of the shape of the die.
Uses Of Extrusion Molding
This method will provide you with the product with the same shape along with the length of it. The products can be anything from Straws to PVC pipes. These parts are produced in high volumes as they can make an intense amount of the same shape without any end.
When compared with other methods, it is cost-effective due to the simple production of the material. The only disadvantage is that you will be limited to the production materials as you will not make all sorts of materials with them.
2. Compression Molding
This method requires the use of liquid raw plastic. The operators will pour the plastic into the heated mold and compress it to get the desired shape. The heat of the process will ensure the strength of the product. Wrap up the process by cooling the liquid plastic before trimming and removing from the mold.
Uses Of Compression Molding
The efficient use of this method is to make plastic replacement parts for the broken parts of the metals. It is best for the appliance injection mold. It is because the high-temperature method of this process produces a robust end product. Even if the product is plastic, it will be a durable and cheap replacement for metal parts.
The low cost of molding depends on the complexity of the design and the amount of cavity needed. Doing mass production with this method will be a good choice as you will get low production costs.
3. Blow Molding
With this molding method, the customized plastic parts will come out as hollow and thin-walled. It is ideal for when the plastic parts should have a uniform wall thickness.
This process is similar to the operation of the glass blowing technique.
The machine used for this method heats the raw plastic till it liquefies and injects air into the plastic like a balloon. You need to later blow the plastic to carve it into a shape. As the size increases, it presses against the walls of the mold and begins to take shape.
After filling the balloon with the mold, you will also have to cool it to keep the shape. This process does not consume time and comes with the ability to produce more than 1400 pieces in 12 hours.
Uses Of Blow Molding
It is for making products such as plastic bottles, drums, cases, or fuel tanks. If the required number is high in hundreds, it should be the ideal choice for you. It is a fast and cost-effective option with molding prices ranging in between injection and rotational molding.
4. Injection Molding
This method is similar to extrusion molding. The contrast is that the melted plastic is injected directly into the mold in this method. The injection will be in high pressure for filling the mold and forming a substantial part.
As with other methods, after filling the mold, you need to cool the plastic to keep the shape, and then open the mold. You can compare it with the Jello mold when you fill and cool it down to get the final product.
Uses Of Injection Molding
It is a common way of producing many plastic parts for cars or even parts for surgical applications. To meet the needs of the designers and engineers, the products can be made with enhanced flexibility.
When looking at the price of this method, it can be costly as it needs steel or aluminum for durability and strength. Fortunately, as with most methods, the cost per unit will decrease depending on the production volume.
5. Rotational Molding
It is also popular as rotomoulding. This method comprises resin liquid and placing it within the mold and rotating it at high speeds. It lets the liquid evenly cover the mold surface for creating a hollowed part with an evenly thick wall. Moreover, this method produces car parts, road cones, pet houses, storage tanks, bins and much more.
Conclusion
Plastic molding has been here for a very long time, and still, it is popular to be the most durable and efficient way of producing parts. Many firms and industries rely on plastic molding as it helps them to cover the cost and make products in high amounts. Take your time and research the methods for your requirements.
