What is Plastic Injection Moulding

What is plastic injection moulding?

Looking to find out more about plastic injection moulding? You’re in luck! Here at Insignia Manufacturing, we are plastic injection moulding experts, using the plastic injection moulding process to create a range of quality tools and products. From bottle lids to buckets, plastic injection moulding is a very common method of manufacturing, but what is it? Read our article below to find out everything you need to know, and why you should be using plastic injection moulding for your business.

What is plastic injection moulding?

Plastic injection moulding is a process of creating plastic products. It involves inserting molten plastic material into the mould and letting it cool until it solidifies, which is a similar process to making chocolate. When it comes to fabrication of plastic products, plastic injection molding is an effective and simple solution, used to mass produce thousands of identical items. The molten plastic is inserted into a metal mould until it forms the desired shape.

How does plastic injection moulding work?

Plastic in the form of pellets are heated. Colourant may be added to turn the plastic pellets a desired colour. The molten plastic is injected into a mould to help it become the desired shape. The molten plastic then cools as it shapes to become the desired plastic product.

What products can be made from plastic injection moulding?

Many different products can be made using plastic injection moulding; from fairly basic simple components, to intricate and detailed medical equipment.

Here at insignia we focus on small office and household components, can be used to make large things such as rubbish bins, draw slides and corner caps. But many other products can be made, including household goods, packaging, toys, automotive parts, and even furniture.

What are the stages of plastic injection moulding?

Plastic material is melted to become a molten form. This plastic (usually in the form of pellets) are fed from a hopper into a barrel. The outside of the barrel is then heated in order to melt the polymer beads.

The molten material is injected into a mould. They 2 halves of the mould must be secured as tightly as possible in order to prevent any material from leaking out. The molten plastic goes into the part of the mould called the “cavity”. To cool the plastic helping it to set quicker, a coolant (usually water) flows around the outside of the mould.

The molten material cools into a solid-state. The solidified material is removed from the mould. Once cooled the mould ejects the part. The mould is now ready to be used again, which means the process can be repeated. After this, finishing touches are made, such as painting, or adding other parts.

What are the advantages of plastic injection moulding?

• A high volume of parts can be produced through plastic injection moulding, meaning a large number of products can be produced in a relatively short time frame
• Due to the way in which injection moulded parts are produced, areas of weakness are eliminated, meaning that parts produced through plastic injection moulding offer enhanced strength.
• As the exact amount of material required is used, there is very little wastage from the process.
• Another advantage of plastic injection moulding is that it is hygienic- making it useful for products which require high standards of cleanliness and hygiene, for example for food and drink and medical supplies
• Plastic injection moulding is generally lightweight, so may be better than using metal to produce parts, also as they are lighter it means components are cheaper to transport
• Consistency: every product will be the same (obviously can be modified, can change colours etc.) so you don’t have to worry about creating products that are not the exact same. Generally fairly cost effective, as creating the mould is the most expensive part- can even include logo.

What are the disadvantages of plastic injection moulding

One drawback is the limited design capabilities- especially for intricate designs. It is easier to create more basic, simple products such as plastic buckets, they may be too delicate to handle, so may not be suitable for products that are highly detailed.

More complex designs are generally costlier, so whilst plastic injection moulding is generally cost effective, anything too complex or detailed can be more expensive to produce.

If you are looking for plastic injection moulded products, Insignia Manufacturing can help, why not explore our current range here? We are plastic injection moulding experts and are able to manufacture a range of components, and even have bespoke manufacturing capabilities. To find out more, complete our contact form, or call us on 01536 204923.