Plastic injection molding is a very useful technology for the large-scale production of parts and components, although it is also an important part of the industrial design process of a product.
In this RevTech Manufacturing blog post, we tell you more about how plastic injection molding works, how much injection molding costs, and its benefits for your business.
What is Injection Molding
Injection Molding is a manufacturing technique that uses plastic to make parts and articles, allowing a wide range of different materials and finishes. It is a process that was invented as early as the 19th century, but it is still one of the best ways to produce complex parts at a low cost, which is why it is considered one of the most popular methods on the planet.
In addition, injection molding machines use custom molds to fill them to specifications and create identical copies that can be customized in a variety of ways.
The Plastic Injection Molding Process
Injection molding parts manufacturing uses plastic, normally in the form of pellets, to be melted inside the machine and then injected into a mold under high pressure. The material is then cooled, solidified, and released by opening the two halves of the mold.
To build a mold, there are 4 main phases: design, prototyping, and prototype testing – very useful for checking important factors such as the finished surface of the plastic part and how the channel separates from the part – and the implementation of corrections and readjustments in the mold.
Thanks to this process, a plastic product of a fixed and predefined size can be manufactured, reducing production costs, which means that the entire process is much more profitable.
It must be taken into account that the parts used in the injection molding technique must be carefully designed, since it is necessary to create the appropriate mold, normally using materials such as steel or aluminum for the subsequent mass manufacturing of the plastic parts.
Materials used in Plastic Injection Molding
Plastic parts by molding are manufactured with thermoplastics since these are made up of polymers capable of melting at high temperatures and solidifying at low temperatures. Unlike thermoset plastic material, which burns if overheated, thermoplastics can be heated and cooled multiple times before they degrade beyond use.
The most common for injection molding is to use thermoplastics in the form of pellets. However, plastic granules can also be mixed with dyes so that the pieces acquire a certain color, recycled material, and even glitter or other special additives.
Plastic Injection Molding Advantages
Plastic injection molding is a process that can provide multiple benefits for the activities and economics of businesses that require this service. Below we mention the top plastic injection advantages for you to make the best decisions.
- Precision – Due to the way the material is injected and shaped in the mold, the number of imperfections can be kept to a minimum. That is to say, a piece identical to the previous one can be produced, over and over again. Thanks to this characteristic, injection molding is used in demanding sectors, such as aerospace and the automotive industry.
- Custom Design – Injection molding allows companies to produce even the most intricate mold designs, executing down to the smallest detail. This is how even the most intricately detailed part designs can become a reality.
- Durability – Offers great possibilities in terms of durability and reliability of plastic parts. For example, fillers can be added to the injection molds that are created, which can help reduce the density of the plastic material and increase the strength of the part.
- Automation – The manufacturing process can be automated, helping to minimize the chances of failure as well as increasing mass production.
- Cost reduction – Injection molding is one of the most profitable solutions that can be found to produce parts. Especially for large production series, since the cost of producing the part is relatively low. So, how much does injection molding cost? It depends on what you want (materials, quantities, and other specific details) however, it is definitely cost-beneficial for most of the companies that choose it instead of buying prefabricated parts.
- Waste reduction – Plastic injection produces very little waste and waste materials and, in addition, plastic materials can be reused, thus contributing to recycling.
Are Plastic Injection Molding Companies Reliable?
Thinking about quality, service, and delivery, the truth is that not all plastic injection molding companies are reliable. At RevTech Manufacturing, we are a family-owned business with over 30 years of experience in the design, creation, and distribution of industrial and commercial parts and components created in plastic injection molding. We guarantee our clients that our service will provide them with the expected results since we work with first-generation technology and machinery with a great team of professionals throughout the process.
You can request a quote here on our website or by calling (262) 359-9728, and one of our representatives will attend to your request.
