In today’s manufacturing environment, plastics are being used to make a wide variety of items, and each application requires a special manufacturing process that can mold the part based on its specifications. If you're looking to manufacture a plastic part, one of the first things you'll need to determine is the type of molding that would be best for your particular application. At The Rodon Group, we specialize in high volume, custom injection molding. This article provides a brief overview of the 5 different types, their advantages and applications.
Blow Molding - suited for hollow objects, such as bottles
The process follows the basic steps found in glass blowing. A parison (heated plastic mass, generally a tube) is inflated by air. The air pushes the plastic against the mold to form the desired shape. Once cooled, the plastic is ejected.
The blow molding process is designed to manufacture high volume, one-piece hollow objects. If you need to make lots of bottles, this is the process for you. Blow molding creates very uniform, thin walled containers. And, it can do so very economically.
Compression Molding - suited for larger objects such as auto parts
The name of this molding method says everything. A heated plastic material is placed in a heated mold and is then compressed into shape. The plastic can be in bulk but often comes in sheets. The heating process, called curing, insures the final part will maintain its integrity. As with other molding methods, once the part has been shaped, it is then removed from the mold. If sheeting plastic material is used, the material is first trimmed in the mold before the part is removed.
This method of molding is very suitable to high-strength compounds like thermosetting resins as well as fiberglass and reinforced plastics. The superior strength properties of the materials used in compression molding make it an invaluable process for the automotive industry.
Extrusion Molding - suited for long hollow formed applications like tubing, pipes and straws
While other forms of molding uses extrusion to get the plastic resins into a mold, this process extrudes the melted plastic directly into a die. The die shape, not a mold, determines the shape of the final product.
Extrusion molding involves forcing melted plastic through a die into a shape with a fixed cross section. It’s an efficient way to produce many shapes. Since the plastic is melted from a solid form and then resolidified, only thermoplastics can undergo extrusion. The extruded “tubing” is cooled and can be cut or rolled for shipment.
Injection Molding - suited for high-quality, high-volume part manufacturing
Injection molding is by far the most versatile of all injection molding techniques. The presses used in this process vary in size and are rated based on pressure or tonnage. Larger machines can injection mold car parts. Smaller machines can produce very precise plastic parts for surgical applications. In addition, there are many types of plastic resins and additives that can be used in the injection molding process, increasing its flexibility for designers and engineers.
The process itself is fairly straightforward; however, there are many enhancements and customization techniques that can be used to produce the desired finish and structure. Injection molds, which are usually made from steel, contain cavities that will form the parts. Melted plastic is injected into the mold, filling the cavities. The mold is cooled, and the parts are ejected by pins. This process is similar to a jello mold which is filled then cooled to create the final product.
The mold making costs in this method are relatively high; however, the cost per part is very economical. Low part cost along with resin and finish options have all contributed to injection molding’s popularity in today’s manufacturing landscape.
Intro to Plastic Injection Molding eBook
Explore the World of Plastic Injection Molding with Confidence
Download our eBook, “An Introduction to Plastic Injection Molding.” Inside we cover:
- Types of plastic molding, their benefits & applications
- Types of presses and their capabilities & advantages
- How to determine plastic injection molding costs
- Common mistakes to avoid
Rotational Molding (Rotomolding) - suited for large, hollow, one-piece parts
This process uses high temperatures and rotational movement to coat the inside of the mold and form the part. The constant rotation of the mold creates centrifugal force forming even-walled products. Because it is ideally suited to large hollow containers, such as tanks, it is not a fast moving process. However, it is a very economical process for particular applications and can be cheaper than other types of molding. Very little material is wasted using this process, and excess material can often be re-used, making it an economical and environmentally viable manufacturing process.
Each type of molding has its strengths and weaknesses. Designers and engineers need to understand these differences and the production options available. There are always several approaches to a final manufacturing solution. The molding company who consults on a specific project should be able to provide additional insights into the applications and materials that are best suited to an individual project.
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