Several modern molding processes facilitate the mass production of everyday goods. Yet, most industries are becoming more intricate with the manufacture of some parts and pieces that require the use of standard plastic injection molds. This process uses a technique called high precision plastic injection molding, a highly specialized approach entailing precise molds.
Designed to produce more complex plastic parts, the process employs unique properties and solutions to manufacture plastic products. Here are five things you should know about high-precision plastic injection molding.
It Uses Polymer Optics
The process requires polymer optics for accurate injection molding to shape the plastics for precision. The high pressure helps to improve the plastic’s quality and accuracy more calculatedly while contributing to the production of correct products. In addition, the process includes an automated handling system and computers to tailor the molding process to the product being shaped. Typically, this reduces labor costs while increasing production efficiency.
It Simplifies Precise Plastic Component Production
High precision plastic injection molding tends to produce more accurate plastic components than previous processes. It limits the bulk production of entire parts with the byproduct used to replace high-precision metal components. Besides, extremely precise tolerances result in more accurate concrete plastic components. The final product often includes intricate geometric elements, especially for unique shapes like medical, pharmaceutical, and automotive goods.
It Employs Low Shrinkage Capacity for Plastic Products
While the process can cause the plastic to shrink during manufacturing, it introduces a low material shrinkage capacity to prevent shrinkages that can cause melting. The amount of shrinkage ranges between +/-0.01″ to +/-0.02″, which is lower than when processing other materials. The intent is to prevent the product from becoming unusable with a limited capacity for shrinkage.
The Mold Ensures High-precision Manufacturing
This molding technique uses a mold that facilitates a high level of precision to achieve the conditions of design engineering. This means it must undergo proper examination, design, and testing to develop the mold successfully. Besides, the mold adheres to various factors to guarantee precision, and this includes;
- The mold cavity size, position, and the number of cavities
- The parting surface precision
- The thickness of the bottom plate
- The mold’s runner size
- The runner’s size
- The material used for the mold
- The mold’s bottom plate thickness
Based on the model, the precision injection tolerance often ranges between +/-0.02 inches and +/-0.01 inches or less. Each of these factors is also highly considered to guarantee high-precision manufacturing.
The Manufacturing Method is Slow and Consistent
Since a model with high accuracy needs to produce plastic components with exact tolerances, each end product molded must be identical. The method only works with plastic parts and is adjoined with other plastic components in a programmed design. Because of this, high precision plastic injection molding relies on slow and steady tools, leading to an instrument with high accuracy.
Bottom Line
With efficiency, precision, ability to produce detailed geometries, strength and versatility, and color control, high precision plastic injection molding guarantee consistency and affordability. It also helps produce numerous high-quality, complex plastic parts for various applications. Above are vital properties you should know about this technique.