Making a basic plastic mold is relatively simple if you have the right tools. Knowing what is needed can help you understand how your requirements will be met, and you can more easily communicate your needs to a mold injection manufacturer.
Injection Molding Materials
Creating a plastic part using injection molds requires three important components:
- The mold
- An injection molding machine
- Raw plastic
Consider the size of the final part when you determine which machine to use. The more complex your design, the more features you are likely to need to consider, such as undercuts. This ensures that you are able to select the right raw material and machine to complete your injection molds.
The strength and durability of the final product depends on which raw material you select for your injection molds. Molds for plastics come in many different shapes and sizes, and the success of your final product starts with the raw material.
The plastic mold itself is typically something you will have to develop. Experts can help you interpret your needs and design the right type of plastic mold for each unique project.
Injection Molding Process
The details of the process vary based on the type of mold and the design. However, mold makers generally follow a similar process.
- All molds for plastic have to be secured at the end of the machine before the raw plastic is added. Each part of the mold is clamped into place and will be held together until the part has cooled and solidified.
- The raw material is added to the other end of the machine. Typically, the materials are plastic pellets the color of the desired end product. At this point, the pellets are heated and injected into the mold.
- Once the plastic is in the injection mold, it begins to cool.
- After the part is cooled, the machine opens the clamps and ejects the part.
Before launching your next plastic mold project, remember these simple steps. Although the manufacturing process is straightforward, you need the right expertise for a high quality, on-time, cost effective finished product.
Topics: Injection Mold Making