If you are reading this article, chances are, you already know a thing or two about plastic injection molding, one of the most popular techniques for mass production of high-quality and cost-efficient parts and products.
Speaking of how the injection molding manufacturing process works, injection molding begins by supplying plastic or other adequate material into a heated barrel. Afterward, the material is mixed and, soon after, led into a mold cavity, taking the final shape and hardening into the final product.
The injection molding manufacturing process comes with a bag full of benefits against similar manufacturing and processing methods and techniques. The process is way more reliable and straightforward, as well as extraordinarily efficient.
If you want to know more about why you ought to employ injection molding services for your next big manufacturing project, please continue reading and take a look at the five ways in which injection molding can benefit your manufacturing operation.
Flexibility With Materials And Color
Picking the suitable materials and colors for a specific project are two of the most critical aspects of producing parts and finished products. With so many materials and colors available on the market, the possibilities are almost endless.
In addition, as polymers advanced over the years, a wide selection of resins became available for commercial purposes. When considering a resin for your project, always consider important resin variables such as tensile strength, impact strength, modulus of elasticity, water absorption, and heat deflection.
Moreover, by using various coloring systems, plastics can be colored in any imaginable color. Each coloring technique comes with its benefits, properties, and drawbacks. The most frequently used coloring techniques are “salt and pepper” blends, pre-colored resins, and liquid color.
Injection Molding Can Produce Complex Part Designs With Ease
The injection molding technology can produce millions of practically identical, incredibly complex parts. To achieve that, all key design elements should be considered early in the process to optimize the performance of high-volume injection molding and maximize the preciseness and quality of the produced parts.
The part design plays a significant role in maximizing the efficiency inherent in plastic molding so that once you get the design figured out, the output can be produced continuously without any halts in the process. Ensure that the design is top-notch since you can make costly processing errors without a fully developed one.
Greater Strenght Of Parts
One of the most notable benefits of this manufacturing process is the enhanced strength of the final products compared to other manufacturing methods. Depending on the designer’s wishes, the parts can be flexible or rigid, and they will adjust the integrating ribs and gussets according to their needs. Every designer needs to understand how the customer will be using the produced part and what type of environment the piece will be exposed to so they can design it accordingly.
Knowing the balance of design considerations will help to acknowledge the part’s need for strength and stability. Another pivotal role in the strength of the piece is the material selection.
High Efficiency And Fast Production
As mentioned in the introduction, injection molding is one of the most efficient methods for mass production of high-quality parts and products.
Compared to similar methods and techniques, injection molding is high-speed, and its high production output rate is through the roof. The speed of the process can vary depending on the complexity and size of the part you’re manufacturing, but in most cases, it takes only 10-90 seconds between each production cycle.
With the brief period between cycles, you will be able to produce a larger quantity of products in a minimal amount of time, increasing your company’s revenue and profit margins.
Relatively Low Labor Costs
Compared to other molding processes, labor costs in injection molding are relatively low. That is because the injection molding machinery and equipment run with self-gating and use automatic tools to keep all manufacturing processes streamlined and production ongoing, demanding minimal human supervision.
In addition, the whole process is a highly-automated one, whereby the majority of things are performed by robotics and machinery. Automation certainly helps to reduce manufacturing costs, which means getting a cheaper final product for the customer. Besides, post-production labor work is also minimal since the parts usually come out 100% finished upon production.
Final Thoughts On Injection Molding
Now that you know the enormous benefits of injection molding for producing your desired parts, take the needed time and thoroughly research the injection molding scene before signing any contract for production and collaboration with the service of your choice. Once you select your injection molding partner with the right design and intent in functionality, your project will be a success in no time.
