Injection molding is one of the most common manufacturing methods today due to the process’s ability to create complex shapes and designs in large and rapid quantities. It is often used in mass-production, to create the same part thousands or millions of times. For injection molding, a hollow mold is filled with a variety of melted polymers. Two of the key ingredients to allowing this process to work are high temperature combined with very high static pressure. Once injection happens the parts are cooled to an optimal temperature for the polymer to reach a point where it can be ejected with no risk of damaging the part. It is a highly versatile process which can be used to produce a variety of parts with many applications. Most of the items we use on a daily basis have been created using this process. It is probably the single largest method for manufacturing parts today.
Why Use Injection Molding?
The single biggest advantage to injection molding a part is the ability to do it at a larger scale than most other manufacturing processes. Things like cost per unit for this manufacturing process are usually lower, with prices dropping as more parts are produced. Next, injection molding has low scrap rates compared to the traditional ways of manufacturing which in turn lowers the amount of wasted material. Last but not least, injection molding is repeatable, which means that the second part will be virtually identical to the first part produced. It ensures consistency and reliability in the production pipeline.
Products Made with Injection Molding
- Plastic Bottles
Plastic bottles are commonly made with this manufacturing process, with numbers coming up to billions each year. They are made in different shapes and sizes. Plastic bottles are made with polyethylene terephthalate (PET), a strong and light material.
- Electronic Housings
Electronic housings are often fabricated with injection molding services. They are used in computers, televisions, remote controls, and other electronic parts. Injection molding can create custom plastic enclosures of various sizes for different applications.
- Toys
Injection molding can be used to make toys of many sizes and colors, of material that is lightweight and durable. Lego is a popular brand of building blocks, usually identified by its firm plastic granules. The material is first melted and injected into molds. The plastic cools to form solids in the shape of a studded brick. Each brick is accurately made so that they can fit together to form larger models and structures. This process requires precision, and the bricks come in a wide range of shapes, sizes, and colors.
- Household Items
Containers, drinkware, and molded closures are some common household items that can be custom made with injection molding.
- Machinery and Automotive Components
Dashboards, cup holders, bumpers and other parts found both on the interior and exterior of vehicles are made using injection molding.
- Healthcare Industry
There are many multipurpose plastic products in the healthcare industry that are manufactured in bulk as these items tend to be meant for single use. Disposable items are used to prevent the spread of disease and germs. These items include plastic syringes and tools used in medical procedures which are made with injection molding.
Contact Kemperle Industries’ Injection Molding Specialists Today
Injection molding is an incredible technology that is used for finished production on larger scales. It is helpful for finalized prototypes that are required for product and/or consumer testing. If you are interested to know more about injection molding or are looking to inquire about the injection molding services available at Kemperle Industries, feel free to contact us today!
