The benefits of injection molding are numerous. It is a highly repeatable method of precisely producing plastic or elastomeric parts while minimising molding costs. Once configured, it can have parts per hour using a variety of plastics and additional materials, like liquid silicone rubber.
Any manufacturing process, so if these are critical to the project’s success, you might be better off looking into alternative manufacturing technologies like 3D printing or CNC machining. We will examine the primary benefits of plastic injection molding when it might be wiser to look into a different production technique.
Accuracy
Injection molding of plastic is ideal for intricate parts. Molding enables you to add more features at much smaller tolerances than other methods. Fitting comfortably in the palm of your hand, this moulding features side cores, bosses, ribs, metal inserts, and holes created by a sliding feature in the tool. Making it with plastic fabrication would be unfeasible, and the vacuum-forming method would be impossible.
large selection of materials
Depending on what characteristics you require from your finished product, you can choose from an enormous variety of plastic materials. Additionally, Proto Labs offers liquid silicone rubber molding, so you’re not just limited to plastic. In order to strengthen the finished product, fillers can even be added to the molding material, and a vast array of colors is available.
Increased Power
Strength is one of the most crucial factors to take into account when designing a plastic injection moulded part. The designer must determine whether the component needs to be flexible or rigid in order to adjust the integrating ribs or gussets. It’s also crucial to know the kind of environment the part will be exposed to and how the customer plans to use it. Achieving the ideal balance between design considerations will aid in meeting the strength and stability requirements of your part.
Injection Molding of Plastic Can Cut Down on Waste
Comparing plastic injection molding to other conventional manufacturing methods, very little post-production scrap is generated. Plastic waste usually originates from the runners and sprue. On the other hand, waste or leftover plastic can be recycled and reground for use in the future.
Unique Surface Coatings, Etching, and Screen Printing
The injection moulding tool is available in a variety of colours and can also be made with a unique finish that will be visible on the moulding. Almost any finish you desire, such as a high shine, sparked, leather look, soft touch, or anything else. Additionally, you can engrave logos or other text into the tool. Lastly, you can print your mouldings using one of the many inks that are available that work well on plastic.
Plastic Injection Molding Has Low Labour Costs
The labour costs associated with injection moulding operations are comparatively lower than those of other moulding processes. The moulding equipment typically operates with an automated process tool that self-gates to maintain efficient operations and continuous mass production with little supervision. The ability to produce parts at a high level and high output rate contributes to the reduction of manufacturing costs.