Advantages and Disadvantages of Injection Molding

Injection molding and the products thereof has already infiltrated nearly every aspect of your everyday life. You’re likely to see dozens of injection molded parts all around you, in your car, at work, in your house, even in your wallet. Considered to be one of the most versatile methods of production, injection molding is not only simpler and more efficient than many other production technologies, it is also more reliable.

INJECTION MOLDING ADVANTAGES

Use Different Types of Plastic Simultaneously

One of the biggest advantages of injection molding is the ability to be able to use various types of heavy plastics for the same manufacturing process. Co-injection molding makes it possible to combine high density plastics to get the desired properties and reduce issues associated with specific plastics.

Faster Production

The cycle time usually varies between 15 and 30, making it possible to produce a large number of parts per hour.

Colour and Material Flexibility

Injection molding makes it possible to change the color of the engineered materials without causing too many problems.

Higher Efficiency

Injection molds can be customized to meet exact pre-programed specifications to make the actual manufacturing process faster. The high production output and increased efficiency also makes the manufacturing process cost effective.

Flexibility in Design

Parts made using the injection molding process are extremely flexible. Since the molds are subjected to high amounts of pressure, high density plastics get pressed harder when compared to other molding processes. As a result, it is possible to add all kinds of details in part design. Moreover, due to the higher pressure, complex shapes can be easily designed and manufactured.

Enhanced Strength

It is possible to add fillers to your injection molds. These fillers reduce plastic density while allowing for increased strength after molding. Plastic injection is perfect for parts that need to be strong as well as durable, and this an advantage that is unique to the injection molding process.

INJECTION MOLDING DISADVANTAGES

Expensive Initial Tooling

Getting a tool is a costly affair. And even if you plan to make it yourself, you need to have the right skills and an injection molding machine, both of which are expensive as well.

Difficult to Estimate Actual Costs

Injection molding comes with a number of uncertainties and this has the tendency to throw your budget for a toss. It always makes sense to account for unforeseen expenses when using this manufacturing method.

Restrictions in Part Design

 

Despite all its versatility, injection molding tends to place certain restrictions on part design. The main thing to understand is that an injection molding tool is made from two halves which need to be pulled apart so that the part can be released from the tool. Therefore, you need to make sure that your parts are perpendicular to the tool opening and ensure that the maximum part thickness for any particular spot is less than 2mm – 3mm.

THE BOTTOM LINE

Injection molding helps to make your production process as easy and hassle-free as possible. Most parts that are ejected from injection molding have a finished appearance, and the scrap generated from this process is environment-friendly and can also be re-used. Ecomass Compounds presents top-of-the-line high gravity compounds that are tailor-made to your requirements and specifications to help you seamlessly replace metals or simply make your manufacturing process easier and cheaper than before.