Injection molding process
Description (definition)
Injection molding is an industrial manufacturing process for the production of plastic parts. Plastic granulate is heated until it melts and injected into a mold under high pressure. After cooling and solidification, a component with high precision and repeat accuracy is produced. This process is used for the mass production of products such as housings, automotive parts or packaging and is one of the most important plastics processing methods due to its versatility.
An example
A classic example is the production of cell phone housings. The injection molding process enables the precise production of delicate and robust components in large quantities, with consistently high quality.
What are the advantages of the injection molding process?
The injection molding process enables the production of complex shapes with high dimensional accuracy and surface quality. It is also extremely efficient as it offers short production cycles and is suitable for mass production. Another advantage is the ability to process different materials and colors in a single process.
Which materials can be processed using the injection molding process?
Thermoplastics such as polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), polyamide (PA) or polycarbonate (PC) can be processed in the injection molding process. Thermoplastic elastomers and special high-performance plastics are also used, depending on the requirements of the end product.
How does the injection molding process work in detail?
First, plastic granulate is heated in a hopper and brought to a molten state. A piston or screw conveyor presses the melt into a mold consisting of two halves. Once the material has solidified in the mold, the finished component is removed. This process can be completed in a matter of seconds to minutes, depending on the size and complexity of the part.