Surface Finish Standards in Injection Molding: A Comprehensive Guide for Design Engineers
Leave a CommentSurface finish specifications are one of the most frequent topics of discussion when developing new injection molded components. In fact, an earlier blog titled Surface Finish, Texture & Draft Angles In Injection Molded Part Design, has generated much discussion with our clients and prospects, particularly around surface finishes. Today, we’ll dive deeper into the topic, […]
High Volume Injection Molding: An Overview
Leave a CommentHigh Volume Injection Molding: An Overview High volume injection molding is a specialized plastic manufacturing process that produces large quantities of identical parts efficiently and cost-effectively. It is found in many applications that require large quantities of quality parts. Major markets include automotive, industrial, medical, defense, firearm accessories, and consumer goods among other critical applications. […]
Plastic and Rubber Molding 101: Materials, Manufacturing Processes and Applications
Leave a CommentPlastic and rubber molded parts are everywhere, and are produced from an extensive array of materials. While the complete list contains hundreds of varieties, they fall into four basic categories: thermoplastic, thermoset, rubber and silicone. Each group has its unique set of characteristics, advantages, and applications. Due to the differences in their material properties, they […]
Plastic Injection Molding 101: An Overview
Leave a CommentPlastic injection molding is a complex fabrication process used to create countless products we engage with daily. This includes everything from the keys on your keyboard, buttons on your toaster, or gears grinding away under your car’s hood. Plastic injection molded parts are everywhere. Today, we’ll take a closer look at injection molding, the process, […]
Should You Source Your Injection Molds from China or the USA?
Leave a CommentInjection molding dies, or injection molds, are the heart of molding process. It’s crucial for buyers to source them from reliable, trusted, quality-driven suppliers. They have a big decision to make: to build their molds in China, or closer to home in the USA. Often, this leads to questions about quality versus cost and delivery. […]
Five Reasons to Use Mold Flow Simulation Software for Injection Molding
Leave a CommentAre you leveraging mold flow simulation software to optimize your molds and injection molding process? You should be. Here’s why: injection molding is a complex process, and is subject to threats such as warping, uneven cooling, material defects, and much more. Historically, these challenges were only discovered through trial and error, leading to costly mold […]
The Importance of Surface Finish, Texture, and Draft Angles in Injection Molded Part Design
Leave a CommentThere are three aspects of plastic part design that are often overlooked, but crucial for manufacturing success: surface finish, texture, and draft angles. Understanding and optimizing each is critical for fabricating consistent, high quality plastic components efficiently. The first question that comes to mind: if these are so important, why are they often overlooked? We’re […]
The Importance of Injection Mold Maintenance, and How To Do It
Leave a CommentKeeping your plastic injection molds properly maintained is crucial to the long-term success of any molding program. When doing so, you will drive down costs, reduce downtime, and keep deliveries on schedule, all leading to better profitability. Today, we’ll take a deeper look at the benefits of proper mold maintenance, and dive into some tips […]
Choosing the Right Material for Injection Molding Molds: Aluminum vs. Soft Steel (P20)
Leave a CommentWhen it comes to creating prototype molds for injection molding, choosing the right material is crucial. Two common options for prototype mold construction are aluminum and soft steel (P20). Today, we’ll compare these two materials to help you make an informed decision. For the purposes of today’s discussion, we’ll be talking about “late stage” prototype […]
Self-Contained Molds vs. Modular Insert Molds
Leave a CommentWith plastic injection molding, there are two types of mold configurations that may be used: standard self-contained molds and modular insert molds. Today, we’ll compare the key aspects of both types. Self-Contained and Modular Insert Molds – Defined Let’s start with a definition for each. Self-contained molds consist of all components integrated into a singular […]