The precision work and accuracy required for injection molding are paramount to the finished product. At any point in the process, if it is not supervised by trained professionals, it may result in inferior quality plastic products. The leader in the industry of designing and manufacturing superior molded products, Buzz Trading, discusses the process involved and the merits of this state-of-the-art technology.
Perfection and Precision
Injection molding is commonly used to create a plethora of parts and products, whether these are components of life-saving equipment, to enhance our daily lives or build an impressive product range. This process is fast and cost-effective allowing for mass production of complex plastic parts with high tolerances and excellent repeatability. In fact, many manufacturers are not aware of how injection molding produces the variety of components they rely upon.
Due to its molecular structure, each type of thermoplastic offers distinctive characteristics, temperature variations and pressure resistance and it is, therefore, essential that the right one is selected for its specific production purpose and mold.
- Testing
The high level of precision, design and quality of materials involved in injection molding requires that a design and 3D prototype of the product must be produced before a bespoke mold can be created. This prototype can then be tested in the machine to ensure that the right thermoplastic is used for the required mold.
- Melting the plastic resin
Once tested, the injection molding can begin. Plastic resin is injected into a hopper or feeder at the top of the machine and, as the screw turns, the heat from the barrel starts to warm up and gradually melts the resin until it is molten liquid. The temperature is constantly monitored and maintained as this has a direct bearing on the accuracy of the final form.
- Molding the product
Both the injection and clamp pressure need to be perfectly balanced to ensure that the molten plastic sets correctly. As soon as the right pressure between the screw and tool is reached, the liquid plastic is injected into the mold.
- Correct setting of components
The plastic needs to pack out the entirety of the tool and be formed correctly under pressure for a set period. After the pressure has been released, the plastic is left to cool in the mold. This cooling down period is important in ensuring that the component sets correctly.
- Finishing off the product
After the plastic parts are molded, they can be finished off by painting, sanding, or polishing to be ready for packaging and delivery.
Injection molding is a complex production process that requires strict parameter controls from start to finish. Using this production process has afforded Buzz Trading the opportunity of assisting manufacturers in providing a wide range of products within a relatively short period that has tensile strength, highly detailed individual components and consistent quality throughout.
Quality Product Solutions Through Injection Molding
Our skilled team of professionals have the capabilities to design, create a 3D prototype and mold plastic components into a variety of shapes, sizes and complexities. Ideally situated in Germiston, Buzz Trading has been producing and manufacturing high-quality plastic and aluminium products for a broad industry sector both nationally and internationally since 2007. Our ongoing commitment to quality and technical expertise is matched by our service excellence. For more information on how we can assist you, contact Buzz Trading.