What Is Meant By Plastic Injection Moulding And Its Uses?
Injection moulding is a process in which the molten material is injected into a mould to produce the required shape or part. It cools and hardens to form the shape of the mould cavity. It is used to manufacture from small components to entire panels.
This process can be used with different types of materials like metals, glasses and thermoplastics polymers. It can be used for the mass production of thermoplastic objects and it does not require additional finishing.
In the process, the thermoplastic is heated above the melting point and this converts the solid material into molten fluid. It is then forced into the mould where it takes the shape of the part to be produced. The material is allowed to cool until it becomes solid. Then the mould is opened to collect the part.
This process is mainly used for making parts with complex geometry which gives it an edge over other techniques. The plastic injection moulding companies in UAE use this process to make products like shapers, shims, insulation accessories, aluminium facade accessories and other custom moulded products.
To produce a part first the product is designed by the engineer. Once the design is ready the mould-maker makes the mould using metal. It is then precision machined to form the desired part. The different types of injection moulds are single-cavity, multi-cavity, insert-type moulds, hot and cold runner, 2K mould, prototype and preform mould.
The part to be produced should be designed carefully so that it facilitates the injection moulding process. The shape and the features of the part to be moulded, the material to be used and the properties of the moulding machine should all be considered.
Two different materials can be incorporated into one part by using a two-shot mould. This type of injection moulding allows for making products with multiple colours.
Machine used for injection moulding
Injection moulding requires the use of a special-purpose machine. The different parts of the machine are a material hooper, an Injection ram or plunger, a mould and a heating unit. The material is first heated so that it converts into a molten fluid. A ram or a plunger is used to force the molten plastic into the mould cavity.
Force is applied to keep the mould cavity closed during the process using a clamp. The larger parts require more clamping force. The part is allowed to cool and harden below the freezing point of the thermoplastic. The mould is opened and the finished part is collected.
Uses
This process is used to make different products like bottle caps, packaging, automotive parts, musical instruments and more. It is used to make one-piece chairs, small tables and other plastic parts. This process is mainly used to produce plastic parts.
