Micro-molding has become a preferred manufacturing method for manufacturers and plastic instrument designers due to various benefits they offer. The method is used to create high precision, micro-molded plastic parts. It is seen as a cost, and value-effective alternative to micro machining. This post introduces you to the method, and highlights why it is becoming a preferred alternative to micro machining, its applications, and advantages.
What is Micro molding?
Micro-molding is an injection molding process, which utilizes special molding machine to create uniform micro-miniature plastic parts. The process utilizes a specific molding machine, which produces high injection pressure, and speed, uniform melt temperature, and precise shot control, as well as fine resolution.
Features of this technique can be summarized as:
- Part Weight: It may range from 0.1 to 0.001 grams
- Part Size: 0.100 inches in diameter
- Specialized part extraction
- Intricate tooling can be performed
- Microscope can be used to see geometry of micro parts
Why is Micro Molding a Perfect Alternative to Micro Machining?
Micro machining is performed by manufacturers to produce micro-components in a low to moderate quantities. This method imposes limitations when it comes to material selection. Micro molding is considered as a preferred choice for engineering metallic materials, as well as ceramics. As a result, sourcing micro components has become an expensive option for manufacturers.
Micro molding is considered as a cost-effective alternative to machining because it aids in producing extremely miniature plastic parts with high precision tolerances. Advances in injection molding technology have made it easier to injection mold complex machined micro components in plastic, metal, or a combination of both, or with ceramic fillers.
Key factors contributing to the success of any micro molding project are:
- Micro Molding Equipment
- The Mold Fabrication and Tool Design
- Quality Inspection Equipment
Advantages of Micro Molding
There are a number of advantages that customers can accrue by selecting micro molding over other injection molding techniques.
- Best surface finish
- No particle contamination
- Mechanical and electrical properties of the plastic parts can be improved by adding appropriate resins and fillers
- Dimensionally stable machining process
- Perfect for complex geometries
- Provides cost advantages
Today, there are several injection molding service providers who may provide you micro injection molding services, too. You can check with them. Veejay Plastic is one such injection molding plastic company, which specializes in micro-injection molding as well. The company can deliver you micro-molded parts in strict tolerances.
