The process of injection molding has seen many advancements and developments over the years. Newer techniques are introduced for manufacturing precise, high-quality parts. While there are other types of molding, the thermoplastic injection molding technique has acquired a great popularity. In this method of injection molding, plastic resin is used for producing the end part. Now you must be curious to know how this is done. In the following post, we will be discussing how thermoplastic resin is used in the injection molding process exactly. Also, discussed in the post are several benefits of using resin in the process. Please read on to know more.
First Things First- Why are Thermoplastic Resins Used in Injection Molding?
Most manufacturers prefer thermoplastic resins over other materials. There are many reasons for this. Here are some key reasons, which make these resins popular in injection molding process:
- Easily Moldable: This is one of the biggest reasons for choosing these resins. These resins soften on heating. On the other hand, after passing them through the cooling process, they get hardened, and regain their original strength.
- Recyclable & Reusable: This is another major benefit of these resins. They can be softened by applying heat repeatedly, owing to their molecular makeup. Thus, these resins can be used again and again, making them recyclable and reusable.
- Exceptionally Flexible: Thermoplastic resins can be formed and molded into any desired shape. This makes them exceptionally flexible, and versatile, thus increasing their scope of application.
How Exactly is Thermoplastic Resin Used in the Injection Molding Process?
In the thermoplastic injection molding technique, plastic resin is injected into a pre-made mold for producing parts in the desired shape of the mold. In this section, we will explain how this is done, and what process is involved.
- Creating the Mold: This is the most basic process, which lays the foundation of the entire thermoplastic injection molding process. A CAD file is used for making a mold. Generally, steel or aluminum are the preferred materials for making these molds.
- Injection Step: In this step, actual injection is done. Once the mold is ready, the thermoplastic resin is injected into it. However, before injecting the material into the mold, it is fed into a heated barrel.
- Curing: After injecting the resin into the mold, it is allowed to cure. This, then forms the desired part.
- Final Part Run: After the curing is done, the part is ready to be removed from the mold. The process is continued till the final part run is done.
What are the Various Types of Thermoplastic Resins?
There are various types of thermoplastic resins, which are used today for forming and molding a wide variety of shapes. Some of the most common types of resins that are being used today in the injection molding process are as follows:
- ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene)
- Olefins
- LCP (Liquid-crystal Polymers)
- Polycarbonate
- Ultem
- PEEK (Polyether Ether Ketone)
Thermoplastic injection molding is a quick process, which helps manufacture quality parts. This makes it ideal for prototyping, as well as short-run, and long-run manufacturing. Are you also looking for a manufacturer, who can help you produce quality parts by implementing this technique? You can find a number of experienced manufacturers in the US. One such manufacturer, who provides quality thermoplastic injection molding service is Veejay Plastic. The company has a team of expert, and knowledgeable staff, who is always ready to fulfill your requirements.
