Like with all manufacturing processes, plastic injection molded parts can come out of the process with issues and defects that require troubleshooting. One of the most common quality issues is the short shots (sometimes referred to simply as “shorts”), in which the final product is missing material due to the mold not filling completely. In this blog, we’re going to look at the most common causes of this problem, and how troubleshooting short shots is a vital part of quality control and lean manufacturing. [Read more…] about Troubleshooting Short Shot in Plastic Injection Molding
Thermoplastic Highlight: ABS Plastic for Injection Molding
The great thing about working with plastics is there are many to choose from for their different characteristics, abilities, composition, durability, price-points, and more. These can range from plastics that is as hard as metal to plastics that are designed to flex when molded properly as a living hinge. From this wide array of plastics, let’s look at one of the most common types of plastic used: ABS plastic, and why you can find it in everything from drainage pipes to LEGO bricks. [Read more…] about Thermoplastic Highlight: ABS Plastic for Injection Molding
Injection Molding Features: The Living Hinge
There are many features for plastic parts that are best implemented through injection molding. Today, we’re looking at the “living hinge,” a specially designed bridge between two pieces that works like a traditional hinge, but without the need for using new material or assembly. Specifically optimized for injection molding, a living hinge is a great tool when it comes to optimizing parts for injection molding. Let’s look at how they work and common types to use in your next project. [Read more…] about Injection Molding Features: The Living Hinge
Should You Choose Plastic Injection Molding or Spin Casting?
When it comes to producing your plastic parts, you’ve got several manufacturing processes to pick from. While we will always point to the advantages of injection molding, it’s important to understand the alternatives and which niche in the market they fill. Today we’re looking at spin casting and contrasting it to injection molding. Which is the best for you? It all depends on your needs and the scale of your project. [Read more…] about Should You Choose Plastic Injection Molding or Spin Casting?
The Importance of Gate Design and Gate Size in Injection Molding
While injection molds tools are hard to design and manufacture, their core concepts are easy to understand. The mold itself consists of two faces, between which is the cavity and core set into which the plastic is injected. The plastic – which, like its namesake implies, is injected into the mold through a sprue that feeds the runner plastic enters the mold’s cavity through the gate. The gate is the literal gateway of plastic into a cavity/core and therefore can make or break a mold. Too small and the mold cannot fill completely; too large and the plastic is too hard to shear. [Read more…] about The Importance of Gate Design and Gate Size in Injection Molding
Building a Plastic Injection Molding Tool for Success
It’s important to understand that the quality of the end product of injection molding – the plastic part – is a product of three major things: the plastics used in the injection process, the injection machines themselves, and the tool that casts the injected plastic into the final part. While all play a critical role, many of the issues that can arise from the project can be traced back to the molding tool. Time, cost, and the location where your tool is made can all affect the end product, which in turn can affect your end product. Learn what it takes to build the best plastic injection molding tool. [Read more…] about Building a Plastic Injection Molding Tool for Success
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