When it comes to designing and manufacturing the plastic parts for your products, you’ve got several manufacturing methods at your fingertips. Before you get started prototyping your part and committing to how your plastic parts will be produced, it’s important to explore your options and find out which method will work best for your needs, from material selection to the speed and scale of parts production. In this comparison, we explore two methods: plastic injection molding and CNC machining. [Read more…] about Comparing Plastic Injection Molding and CNC Machining
What Causes Splay on Plastic Injection Molding Parts?
Just like in all manufacturing, plastic injection molding brings with it their own kinds of defects that can mar or damage parts. It’s critical to work with parts manufacturers who both understand and have the quality control and troubleshooting skills needed to avoid them hurting your bottom line. Not all defects are created equal, and it’s important for you as a client to understand what they are and their causes. Today we’re looking at “splay,” a typically cosmetic defect that might point at issues with your resin or manufacturing process. [Read more…] about What Causes Splay on Plastic Injection Molding Parts?
Injection Molding Plastic: Thermoplastic vs. Thermoset
When it comes to injection molding, a common request we receive is advice on the right plastics to use in their projects. While we can only provide suggestions, one common point of confusion for our clients is the difference between thermoplastic and thermoset resins. As part of the injection process, both plastics are subjected to heat during the process, and it is in this difference (which you may have guessed to the thermo prefix) that truly separates these two types of plastics and give them their unique qualities. [Read more…] about Injection Molding Plastic: Thermoplastic vs. Thermoset
Troubleshooting Short Shot in Plastic Injection Molding
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
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