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Precision Plastic Injection Molders

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Injection Molding and the Reshoring Index

A forklift operator next to towers of shipping containers at a port at dusk

While the US-China trade war certainly presented a major disruption of imports, COVID-19 is putting a strain on the global economy that’s forcing many companies to rethink their sourcing strategies. These shifts in imported vs. domestic manufacturing have generated overarching implications for US-based industries. In particular, the injection molding industry has begun to witness companies favoring plastic parts produced locally over outsourced products. These changes are further explained in an annual analysis known as the Reshoring Index.

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What’s the Best Transparent Plastic for Injection Molding?

A clear bottle made of transparent thermoplastics on top of grass

Molding clear parts – such as water bottles or food-grade storage items – requires more focused attention to detail and stricter processing controls compared to non-transparent injection molding. Each transparent polymer has varying properties that can influence a company’s decision, including differing levels of strength needs, temperature requirements, and chemical resistance. Even environmental factors such as UV radiation can cause degradation in outdoor equipment utilizing clear plastics. That’s why it’s important to familiarize yourself with the best transparent plastic for your needs.

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Plastic Molding Methods: Compression vs. Injection

A close up of spare electrical component made with compression molding in order to contrast from injection molding

Plastics are used to make everything from children’s toys to critical medical components. However, the process by which these products are made is determined by your industry’s specifications. There are several plastic molding options available for this very reason, each capable of adhering to specific requirements. Determining your parts’ needs and conditions is essential when it comes to deciding the best option for you. In this blog, we will discuss the two most common options – compression molding and injection molding – and characterize their applications.

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Modify an Injection Mold or Build a New Mold?

A milling machine modifying an injection mold by trimming steel from the tool.

As a business evolves, so too do the parts it requires. A company may need to adjust the size, offer more variations, or make changes to a product based on feedback. For businesses that get their parts from injection molds, they have to decide on how they want to change the produced parts. Some alterations simply require one to modify their existing mold, while others may call for the creation of an entirely new injection mold. In this blog, we will discuss which option would work best for your needs.

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Breaking Down the Cost Per Part of Injection Molding

Industrial plastic injection molding parts meant to signify the cost per part of injection molding

When placing an order with your manufacturer, it can often be confusing to grasp all the factors that go into calculating the cost per part. The simple answer to determining the price can be attributed to the needs and specifications put forth by the business, but calculating the cost per part of injection molding depends on several elements, from the type of material used to the amount of labor required. This blog will help you understand how manufacturers calculate the pricing of parts.

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What Causes Delamination in Injection Molding?

A board splintering into layers used to visualize delamination in injection molding

The goal of every manufacturer is to provide a final product free of defects by implementing quality control measures. However, if you find your manufactured parts are fracturing into separate layers, you’re witnessing a mode of failure known as delamination. The source of delamination can range from the plastics you use to the condition of your injection mold. Fortunately, Midstate Mold & Engineering has the experience necessary to troubleshoot the different causes of delamination in injection molding.

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