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Precision Plastic Injection Molders

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What Can Cause Discoloration in Plastic Injection Molding?

A gradient of different colored plastics arranged int he order of a rainbow on sand, used to signify discoloration in plastic injection molding.

Discoloration in injection molding is defined as a disparity in the original color of the plastic. This part defect can arise from a multitude of sources, such as overheating, contamination, or manufacturing error. This inconsistency in the part’s coloring is caused by thermal degradation, and depending on the severity, it can influence how noticeable this defect is. In order to avoid this complication, one must first understand what can cause discoloration in plastic injection molding.

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Multi-Cavity Molds vs. Family Molds: Which Best Serves Your Needs?

A close-up picture of a multi-cavity plastic injection mold with four similar parts inside, meant to serve as a comparison between multi-cavity molds and family molds

The process of injection molding involves plastic being inserted into a hollow mold cavity. The finalized product takes on the shape of the desired part. However, what if your project requires multiple plastic parts? Designing and building several molds is expensive and time-consuming, which is where multi-cavity molds and family molds come into play. In this blog, we will discuss the difference between the two and how to determine the best option for your needs.

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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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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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Weld Line Defects in Plastic Injection Molding

Injection molding machine ejects the finished part.

Every manufacturing process can introduce different defects into the final product. The goal of every manufacturer is to have the machines, process, and quality assurance in place to reduce and even remove flaws from final parts and products. In this blog, we’re looking at one of the more common part defects that can come from injection molding: weld lines. Let’s go over what weld lines defects are, how they are caused, and what injection molding companies do to avoid them.

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Plastic Injection Molding Quote: What to Have Ready

Data on laptop.

Looking for an accurate quote for your plastic injection molding project? Having the right information and files on hand isn’t only going to produce quicker and more accurate results, it could very well save you money. By knowing the answers ahead of time, you can better estimate your needs and the hidden costs such as material selection and additional services. Below is the information, files, and answers to have ready when looking for a plastic injection molding quote.

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