Vertical vs Horizontal Plastic Injection Molding
The injection molding process can be performed using a horizontal or vertical/vertical injection molding press. The difference in the presses has to do with the mold clamping direction, either horizontal or vertical. Both have pros and cons, and typically, your project requirements will determine the press best suited to manufacture your components.
Insert molding a manufacturing process that uses advanced plastic injection molding technology to combine diverse thermoplastics and metal components into a single finished part.
In the past, building a complex component like a defense battery pack or a medical needle hub required assembling different individual parts. Today, the insert molding process makes the combined component during the molding phase resulting in reduced labor and increased throughput. Learn the five elements of insert molding for your plastic component or device.
Overmolding for Plastic Injection Molded Components
Overmolding is typically used to combine two types of plastic materials for producing components and devices when strength and ergonomics are essential. Overmolding changes the product surface by adding texture, color, and tactile sensitivity while incorporating functionality for specific product needs. Take the case of a medical industry where doctors are increasingly demanding soft-touch handles that improve grip and minimize slipperiness.
The benefits of overmolding are vast, but there are design considerations when manufacturing parts for overmolding to create the tight seal required. Review the advantages, design considerations, and applications for overmolding plastic injection molded components.
Plastic Injection Molding Process Monitoring for Quality Components
Plastic injection molding process monitoring takes a further look into the four plastic variables for injection molding melt temperature, flow rate, pressure, and cooling rates. According to plastic process engineer Rich Wire, "Once the standard baseline process parameters are established, monitoring of these four plastic variables during production runs helps to ensure reliable and repeatable production of parts." This real-time evaluation of data during the manufacturing process ensures the production of quality components.
Plastic Injection Molding Post-Processing Operations
To provide a single-source solution for your plastic injection molded product, several post-processing operations are available to complete your project. Processes like part decorating, shielding, and plating make products alluring and functional. Other processes like assembly and kitting help consolidate your supply chain.
And other operations like leak testing and annealing ensure functionality in environmental stress. Each of these post-processing functions has several different methods to reach the end result, review parts decoration, and assembly/kitting solutions.