Monday, 9 October 2023

Three Plastic Materials Used for Plastics Injection Molding




 The end product determines the type of plastic needed to make the mold.

There are different types of plastic materials used for plastics injection molding by mold manufacturers, and each of these types has different features.


The type that a mold manufacturing company will use depends on the type of the finished product, the requirements, and its design. Here are the most commonly used and popular materials used for plastics injection molding.


Polymethyl Methacrylate Plastics Injection Molding


Polymethyl Methacrylate, expressed as PMMA and also referred to as Acrylic more commonly, is quite popular among regular and custom mold makers. It is mainly due to the inherent properties of this clear thermoplastic, such as:

  •         High tensile strength
  •          Lightweight
  •          UV resistance
  •          Shatter resistance
  •          Optical clarity and
  •          High tolerance.

Available in general, sign grade, and marine grade, different applications of acrylic in injection molding include windows, bathroom enclosures, greenhouses, lighting, solar panels, architectural components, and more.


Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene


Commonly known as ABS, the most significant property of this plastic material type is its low melting point. This makes it very easy for manufacturers to use it for cheap plastic injection molding and other types of molds.


Different textures and colorants can be used on this opaque polymer material for a better surface finish. It is tough, even at low temperatures, due to butadiene, and shiny and attractive due to the styrene content.


Suitable for molded parts, this material is strong and impact-resistant, making it suitable for injection molding for different plastic parts, such as:

  •          Keyboard keys
  •          Plates of electrical wall outlets
  •         Protective headgear
  •          Wheel covers
  •          Industrial fittings
  •          Sports equipment and
  •          Consumer goods.

Nylon Polyamide


This is a synthetic polyamide, suitable to use for making molds due to its significant properties, such as:

  •          Strength
  •          Heat resistance
  •          Abrasion resistance
  •          Fatigue resistance and
  •          Impact resistance.

There are four different grades of Nylon PA, and the inherent properties mentioned above make it best suited for cheap plastic injection molding. These molds can be used for making a wide range of parts, which include and are not restricted to the following:

  • Gears
  • Casings
  •  Fixtures
  •  Bushings
  • Jigs
  • Bearings
  • Slides
  • Threaded inserts
  •   Snap-fit closures and
  • Kinetic parts.

Conclusion


Over the years, there has been a steady rise in using injection molding for making different industrial, automotive, and other parts. This requires sturdy molds that can sustain the stress and strain of using them multiple times regularly. 


The type of plastic used to make the molds determines its utility, and so the custom mold makers need to choose a suitable material.


Want to know more about molds and plastic used in their making? Call or email us, and our experts will gladly answer your queries.

 


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