There are reasons certain plastic injection molding compounds are so popular, and knowing why could impact your company. A crucial step in the plastic injection molding manufacturing process is selecting the right material. Determining the appropriate one for your product is vital to its acceptance and success.
What Is Plastic Injection Molding?
Plastic injection molding is a manufacturing process that uses molten plastic material and injects it into molds. Once the material cools, it forms the desired shape. It is a popular process for manufacturing packaging, products, and parts because it can be used to create intricate shapes and is an affordable, efficient process.
What Differentiates Plastic Injection Molding Materials?
These substances are the specific chemical compounds that are injected into your specific mold or molds. There are a variety of factors that will dictate your choice of the right materials to use.
- Durability
- Rigidity
- Strength
- Temperature Resistance
- Compliance With Industry Standards
Different Chemical Compounds Have Specific & Ideal Uses
Here are five of the most common substances used today and some examples of their uses.
- ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene)
- PP (Polypropylene)
- PS (Polystyrene)
- PE (Polyethylene)
- PC (Polycarbonate)
For Durability, Consider ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene)
This is a popular plastic material type that is often chosen for consumer products where durability is a factor. It is frequently used in car parts and consumer electronics. It has good tensile strength, is heat-resistant, and is even scratch-resistant.
Require Affordable Packaging For Large Items? Consider PP (Polypropylene)
This is a popular material often used in producing packaging materials for household items and automotive components. What makes PP popular is that it is both lightweight and chemical resistant. It is a soft plastic that can even be used in textiles.
PS (Polystyrene) Is Strong & Affordable
Due to its affordability and ease of molding, polystyrene is often used in disposable utensils, plastic cups, and inexpensive packaging. It is also used in medical equipment, like test tubes.
Choosing Flexible PE (Polyethylene)
This plastic material is used for trash and grocery bags, household products, and containers. It is a versatile material that is chemical resistant. It is also used for some food containers and packaging.
When Strength Matters: PC (Polycarbonate)
This strong material is often used in safety equipment like hard hats. Its ability to be molded into clear products makes it ideal for items like optical discs. Its heat-resistant qualities also make it valuable for products that need to be temperature resistant.
The plastic material used in your plastic injection molding project is critical to its packaging, protection, and branding.
Select Excellence & Experience With Drummond Manufacturing
Drummond Manufacturing is a Chicago, IL, company that can serve as your partner for plastic injection molding excellence. We help make you and your product look good. Contact Chicagoland’s Drummond Industries, Inc. today to get started on your path to excellence.
