When it comes to injection moulding, the team at Roland Plastics has a strong understanding and years of experience with plastics, design for manufacture, tooling and engineering. It’s safe to say we know our fair share when it comes to injection moulding!
So, what are some of the most common questions we get asked about injection moulding? Let us share our knowledge.
What is injection moulding?
Injection moulding is a versatile manufacturing technique used to produce plastic parts with high precision – from very simple pieces to highly complex shapes and components. The process begins with melting small plastic pellets until they reach a molten state, this is then injected into a precision-engineered mould under high pressure. Every mould is custom-designed to match the specifications of the desired part.
After injection, the mould is cooled to allow the plastic to solidify, forming a perfectly shaped product. Once the material has set, the mould is opened and the finished part is ejected, ready for any post-processing steps before heading off to the customer. This entire process, from pellet to product, is detailed further on our dedicated injection moulding overview page.
What type of plastic is used in injection moulding?
A wide array of thermoplastics are compatible with the injection moulding process, each offering unique properties and advantages. At Roland Plastics, we select our manufacturing materials to meet the specific needs of the project, and our choice of materials is guided by factors such as strength, flexibility, thermal stability, and required cosmetic appearance. From firm, rigid plastics suitable for consumer goods or medical equipment, to thermoplastic rubber (TPR) for a softer, squishier finish for items such as dog toys.
Among the most frequently utilised plastics in injection moulding are Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS), which is a versatile plastic used in wide range of applications due to its high impact resistance and long durability, high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and low-density polyethylene (LDPE). Polyethylene is chosen for its numerous advantages, such as excellent tensile strength and robust impact resistance, and being impermeable to moisture. Additionally, its recyclability aligns well with our sustainable manufacturing practices, making it a preferred choice for environmentally conscious projects. You can learn more about the types of plastics we use on our injection moulding overview page.
What products use injection moulding?
Injection moulded products are a part of our everyday environment, often going unnoticed due to their commonplace nature. Injection moulded products are literally all around us.
Computer peripherals, phone casings, kitchen utensils, desktop files and trays, car dashboard interiors, high-tech aerospace cockpits, medical devices, sports equipment. Perhaps the most famous injection moulded product, which is produced by one of the world’s largest toy manufacturers, is LEGO.
Injection moulding is part of a broad range of industries, providing a versatile manufacturing technique for a near endless list of components and products.
What are the benefits of using injection moulding for manufacturing?
Injection moulding is highly efficient for large production runs, offering excellent value, high precision, speed, and the ability to produce complex shapes that would be difficult to achieve with other manufacturing processes.
Benefits of injection moulding include:
Precision and Complexity: Injection moulding allows for high-precision engineering and the ability to produce complex shapes with fine details. This is essential in applications where components must fit tightly and function reliably within mechanical assemblies.
Speed of Production: Once the mould is designed and created, the actual production process is very fast compared to other manufacturing methods. This speed significantly increases the ability to produce large volumes quickly, making it ideal for meeting tight deadlines and high demand.
Colour Flexibility: The injection moulding process allows for the use of a wide variety of colour customisation. Materials can be blended with pigments before the moulding process, ensuring consistent colour throughout the product (Including Pantone & RAL colours) without the need for post-manufacturing painting.
Reduced Waste: Injection moulding is a precise process that can use exact amounts of material needed to create the part, reducing waste. Any excess plastic can often be recycled and reused in the manufacturing process, making injection moulding a more sustainable option.
What’s the difference between Injection molding and injection moulding?
Despite the spelling difference, Injection “Molding” (which is commonly used in American English) and Injection “Moulding” (used in British English) both refer to the same manufacturing process. The variation purely reflects regional spelling differences. However you like to spell injection molding, both describe the technique of injecting molten plastic it into a mold to create your desired part or component.
Does Roland Plastics offer any post-moulding services?
Yes, we provide a range of post-moulding services including ultrasonic welding, assembly, packaging, storage and third-party logistics. This allows us to deliver finished products that meet high-quality standards and which are ready for market.
Ready to turn your idea into a product?
By choosing Roland Plastics, you’ll gain access to decades of experience to help turn your idea into reality – all from one location in Suffolk. Speak to our friendly team today to discuss how we can streamline your supply chain, reduce costs and bring your vision to life!
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