Injection molding has been around since the 1950s, when the technology was first invented and used commercially. Since then, the plastics industry has exploded, and with it, so have plastic injection molding device. Plastic injection molding products have become more advanced, as have the products that can be made from them.
Understanding how to find the right plastic injection molding machine for your needs can be difficult; this guide will give you all the information you need to make sure you’re purchasing the best plastic injection molding device possible.
There are two basic plastic types
Thermoplastics and thermosets are the two primary plastic types used in injection molding. Thermoplastics are easier to work with because they can be melted and reformed multiple times. Thermosets, on the other hand, will set after being heated and cannot be melted or reformed. Depending on the project you’re working on, one type of plastic may be better suited than the other.
Know how much you will use your new device
In order to find the right device for your business, you need to know how much you will be using it. For example, a small business just starting out may only need a small device that can handle a few monthly orders. On the other hand, a large business that needs to produce thousands of products per month will need a much larger and more expensive device.
Think about what kind of job you want it for
Before you start your search for a plastic injection molding device, you should think about what kinds of jobs or projects you’ll be using it for. Do you need a device that can handle large projects? Or one that’s more versatile and can handle different types of materials? Once you know what you need the device for, you can start looking for one that fits your needs.
Consider if you need reverse engineering capabilities
When looking for a plastic injection molding device, you should first consider if you need reverse engineering capabilities. This means that the device will be able to take a 3D model of a product and create a mold from it. If you do not need this capability, then you can save money by opting for a less expensive device. However, if you do need it, then make sure to factor it into your budget.
Think about parts size and shape
When you’re looking for a plastic injection molding device, you first want to think about the size and shape of your parts. The size of the device should accommodate the size of your parts, and the shape of the device should be able to create parts with the same precision as your original designs. You will also need to consider whether or not the device has what is called a cavity. A cavity is where the molten material that will form your final product goes before it cools and hardens.
Aspect ratio matters
The aspect ratio is the relationship between a mold’s length and width. It’s an important factor to consider when looking for a plastic injection molding device because it will affect the size and shape of your finished product. A higher aspect ratio means a longer and narrower product, while a lower aspect ratio results in a shorter and wider product.
Feeder types matter, and so does their speed!
The type of feeder you choose for your plastic injection molding device will play a big role in its speed and productivity. There are three main types of feeders: volumetric, gravimetric, and loss-in-weight.
Keep the coolant to a minimum
One of the most important things to consider when buying a plastic injection molding device is how much coolant it uses. The less coolant, the better, as it can save you money on your energy bill. Plus, it’ll help extend the life of your device. Keeping the coolant to a minimum or none at all means that there’s not as much build-up in the device, and it will produce higher quality parts with smoother surfaces.
