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What You Need to Know About Injection Molding

Injection molding is not a new manufacturing technique, but it remains one of the most versatile options on the market for businesses across many industries. From home appliances and cars to industrial applications and even spaceflight, parts and products created through injection molding are everywhere.

So what makes it such a popular method, and why do so many companies invest heavily in partnerships with proven providers of injection molds, tooling, and finished products? Let’s explore the fundamentals of injection molding.

The Basics of Injection Molding and Its Benefits

At its root, injection molding is a simple technology. A machine forces a high-pressure jet of molten plastic resin into a mold in the shape of a desired part. The plastic sets rapidly, and the mold ejects the completed part, ready to produce another part with very little delay. An injection mold may even contain multiple parts on the same die, further reducing costs and speeding up the pace of production. Because you only need to create the mold designs and tools once, injection molding consistently achieves a lower cost-per-part than other manufacturing methods.

Understanding Injection Molding’s Strengths and Limitations

There are many other benefits to injection molds beyond their replicability and lower cost, such as:

  • A massive number of material options, with resins for almost every purpose and use case.
  • Overmolds, inlays, and other unique finishing techniques that provide you with options to cut steps out of the manufacturing process later.

Be aware that there are some limitations to this technology—it isn’t ideal for every scenario or need. Keep in mind that:

  • The upfront costs for initial tooling are higher. Think of this cost as the trade-off for cheaper parts later: even years into a production run, you won’t need to pay to redesign molds.
  • Parts that will undergo design revisions are less suitable for injection molds. It is not easy to redesign mold tooling on the fly, which may lead to delays.

There are many applications for which this process is the right choice for a business—and advances in technology continue to enhance it. With 3D printed prototypes and design software growing rapidly more advanced, a molding manufacturer is a vital asset.

Finding Proven Help for High-Quality Molding Design and Production

A proven partner is essential for establishing a successful injection molding production run. There are many elements to consider beyond this brief overview, from over-molding to the inclusion of metal parts. Locating the right team to support your product development is essential to success.

At Reliant Plastics, we leverage decades of experience and an exceptional US-based team to provide the service and reliable outcomes that our clients demand. From the most basic small parts to advanced prototyping and beyond, we’re equipped to support your needs immediately. Learn today how we can put the power of injection molding at your disposal.

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