Plastic injection molding doesn't use just one type of plastic. There are several types in fact.
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Types of Plastic in Injection Molding
No matter which process
takes place, whether it is plastic injection molding or not, polycondensation or polymerization, different types of monomers
are combined in order to form resin with various characteristics. They can also
be mixed with other specific additives, such as plasticizers or flame
retardants which will ensure that the end product is less brittle.
Step 3: The monomers are processed into thermoplastics or
thermosets.
There are two forms into
which polymers can be processed: thermoplastics or thermosets. Thermoplastics
tend to melt when they reach a specific temperature, but become hardened when
they cool off. The exact opposite happens when it comes to thermosets; they get
harder as the temperature rises, however they can only be heated and set once.
While thermoplastics create chains that alternate between soft and hard sections,
thermosets form bonds that are hard and interlocked.
Step 4: The thermoplastics or thermosets are molded.
Thermoplastics are processed
through several forms of extrusion or molding. Extrusion means that the resin
is pushed through a mold in order to make it form a specific shape, and is used
to make items such pipes, fibers for weaving and straws. Molding is achieved by
heating the resin and injecting it into molds or blowing air into softened
tubes of resin which are inserted into molds in order to make it take on a
specific shape. Molding is used to create items such as soda bottles,
containers and toys. Thermoplastics may also be calendered-- melted and pressed
between large rollers in order to create long plastic sheets which can eventually
be used to make flooring.
Thermosets can also be
molded, though molds are usually pressurized so as to encourage polymers to
link more closely, which is meant to make the final product more durable. They
are also occasionally treated with a chemical before being molded. The first
process is used to create end products that need to be able to take heavy
impact (due to consumer use) such as sports equipment and phones, while the
second is used in order to make stronger things (for the sake of longevity) like
machines or parts for vehicles. This type of plastic is sometimes used as a
coating for materials, like fabric or paper or fabric in a process called
lamination.
Injection Molding: Final Thoughts
Plastic is plastic, right? Wrong! The sort of part that you need will be determined on a lot of factors such as how much wear and tear will it be exposed to? A harder, more brittle plastic would be worthless in a part that needed a bit of give and take. Inversely, a plastic part that needs rigidity would go bad if a softer plastic was used.
Ultimately, you want to work with a company that can do custom work, and create custom plastic parts for you.
Read more on this subject here.
AZP & Associates
295 E. Corporate Place
Suite # 108
Chandler, Arizona 85225
602-437-0136
