Injection molding is an essential process that is used by almost all industry today. If you are in a sector that manufactures physical products that require different shape and form, plastic is the immediate material of choice. The reason for this is because plastic is versatile, which is favorable when creating products in multiples and with elaborate designs.
Another reason to choose plastic injection molding is that plastic can keep the manufacturing cost down while providing a durable material to work on. You cannot find this in other manufacturing solutions.
Among all the molding techniques, plastic molding is by far the most versatile. It is also suitable for manufacturing precise quality parts in high volume. In plastic injection molding, a more massive machine can do car parts. The smaller machines can produce accurate parts applicable for surgical procedures. Also, you can use different types of plastic additives and resins with this manufacturing process. All these characteristics increase the role of plastic injection molding in the manufacturing process.
This blog explores the many industries that benefit from plastic injection and the materials used. It will give you an insight on why you should choose this method for your own product.
plastic injection products, *picture from jwtrubber.com
Industries that Benefited from Plastic Injection Molding
The popularity of plastic injection molding in the present manufacturing landscape is from its low manufacturing cost and many finish options. Many industries are benefiting from this manufacturing process, and here are some of them.
Food and Beverage
The food industry is among the largest businesses in the world. Besides, there are tens of millions of restaurant and food chains scattered around the planet, and most of them are using plastic utensils. All of these are products made through plastic injection molding.
Because food safety is of utmost importance, some measures are in place in the manufacture of materials for the food and beverage industry. These standards include compliance with the specifications, BPA-free and guidelines, FDA certifications, among others.
Plastic injection molding is popular with this industry because of its natural characteristics. Stainless steel and glass are sustainable options, but they are more expensive to produce and are hard to maintain. Imagine if the plastic is not used in the food industry, there will be a lot of washing dishes for employees on their shift, plus take out would be impossible.
Medical and Pharmaceutical
The type of work in the medical and pharmaceutical field needs precision and the highest possible quality with the right material. Although doctors and medical professionals use the highest quality stainless steel, there are equipment and tools that are made from plastic.
Manufacturing grade plastic resin are best because they have top-notch mechanical properties. Among these properties is resistance to high temperature, superior tensile strength, and tolerances that match those of steel. All these features are ideal for the demanding requirements of medical and pharmaceutical products.
There are many benefits to why plastic injection molding tops the list of manufacturing methods. It offers excellent flexibility and accommodates complex designs, and it can reduce material waste, weight, overall cost, and lead time.
Among the popular products that are made from injection molding are jars, cups and vials, disposable forceps, clips, and tubing connectors.
Electronics
Nowadays, electronics is an integral part of our lives. We used them every day from our mobile phones to televisions. All these are made of minute electrical components that are working inside the device to make them work properly.
Your television, for example, without its frame, will just be a green screen with blinking lights. Aside from keeping all the components together, the structure also protects the electrical components from dust and other factors. Without the structure, it could affect its lifespan and performance. Even the base of the TV is made from plastic too.
All electronics need plastic casing to keep them from the elements. It also does not expand or absorb moisture like metal, which makes it an ideal housing solution. All these are made from plastic injection molding.
Construction
Although steel and concrete are the staples of the construction industry, plastic can be a good alternative too. Steel is good from window and door frames because they are durable and hard, but they can expand and damage the wall structure during adverse weather conditions. Plastic can be a good alternative because they are easier to install, has lower cost, and are lighter.
Toys
One of the most popular industries that rely on plastic injection molding is toys. It is difficult to make a little toy with metal. Clay is not good because it is brittle. Plastic is the best because it can produce with accuracy and is durable. The properties of this material are what makes plastic an ideal material for toy making.
The plastic molding industry is a unique manufacturing method because there are plenty of industries that rely on them. It is the core of many companies and contributed a lot in business development. It allows a business to expand and explore their full potential.