SDI Plastics
FAQs

What is plastic injection moulding?

Plastic injection moulding is a manufacturing process where plastic pellets are melted and injected into a custom-designed mould under high pressure to produce a wide variety of plastic products. The process is highly automated, producing complex parts with high precision and repeatability, making it ideal for large volume production at a relatively low cost per unit.

What types of plastic can be used in injection moulding?

Plastic injection moulding can use a wide range of thermoplastic materials, including polypropylene, polyethylene, polystyrene, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polycarbonate. Other types of plastics are nylon based or glass filled based.

What is the injection moulding process?

The injection moulding process involves melting plastic material in a machine and injecting it into a mould. Once the plastic is injected into the mould, it cools and solidifies into the desired shape. The mould is then opened, and the part is ejected, ready for additional processing or use as a finished product. Please click on this link to find out more about the Injection Moulding process.

What are the benefits of plastic injection moulding?

There are several benefits of plastic injection moulding, including the ability to produce high volumes of parts with consistent quality and high precision at a relatively low cost per unit. The process can produce complex parts with a wide range of shapes and sizes, and with different material properties, such as strength, durability, and flexibility. The process is highly automated, reducing labour costs and increasing efficiency. Additionally, plastic injection moulding is a versatile process that can be used to manufacture products for a wide range of industries, from automotive and electronics to medical devices and consumer goods.

Check how plastic injection moulding can help your business by clicking on the link highlighted.

What industries can benefit from plastic injection moulding?

Plastic injection moulding is a versatile process that can benefit a wide range of industries, including automotive, aerospace, electronics, defence, construction, medical, pharmaceutical, sports, consumer goods, and packaging, among others. To find out more, please click here.

What is the minimum order quantity for plastic injection moulding?

The minimum order quantity for plastic injection moulding can vary depending on a number of factors, including the complexity of the part being produced, the size of the mould required, and the material used. However, as a general rule, the minimum order quantity for injection moulding is typically around 100 to over 5,000 units. This is because there are fixed costs associated with setting up the mould and the injection moulding machine, and these costs are spread over the total number of units produced.

Therefore, it is often more cost-effective to produce larger quantities of parts. However, some manufacturers may be willing to produce smaller quantities for an additional fee, depending on their capacity and the specific requirements of the project. For more details, please call our talented team on (07) 3807 8666.

How long does the plastic injection moulding process take?

The time it takes to complete the plastic injection moulding process can vary depending on several factors, including the complexity of the part, the size of the mould, and the material being used. However, as a general rule, the cycle time for injection moulding typically ranges from a few seconds to several minutes. The cycle time includes the time it takes to inject the molten plastic into the mould, the time it takes for the plastic to cool and solidify, and the time it takes to open the mould and eject the finished part. Manufacturers can optimise the cycle time by adjusting various parameters, such as the temperature, pressure, and cooling time, to achieve the desired quality and productivity.

How do you ensure the quality of the final product in plastic injection moulding?

Ensuring the quality of the final product in plastic injection moulding involves several steps. Firstly, manufacturers work with material suppliers to select the appropriate plastic material for the specific application. Secondly, they carefully design and engineer the mould and run tool trials to ensure that it produces the desired part with the required tolerances and surface finish. Thirdly, they monitor and control the process parameters, such as temperature, pressure, and cooling time, to ensure that the plastic is injected into the mould consistently and with high precision. Finally, through stringent quality assurance processes, they inspect the finished parts for defects and use process control techniques to identify and correct any issues. By following these steps, manufacturers can produce high quality parts that meet the customer’s specifications and requirements.

What kind of tooling is required for plastic injection moulding?

Tooling for plastic injection moulding includes the mould itself and any necessary support equipment, such as injection moulding machines, cooling systems, and hot runner systems. The mould is custom-designed for each part and is typically made of steel or aluminium. The injection moulding machine consists of a heated barrel, which melts the plastic pellets, and a screw that moves the plastic forward and injects it into the mould. The tooling may also include additional features, such as cooling channels and ejector pins, to ensure that the plastic is injected into the mould properly and that the finished parts are ejected smoothly.

What are the cost considerations for plastic injection moulding?

There are several cost considerations for plastic injection moulding. One of the main factors is the cost of the tooling, which includes the cost of designing and manufacturing the mould and the injection moulding machine. The complexity of the part and the size of the mould required can significantly affect the cost of the tooling. The cost of the plastic material itself is also a factor, as some materials are more expensive than others. Additionally, the production volume and the cycle time of the injection moulding process can affect the overall cost per unit. Finally, labour costs, shipping costs, and any additional post-processing or finishing requirements can also impact the total cost of the project. By carefully managing these cost factors, manufacturers can optimise their production process to deliver high quality parts at a competitive price.