Creating plastic toys, pieces and components can be done in a number of ways, depending on certain factors such as to what the purpose of that item is to be. Each aspect of this procedure has to be carefully calculated to accommodate for each product’s specific structural and functional issues. One method that proves most effective in many circumstances is injection molding.
This is a process by which products are manufactured by injecting very specific substances into a special mold. The materials that can be used in this method are plentiful, as are the varied ways in which the system works. The specific performance requirements of the final product will determine the combinations that will be used.
This is the most common method used for creating plastic items whether for a single piece or for manufacturing a mass of duplicates. Things like kitchenware, toys, bottle caps, combs, containers, machine components and electronic housings are often made in this manner. Even car parts, those as small as tiny connectors as well as an entire side panel, are fabricated through this unique process.
Two of the advantages of this method are a huge selection of materials to use and a lower cost for labor. The molds make it easy to produce thousands of replicas with ease, and when the right substances are used, items made through this process have a high stress tolerance. Very little waste is generated because the pieces are so precisely formed that it is rarely necessary to cut excess from the whole for finishing.
As with most everything, the procedure does have its share of disadvantages. As an example, there are operational limitations involved due to set up requirements. Another thing is that the cost of creating the initial mold can be quite costly, though if used multiple times, it does eventually pay for itself.
Almost any polymer, including all types of thermoplastics and some thermosets and elastomers, may be used for this process. With all of these options, that means there are literally tens of thousands of choices when it comes to available materials. Mixing alloys and blends together allows the designer to find the right formula for the intended purpose.
The purpose for which a piece is intended will have a huge impact on what materials would best to use in fabrication. Different compounds and mixtures will help meet certain requirements such as the need to withstand extreme temperatures or a higher amount of stress. The range of substances and combinations allow for a wider array of products that may be created in this way.
Genevive B. Mata has taught plastics molding techniques for over 15 years. He specializes in injection molding and thermoforming. If you are interested in learning more about custom plastic pallets then he recommends you visit his friends at PTM: Custom Plastics Injection Molding Company.