Injection Moulding
Injection moulding is generally used for higher volume production where a lower component price justifies a higher tooling investment. However, in some situations, injection moulding is the only process to use and Rimplas has the production flexibility to allow smaller cost effective runs and larger components to be produced.
Injection moulding can require greater attention to design detailing and an understanding of the process but the experienced staff at Rimplas can provide a full management service, covering material choice, tooling design and initial concept design through to production.
Important features of Injection Moulding:
- Very fast cycle times coupled with very accurate high definition parts.
- No requirement for secondary finishing.
- The possibility for self coloured, textured parts straight from the tool.
- Aluminium tooling can be utilised along with multi cavity tools and changeable inserts to reduce costs.
- Components can be manufactured with thinner wall sections to reduce weight and cost.
- Snap details and in some instances integral hinges can be incorporated to aid assembly.
- Parts can be RFI shielded after moulding.
- UL94V0 flame retardency is possible but may depend on the component wall thickness.
- Recycled materials can be utilised.
- Rimplas moulding machines range from 60 tonnes to 800 tonnes.
FAQs for Injection Moulding
What is Injection Moulding?
Injection Moulding is a method of producing complex components via injecting molten thermoplastic polymers into a mould, then cooling and solidifying them before removing from the mould. This method is suitable for mass production as well as large quantity batch sizes.
What materials can be Injection Moulded?
Any thermoplastic polymer can be Injection Moulded. The most common, general purpose materials are HDPE (High Density Polyethylene), PP (Polypropylene), HIPS (High Impact Polystyrene), ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene), POM (Acetal), PMMA (Acrylic), PA6 PA66 (Nylon), PC (Polycarbonate). There are a wide range of Engineering grades of material. Speak to a polymer manufacture regarding the most suitable grade.
Which thermoplastic polymer do I use for Injection Moulding?
Firstly, you need to know your component’s working environment / life cycle. Such things as working temperature range, loads and forces it will experience, chemical it will encounter and how cost sensitive it is. Once you have these answers can you start to eliminate some polymers. Discuss with Rimplas or polymer manufacture for guidance.
What can you produce with Injection Moulding?
Injection mouldings are used across a wide range of Industries and markets from cheap Household products to high precision Aerospace components. Your imagination is usually the limiting factor. Speak to Rimplas about your project and if it can be produced using Injection moulding.
Can Injection Moulded parts be recycled?
Yes, thermoplastic components can be recycled. Non recyclability is usually down to poor design and lack of forethought at the start of a project. An example is by designing clip features into the moulding to join clamshell parts together instead of “In Moulded” brass screw inserts. Using self-tapping screws for assembly work. This will reduce part count hence producing a cost saving. Good reasons to be environmentally friendly. Plastics do not pollute, lack of consideration does.
