The injection molding process is a manufacturing process that is greatly embraced by different people in various industries. This manufacturing process is used to produce different plastic products required by different businesses. For the injection molding process to be effective, tooling manufacturers employ the use of different types of plastic polymers. These plastic polymers come in two types. They include thermoplastic polymers and thermoset polymers. The thermoplastic polymers are the most used given that they feature the ability to be subjected to heat and melt without burning. This makes them a great option for recycling and molding into different shapes. On the other hand, thermoset plastics are the type that once molded cannot be reversed by heating and their form cannot be altered. This goes to show that thermoplastics are better when it comes to the manufacture of plastic products. There are different thermoplastic that you can consider. They include:
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The acrylonitrile butadiene styrene is a common thermoplastic polymer that is used in the injection molding process. Most manufacturers are geared towards using this particular plastic which has allowed it to gain popularity among its users. It features great properties that come in handy to ensure that the products manufactured are of high quality. The acrylonitrile featured in the ABS plastics brings in the heat resistance that allows these plastics to withstand the injection molding process. The butadiene brings in the strength featured by the plastics and lastly, the styrene contributes to its rigidity. This combination makes this particular plastic a favorite for most companies and manufacturers. The best part about the ABS plastics is that their chemical properties allow them to be subjected to heat to a point of melting and be reshaped. These processes are done without affecting or degrading the chemical makeup of these plastics. These plastic polymers are mostly used in the manufacture of housings, lego toys, and tendon prostheses among others.
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The polypropylene thermoplastic polymer is another great option for the injection molding process. It is a white material that appears to be mechanically rugged that you can make great use of. This particular material features a high chemical resistance which means it can not be corroded or damaged if exposed to any chemicals. This makes it a great choice for plastic products required for specific applications like disposable syringes. Polypropylene polymer is a tough and durable material that comes in handy in different industries. The use of this polymer is applied in medical equipment, protective packaging, and cars among others. The best part is that the plastic products made using this polymer can easily be melted and reformed into plastic pellets that are then reused to make different products. This plastic polymer features a high tensile strength of 4,800 psi.
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Polyethylene is also known as polythene is one of the most used plastic polymers in the manufacturing industry. It is quite popular in the application of injection molding which makes it an amazing plastic polymer to consider using. When it comes to polyethylene, you’ll be working with two distinct types. They include high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and low-density polyethylene (LDPE). The HDPE is a much more crystalline option with a higher density compared to LDPE. The polyethylene plastic polymer is a medical-grade product that can be used in the manufacture of plastic surgery implants. What makes this product a great option in the medical field is the fact that it absorbs almost no water and cannot be bonded with adhesives without pretreatment. This however not a biodegradable option but is a great product for the medical equipment used daily. This material does not fade or retain dangerous bacteria and it can withstand harsh chemicals used in cleaning agents. Additionally, it also features a high tensile strength of 4,000 psi and can easily be customized for a variety of uses. However, it is important to note that with the right modifications, this thermoplastic material can behave as a thermoset plastic.
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The polycarbonate polymers are made up of carbonate groups in their internal chemical structure. This material appears to be transparent to visible light and offers a great deal of protection from UV lights. These particular properties make it a great product to be used in the manufacture of eye protective wear. This means that it can be used as a substitute for glass. Polycarbonate is a strong material that is shatterproof and quite flexible. This makes it a great polymer option for the injection molding process. You can achieve a variety of quality plastic products in different industries including the medical field and the recreational aspects. You’ll find this material being used in the manufacture of scuba diving masks and swimming goggles in the recreational aspects. If this is something you are looking towards selling as a business, this is the perfect plastic polymer to use.
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When it comes to finding a more inexpensive plastic polymer to use, this is the perfect choice for you. This particular plastic polymer comes with a relatively low melting point and a poor barrier to oxygen and water vapor. This particular plastic is glassy and is quite hard compared to the other choices on the list. The use of polystyrene plastic is featured in products used in medical labs like test tubes and microplates. During the manufacture of these products, they will most likely feature the use of the injection molding process. This is mainly because it’s a more reliable and accurate manufacturing process. After that, they are then sterilized to make them suitable for their desired applications. The polystyrene plastic product is made by radical polymerization of styrene. This plastic can either come in solid form or foam.
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The Polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) is produced from the polymerization of methylmethacrylate. Like the polycarbonate plastic polymer, this plastic option features transparent and rigid properties that make them a great substitute for glass. It has a clear resistance to UV light and radiation, making it a great plastic polymer for products exposed to such. PMMA plastic in most cases features the ability to keep a beam of light reflected within its surface. This particular feature makes the plastic polymer a great option for the production of optical fibers for telecommunication. This plastic polymer is also used in the manufacture of artificial teeth and bone cement among others.
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Polyvinyl chloride also commonly referred to as PVC is also a common plastic used in the manufacturing industry. It is a thermoplastic product that is greatly recognized by both manufacturers and buyers of such products. This plastic polymer is featured in different industries and also comes with a variety of applications. The products made from this polymer are used in construction, signs, healthcare, and also as fiber for clothing. With polyvinyl chloride (PVC), you’ll be working with two types namely rigid polymer (RPVC) and flexible plastic. The flexible plastic is usually featured in construction as insulation on electric wires. On the other hand, rigid PVC is featured in pipes used for plumbing. This plastic polymer features a density with a gravity of around 1.4 and is very hard with high tensile strength. It is also readily available which makes it cheap to use in the production process.
When it comes to the injection molding process, there are different thermoplastics that you can use to manufacture different products. To make the best use out of this, consider working with an injection molding manufacturer who will guide you on the best plastic polymers. This will ensure that you work with a raw material that will offer you the best performance and avoid having to deal with quality control issues. Consider the kind of products you want to manufacture and work towards ensuring that they turn out as required.
