The manufacturers of plastic components at Fibertech usually make the use of thermoplastic for injection molding. Thermoplastics help in turning the polymers into molten under high temperature and can be cooled down under normal temperature. You can heat and cool the thermoplastics many times before it degrades beyond use. You may see them in a pallet form for injection molding purposes. You can mix the pellets with colorants, glitter, recycled materials and other additives. The most common types of thermoplastics being used are:
- Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS)
Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene or ABS is a strong and light weighted material. This is one of the mostly used thermoplastics. Here is a fun fact: LEGO bricks are made of ABS or Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene.
- Polycarbonates
These are transparent thermoplastics. They can withstand impact and high levels of plastic deformation without breakage or cracking. This type of thermoplastics is used for eyewear lenses, mobile and medical devices. You can also make bullet proof glass with this.
- Nylon
Nylon has exceptional electrical properties and is hard in nature. Nylon makes almost everything like sports equipment, industrial components etc.
- Polypropylene
It is deemed a very flexible material. It also contains good chemical tolerance and never leach into the food products which makes it perfect for making food containers or utensils.
- Polyethylene
This is one of the most versatile plastics which is used for injection molding. It is highly ductile, has great tensile properties, impact resistant, low moisture absorption, and recyclable nature makes it perfect for plastic containers and bags.
Advantages of injection molding
- Mass production
This process is one of the fastest production processes in the world which leads to mass production. A normal injection molding process takes less than a minute. You just need to combine the quick time cycle with a fact that every cycle produces many parts and output is great.
- Complex parts
Products made with the help of plastic injection molding process can be complex and involves cutting down on the production of various parts on making one object. This shaves down the overall production time as well.
- Low cost
As it uses less material and gives away less waste, it is a less expensive process as well. plastic made with the help of this process can also be recyclable. Once you pay the initial costs, it lowers down the labor costs to operate it.