From the automotive industry and toy industry to the medical industry, a lot of businesses use injection molding to manufacture their products.
If you’ve ever wondered about the different types of injection molding, you’re going to love this short guide.
We’ll explore all four of the main types of injection molding and tell you more about cost, design requirements, and functionality.
So, what are they?
Types Of Injection Molding
The main four types of injection molding are structural foam molding, external gas assist molding, internal gas assist molding, and insert molding (which is also known as overmolding). Each type of molding has different pros and cons.
1. Structural Foam Molding
In structural foam molding, the weight of a part that is made can be reduced by as much as 15%. Another benefit of structural foam molding is that because the injection pressures required are low, it’s possible to use aluminum instead of steel for this method.
Inert gas or alternatively a pelleted chemical blowing agent gets blended with thermoplastic resin inside the injection molding machine. The types of molds in injection molding via the structural foam molding method are usually aluminum but older or agnostic molds made of steel are fine too.
2. External Gas Assist Molding (EGA)
Inert gas is inserted into the mold for this method in order to help compensate for shrinkage. This type of resin or plastic injection molding is considered most suitable for thin-walled parts with a large surface area or detailed textured surfaces.
This is another lower pressure method but distinct from structural foam because it’s a little higher pressure and gives very crisp light results
3. Internal Gas Assist Molding
Resin and plastic injection molding parts for this type of molding are usually large, hollowed-out sections in thin-walled designs.
Parts are hollow allowing cavities to form by introducing inert gas into the mold after the resin has filled the cavity, creating a bubble of displacement.
4. Insert Molding or Overmolding
Insert molding or overmolding is the simplest and oldest style of molding. A piece is inserted and one material is molded around another material using a lot of pressure.
This can increase the strength of the part as well as its longevity making this the cheaper option. Therefore, the manufacturing process has fewer steps less time required.
Choosing Types Of Injection Molding
Still not sure which of these four types of injection molding is right for your requirements?
Learn more about what to look for in an injection molding company.
Nova Stevensville will discuss your project and establish the most cost-effective way to reach your project goals within budget.
If you want to learn more about injection molding, contact us now. Or, alternatively, keep reading our blogs!
