Did you know that between 2020-2025, the plastic injection molding machine market is projected to grow steadily? That’s true even in the midst of the market uncertainty caused by COVID-19.
So why is the market for injection molding growing?
Because frankly, plastic injection molding is one of the best and most efficient ways to mass-produce parts for any industry.
That means that whether you want to expand your market in the automotive industry, or you’re looking for a manufacturing job, you should be learning everything you can about plastic injection molding.
But how does a plastic injection molding machine actually work? Keep reading to find out.
Purpose of a Plastic Injection Molding Machine
How do plastic injection molding companies work? Let’s start by talking about the purpose of a plastic injection molding machine.
Generally, organizations hire plastic molding companies to mass produce parts for many different kinds of industries.
This kind of mass production works because the production cost per unit is low after the initial design costs. While it can be expensive to hire a designer and produce the mold, it is inexpensive to produce each additional part.
All types of plastic injection molding also produce less waste than traditional manufacturing. That’s because in traditional manufacturing, a machine cuts off parts of large plastic sheets.
Another benefit of plastic injection molding is that each part is practically identical to the previous part. This makes the process consistent and repeatable, which is good for manufacturing.
How Does Plastic Injection Molding Produce Parts?
First, a specialist designs the part. This process looks different, depending on the industry that’s going to order the part.
Next, the company creates a mold based on the design. Then, a plastic injection molding machine injects molten plastic into the mold.
At that point, the machine runs through what’s called an injection mold cycle. During that cycle, the plastic is guided into the mold by tools called “runners.” This ensures that the machine fills the entire mold with plastic.
The injection mold cycle takes a very short amount of time, no more than a few seconds per cycle.
Next, the plastic cools and hardens inside the mold. The machine breaks apart the mold, revealing a brand new plastic part, ready to ship.
Industries that Benefit from Plastic Injection Molding
Any industry that uses plastic parts benefits from plastic injection molding. That includes any company that produces household appliances like toasters, washing machines, or dishwashers.
Plastic molding also produces parts that benefit the medical industry, the hospitality industry, and the interior design industry. That’s because these industries have a need for inexpensive parts that can be mass-produced.
The mass production of plastic parts is also essential to the construction industry, especially in the production of windows and doors, and the electronics industry. But automotive plastic injection molding is especially important because the automotive industry has a high demand for inexpensive, identical plastic parts.
The Best Solution for Your Manufacturing Needs
As time goes on, the injection molding process is projected to get even bigger and better. That’s why it’s time to capitalize on this beneficial process now.
Are you working on a project, but you need help with the design and manufacturing process? Contact us today. We’d love to hear from you!
