Technological advancement has become a runaway trend in recent years. It’s hard to keep track of all the advancements being made, and the innovations within the thermoplastic molding industry. Making the most of technological innovation is a skill in itself, the first step of which is being aware of it in the first place.
These advancements are especially causing a stir within the automotive industry. In comparison to using more traditional materials and methods, there’s no competition. If you’re interested in the modern application and uses of thermoplastic molding, this is the article for you.
Advancements in Thermoplastic Molding
Injection molding and plastic extrusion processes have been around for a while, but recent advancements have served to greatly improve precision and what’s possible in general. The increasing power of modern computers coupled with elegantly designed software has opened up near-endless possibilities for thermoplastic selection and molding in both execution and implementation.
When it comes to bringing forth succinct solutions to a range of problems, the industry used to be limited by the production and design process. Now, thanks to the cumulative efforts of years of development, we’re limited only by our imagination.
Increased Injection Molding Material Selection
The development of a wide range of purpose-specific thermoplastics, such as polyetherimide (PEI), polysulfone (PSU), and polyether ether ketone (PEEK) is driving innovative injection molding forward.
Whatever properties you’re looking for, there are plastics to suit your desired implementation. Chemical resistance, and improved performance under mechanical stresses. Also, it has increased stability when exposed to high temperatures are all perfect examples of recent innovations.
Processing Techniques
Processing thermoplastics is now more energy efficient due to the recent introduction of microwave and radio frequency (RF) heating, as well as reduced cycle times in the molding process. Complex parts are also easier to produce through the use of a simultaneous multi-component injection molder.
Improved Digital Schematics and Design
Computer-aided engineering (CAE) programs used in tandem with artificial intelligence algorithms are now capable of predicting shapes. As well as forms to optimize various plastic injection molding parameters. This means less wasted material and increased product strength and durability.
Additive manufacturing can create molds with far more complexity than ever before. Rather than cutting a mold out of a block of material, molds are built layer by layer through a process of 3D printing. Molds that were previously either incredibly difficult to create or even outright impossible are now well within our means through the use of this process. Further broadening the range of uses and implementations of custom plastic molding.
A View of The Future
As industrial advancements continue to break new ground and improve upon previous iterations, the view of the future is bright. Thermoplastic molding continues to find new and innovative applications in a vast array of niches. Often solving problems that have plagued manufacturing for decades.
If you’re searching for a world-class producer of plastic molded components, our track record at Nova Stevensville is unmatched. Contact us here to request a quote or ask any questions you may have about our process.
