In short, injection moulding is a process in which a material, such as a thermoplastic, metal or even liquid silicone rubber is melted down into a somewhat viscous state. After the material is melted and malleable enough to move, pressure is added to a syringe-like container which is used to push the melted material into the mould cavity. This is then left to cool and harden so that the finished product can be extracted and used by the consumer.
First off, we need to make a tool for the injection process. A tool, or die, is the part that you’re going to be creating during the injection process. This will be in the same shape as your ‘finished product’ so each one will be based on that tool. This can be created in a number of ways and from a number of different materials too.
Creating the tool is one of the most important parts of the injection moulding process and it hasn’t even begun yet! If you get the tool wrong, you could end up with hundreds of defective parts. That’s why we have an intensive quality control process before the tool is ready to use!
After we have the tool, we can then make the mould for future use. This is basically reversing the mould and tool process; rather than making the product inside the mould, you’re making the mould around the tool. After we make the mould for you, we’ll use it to create the finished products for your project.
With the moulds created, we’re able to start creating the products for you. If you’re using thermoplastic, for example, they’ll come in small pellets to make the melting process faster. These pellets will be loaded into a barrel, melted down and compressed into the system. The plastic will flow through the mould’s runner system and shoot into the mould cavity itself. This is all then left to cool and harden so that the parts can be taken out of the mould, packaged and shipped to your chosen location.
With over 20 years in the plastic injection moulding industry, we take pride in manufacturing moulds to the highest possible standards. As part of our customer service, we also offer full mould trial services and undertake full production runs if required. With a moulding capacity of 80 – 220 tonnes, we can supply clients with‘ passed off’ parts before dispatching the mould.
If you would like to talk about your injection moulding needs then please call us on 01623 904 417 and a member of our technical team will be happy to help. Alternatively, you can email us using our contact page.
We’re happy to provide free advice for your project based on our years of experience.
Call us today on 01623 904 417