Injection moulding is one of the most popular methods for manufacturing and mass producing plastic products. It can be used for a wide range of plastic products, from a button for your shirt, to parts for a car.
If you’re thinking of using injection moulding to produce your product, the first step is to choose the right material. There are thousands of different injection moulding plastics available, so it’s important that you take the time to research and find one that suits your project.
When looking at injection moulding plastics, you first need to think about your part’s function and the environment that it will be exposed to. Which material will make your product perform at its best?
Some aspects to consider include:
- Strength
- Flexibility
- Durability
- Ability to withstand environmental conditions (like high or low temperatures, moisture, sunlight, chemical exposure)
- Quality
- Value for money
- Colour
Choosing the right injection moulding plastic for your project can be tricky. That’s why we’ve put together this list of the best plastics to use in injection moulding to help you out.
Acrylic
Acrylic can be used to produce transparent products like windows, screens and containers. It’s used instead of glass because of its strength and resistance to weather and scratches. It can be dyed different colours to suit your style.
It also doesn’t contain BPA, making it safe for food storage.
Nylon
Nylon is often used to create strong mechanical parts like gears and bearings. It’s tough yet lightweight and can help to lower production costs. It’s commonly used in vehicles, outdoor products, and products that need strength. Glass filled nylon can be used for power tool housings.
Polycarbonate
Polycarbonate is a great option for producing clear plastic products. It’s durable and lightweight and stronger than acrylic. It’s useful for products that need to be really precise because it can create accurate moulds.
Polypropylene
Polypropylene is widely used in the food packaging industry. It has high chemical and moisture resistance. It’s strong, tough and flexible. Polypropylene is perfect for products like plastic lids or hinges that need to open many times without wearing or breaking.
It can also be recycled!
Acetal
Acetal is ideal for food and beverage, mechanical, automotive, and household applications. It’s tough, durable, resistant to chemicals, and has low water absorption. Acetal also helps to reduce friction between moving parts or surfaces. It can be used in bearings, gears, springs, pumps, valves, and also simple objects like guitar picks.
High Density Polyethylene
HDPE is an extremely popular plastic used in food packaging and industrial parts. It’s a durable and lightweight thermoplastic. It’s lower in cost and has great chemical and impact resistance. It’s a sustainable option for producing plastic products because it lasts well and can also be recycled.
Looking for injection moulding in Brisbane?
At Dienamics, we have over 30 years of experience in industrial design, tool making and manufacturing in Brisbane. We offer specialised injection moulding services to help you take your concept from an idea to a reality.
If you think injection moulding might be a manufacturing option for your product give us a call and talk to our expert team today.
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