There are numerous processes or industries that contain basic parameters for how they will be carried out and maintained across numerous repetitions or orders. The plastic injection molding world is no exception – there are several important parameters by which injection molding professionals carry out their services, and having a general idea of these can sometimes be helpful for clients.
At EnviroTech Custom Injection Molders, we’re proud to offer high-quality plastic injection molding services across numerous robust industries, from marine and mining applications to chemical processing, automotive, energy and more. Here are some basics on what parameters are in an industry like injection molding, why they’re important, and some of the most notable parameters we live by.
Basics and Importance of Injection Molding Parameters
As with any other process, parameters for injection molding refer to a set of guidelines and standards that professionals adhere to. They are important for keeping the quality of production high, guaranteeing efficiency, and reducing overall costs for customers.
Parameters also ensure safety and compliance with any applicable regulations, which is critical in cases where the product will be used in industries such as medical technology or automotive safety. Parameters also help to ensure that the plastic injection molding process is completed with precision and accuracy, which yields better results for end products.
While this will not be an exhaustive list by any means, our next few sections will go over the most common injection molding parameters that are considered during any project.
Injection Time
When it comes to injection molding, time is of the essence. The plastic must be injected and cooled quickly in order for it to come out with a good quality finish. The “injection time” refers to the duration that the molten plastic is held in the barrel before being injected into the mold cavity.
The amount of time will depend on the material used, size of the part, and any additional features that may be included. Too little time can result in poor quality parts, while too much time will lead to a greater chance of errors.
Injection Pressure
Another key parameter in injection molding is the injection pressure. This is the amount of force that’s applied to move the molten plastic into the cavity and fill it completely. It must be enough to ensure a good flow rate, but not too high as this can lead to collapsing or warping.
The ideal pressure will vary depending on several factors such as material type, part size, and desired outcome. It’s important to get the injection pressure just right in order to achieve a successful end product.
Injection Temperature
Yet another injection-related parameter is the injection temperature. The plastic must be heated to a certain degree in order for it to flow properly and fill the mold cavity completely. Too little heat can cause the plastic to solidify too quickly, while too much heat can lead to weaknesses or bubbles in the part.
It’s important to get this parameter just right in order to ensure a good quality end product. It’s determined by a few factors, such as the molding material, size of the part, and surface finish desired.
Hold Pressure
Once a given mold cavity is full of molten plastic, it must be held in place for a short period of time. This is known as the “hold pressure.” It’s important to get this just right, as too much or too little pressure can result in poor quality parts.
It’s determined by factors like the performance of the press, material being used, and how quickly the mold needs to cool. The hold pressure should be enough to keep the molten plastic in place until it cools and hardens, but not so great that it will cause any deformation.
Back Pressure
For those unfamiliar, back pressure in this setting refers to resistance applied to the molten plastic as it’s moved from the injection unit into its mold cavity. This resistance helps maintain consistent melts, reduce sink marks, and improve the consistency of surface finishes.
Back pressure is measured in “pounds per square inch” (PSI) and should be just enough to maintain consistent melts while not being too high that it will impact the quality of parts produced. It’s important for operators to adjust this parameter appropriately depending on the project at hand in order to achieve the best results.
These are just a few of the key parameters that injection molding professionals take into consideration when completing projects. At EnviroTech Custom Injection Molders, we pride ourselves on our ability to adhere to these standards and create quality parts consistently across numerous industries. With decades of experience in the field, you can trust us to help you with your next moldmaking or plastic injection molding project. Contact us today to learn more about our services!
