In part one of this multi-part blog series, we went over some of the most important basic terms to be aware of if you’re entering the plastic injection molding world, even just as a client. There are several important pieces of plastic injection molding equipment or related items that are worth knowing about if you’re making orders in this area, most of which are simple enough once you understand them.
At EnviroTech Custom Injection Molders, we’re happy to detail any of our processes or the equipment used in them, from bulk injection molding and other custom molding services to areas like machining, finishing and many more. Today’s part two of our series will go into several more terminology areas it’s valuable to be versed-in as you work with our team toward completion of your next injection molding process.
Pigment Colorant
To produce the desired color for your molded product, a pigment system in the form of pellets or liquid will be mixed in with your resin, which we went over in part one. This is one area where advances in technology have allowed for incredible customization and variation – there’s no color option that isn’t achievable in a plastic molded part today as long as you go through the proper process.
This process involves color matching, where a chip or place-setter of some kind will provide a number that approximates the precise color desired. From here, your engineer will work with specific polymers to create the exact color hue you want for your project.
Wall Dimensions
For those who are concerned primarily with the cost and speed of their injection molding project, the wall dimensions of the resin being used will be one of the most important factors. Specifically, the thickness of the walls used will often dictate much of the cost of your project.
The goal of any injection mold process is to create the thinnest wall possible for a given product – while still accomplishing all the strength and durability goals the product comes with. Thickness will also play a major role in limiting risks like air trapping, weld lines or unbalanced filling, which may take place if the walls are not cut to the proper thickness.
Runner System
During the injection molding process, your melted resin material needs to flow into the mold cavity or cavities, filling them evenly to begin the mold. There are two channel systems, also called runner systems, that allow this to happen:
- Hot runner: Two plates that are heated, allowing for heated plastic to be delivered to molds using nozzles that fill the core.
- Cold runner: Two or three plates that are held within the mold base, allowing for thermoplastic to be injected first via a nozzle.
For more on the terms you’ll want to know in the injection molding world, or to learn about any of our custom injection molding services, speak to the staff at EnviroTech Custom Injection Molders today.
