There are many positive attributes of the injection molding process, and one of these is the vast array of different industries it can provide products for. Numerous different entities have needs that can be filled by plastic injection molding, and one of the most common in terms of our daily use and interactions is the realm of windows and doors.
At EnviroTech Custom Injection Molders, we’re proud to offer a huge range of custom injection molded products across dozens of competitive industries. What are some of the main benefits of plastic injection molding for various window and door entities, and what are some of the characteristics they’ll be choosing between when they order these materials? Here’s a general primer.
Value of Plastic Injection Molding for Windows and Doors
Here are some of the chief ways injection molding serves as a valuable process in this industry:
- Low installation costs: Because of the way injection molding creates one-piece parts that are very easy to assemble and don’t require extra materials like nails, screws, or brackets for support, the overall installation cost is lower than with other methods.
- Consistent quality level: In addition, because of how repeatable the injection molding process is, the parts that are created will have a very consistent quality level. This means that you don’t have to worry about minor variations in color or strength from one batch to the next, and you can be confident that your product will meet the same standards every time.
- Low corrosion risks: Plastic is much less likely to corrode than other materials like metal, so you won’t have to worry about the elements affecting your windows and doors.
- Improved security: In some cases, injection molded parts can actually improve the security of your windows and doors. For example, if you’re using a plastic that’s difficult to shatter, it will be much more difficult for would-be burglars to break in.
- Low cost: Plastics are cheaper to source than materials like metal, wood and glass, and that’s not even the entire picture — they’re also lighter, meaning they cost less to transport. Injection molding can create very complex parts at a relatively low cost.
These are just some of the ways that injection molding can be a valuable process for entities in the window and door industry. When you’re ready to order your custom injection molded parts, be sure to keep these attributes in mind so you can choose the right materials.
In fact, our next few sections will go over some specific considerations to keep in mind if you’re completing a plastic injection mold order within the window and door industry.
Material Considerations
First and foremost, you’ll need to decide what kind of plastic you want to use. There are a few different options available, each with its own advantages:
- ABS: One of the most popular plastics used in injection molding, ABS is known for its strength and durability. It’s often used in products that need to withstand heavy wear and tear, and it’s also resistant to chemicals and heat.
- PC: Polycarbonate is another strong and durable plastic, but it’s also transparent, making it a good choice for windows and doors. It’s shatter-resistant, so it can improve security, and it’s also UV-resistant, meaning it won’t fade over time.
- Celon (Acetal): This plastic is known for its low friction, making it a good choice for products that will be moving parts (like door hinges). It’s also resistant to chemicals and heat, and it has a very low water absorption rate.
- Nylon: Nylon is a versatile plastic that can be used in a wide variety of applications. It’s strong and durable, but it’s also flexible, making it a good choice for products that need to be able to withstand impacts. It’s also resistant to abrasion, so it won’t wear down over time.
- HIPS: HIPS is a good choice for products that need to be stiff and strong, but it’s also easy to print and paint. It’s often used in applications where aesthetics are important.
- Polypropylene: This is a rigid plastic that’s known for being lightweight and easy to mold. It’s often used in packaging and food service applications because it’s safe for contact with food.
These are just a few of the most popular plastic choices for injection molding, but there are many others available as well. talk to your plastics supplier to learn more about your options and find out which will be best for your project needs.
Design Specifications
In addition, there may be a wide variety of design specifications that you’ll need to take into account when choosing your materials. For example, if you’re looking for a material that’s shatter-resistant, you’ll want to make sure it has a high Izod impact rating. If you need a material that’s FDA-approved for food contact, on the other hand, you’ll need to look for something with a food-grade certification.
There are many other design specifications to consider as well, so be sure to discuss your needs with your plastics supplier. Some window and door companies will care most about things like material recyclability, for instance, while others will be more concerned with things like resistance to UV light or fire. By taking the time to figure out what’s most important to your company, you can make sure you choose a material that meets all of your needs.
For more on why plastic injection molding is so often used in the window and door industry, or to learn about any of our custom injection molded products, speak to our team at EnviroTech Custom Injection Molders today.
