Manufacturing the design molded plastic parts is a complex process that takes many factors into account to satisfy the respective application. Apart from structural and functional concerns, the design of an injection-molded plastic part is mostly impacted by processing considerations.

The way the molten plastic enters, fills, and cools inside the cavity to form the part is what essentially dictates the shape that the features in that part have to take. When utilized in service, an injection molded item that is built by a few basic rules will typically be much stronger in addition to being easier to create and assemble. 

Factors to Consider

Overcoming the challenges involved in making design molded plastics components can be costly, time-consuming, and fraught with difficulties. Conversely, the process can be made much more efficient and less expensive by applying the principles of sound design for production. This collection of design manufacturing considerations is intended to help you minimize problems, reduce costs, and streamline your manufacturing process while creating plastic components.

  • Modular architecture promotes flexibility and ease of assembly, repair, and upgrade. It enables part interchangeability, reduces manufacturing costs overall, and speeds up production.

  • Because multiple-use parts can be utilized for multiple product lines, production efficiency is increased and inventory costs are reduced. This concept also contributes to the creation of more sustainable designs by reducing waste.

  • The cost and complexity of a design rises with each component. Optimizing your design to manufacture fewer total parts will help you save money on labor and materials while also significantly speeding up the production process.

  • Standard parts are more readily available, less expensive, and don't need to be built to order. You can greatly reduce costs and facilitate assembly and maintenance by including them in your design.

  • Multi-functional parts reduce the number of components needed in a design since they can perform numerous activities. In addition to expediting the manufacturing process, this strategy enhances the product's usefulness and value in conjunction with the terminal board.

  • Manufacturing simplicity should be one of the design process's primary goals. Simple designs and forms are easier and less expensive to make, require fewer machine operations, and are less prone to cause production problems.

  • Each machine operation enhances the total cost and the likelihood of inaccuracy. Limiting the number of machine actions through efficient design can help reduce waste, minimize downtime, and improve production processes.

  • Reducing the number of assembly instructions can simplify the process, reduce the chance of errors occurring during assembly, and eventually result in cost savings. This tactic can improve the speed and efficiency of the production line.

  • Separate fasteners increase costs and make assembly more difficult. Parts designed to snap or interlock with a terminal board can reduce the number of extra parts needed for assembly and simplify the process.

Irrespective of the scale of the production, it is always better to consult a skilled technician to seek help regarding the type of process as compression molding or other aspects related to plastic production.

Uses of Injection Molding

As known, various plastic components that are used in daily life are made by the process of injection molding. Injection molding is used to make a wide range of products, such as: 

  • Electronic housing

  • Containers

  • Bottle caps

  • Car interiors

  • Combs and most other plastic products are available today. 

Multi-cavity injection molds or compression molding are ideal for producing plastic parts on a large scale because they allow for the manufacturing of several components in a single cycle. Injection molding has several advantages, including high tolerance precision, repeatability, a large selection of materials, low labor costs, minimal waste, and less requirement for post-mold finishing.