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Plastic Molding 101: Understanding Types, Properties, and Applications

Plastic Injection Molding

Plastic Injection Molding Explained

In manufacturing, molding refers to the process of shaping a type of pliable material or liquid by using a rigid matrix or mold. In plastic injection molding, raw polymer resin granules are melted into a liquid and injected into a mold, where the plastic takes the desired shape. Varying levels of heat and pressure may be applied to create the final profile for the end product.

Read More 04 / 24 / 23

Blow Molding vs. Injection Molding: What's the Difference?

Plastic Injection Molding

One of the first steps in creating a molded plastic product is to decide on a manufacturing technique. Blow molding and injection molding are two popular processes with unique advantages and drawbacks. It's important to develop a good understanding of both methods before you can determine which one is most suitable for your company's needs. This blog post will discuss the difference between a blow mold and an injection mold, and the most common types of products made using each technique.

Read More 04 / 18 / 23

Determining the Cost of an Injection Mold

Plastic Injection Molding

One of the most common questions for those looking to source a plastic injection molder is “How much will a plastic injection mold cost?” It’s one of the most important questions since the actual mold represents the most significant expense in upfront production costs. That being said, many factors go into determining the full cost. With any custom injection molding project, your injection molder should be able to give you the final price tag. In this article, we will review the variables that can impact the cost so that you can be better informed when making a mold purchasing decision.

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Read More 04 / 12 / 23

5 Common Plastic Resins Used in Injection Molding

Plastic Injection Molding

With hundreds of commodity and engineering resins available on the market today, the material selection process for plastic injection molding jobs can often seem daunting at first. 

At The Rodon Group, we understand the unique benefits and properties of different types of plastics and work closely with clients to find the best fit for their project.


What Are Plastic Resins?

We live in a world surrounded by plastic resins. Due to their several desirable properties, plastic resins can be found in everything from bottles and containers to automotive and medical components and much more. Plastic resins include a large family of materials that each have their own unique properties that make them ideal for different applications. When choosing the right resin for your project, it’s important to understand what each type has to offer.

What Is the Difference Between Resin and Plastic?

Resin and plastic are both important compounds 

but feature some key differences, including:

  • Origin. While resins are naturally occurring in plants, plastics are synthetic and are typically derived from petrochemicals.
  • Definition. Plastic is a type of synthetic resin, whereas resins are amorphous compounds that can either be semi-solid or solid.
  • Stability and impurities. Plastics are more stable than resin and lack impurities. With resins, impurities cannot be avoided.
  • Hardness. Plastic is dense and hard, while resin is typically a gluey and viscous substance.
  • Environmental impact. Since resin is natural, it offers a more environmentally friendly alternative to plastic. Plastic degrades slowly and often has toxic additives that can lead to environmental pollution.

Common Applications for Plastic Resin Injection Molding

Plastic injection molding is compatible with a wide range of resin materials. When determining the right resin for your needs, it’s important to understand the needs of your particular application. Common applications for different injection molding resins include:

ABS

Injection-molded ABS is used in a wide variety of applications, including plastic wall plates for electrical outlets, protective headgear, keyboard keys, electronic components, and automotive components such as auto body parts, wheel covers, and dashboards. It is also used for a range of industrial fittings, sports equipment, and consumer goods.

Celson® (Acetal)

Because of its low coefficient of friction, injection-molded Celson® is ideal for pulley wheels, conveyor belts, gears, and bearings. This material can also be found in various high-performance engineering components, lock systems, firearms, eyeglass frames, and fasteners.

Polypropylene

Injection-molding polypropylene is used in a wide variety of industrial, commercial, and consumer applications. For example, it can be found in power tool bodies, appliances, packaging components, sporting goods, storage containers, and children’s toys.

HIPS

Because HIPS features a higher impact strength, it can be found in appliances, printing equipment, signage, and equipment components. Other common applications include children's toys and electrical components.

LDPE

Due to its flexibility and resistance to moisture and chemicals, injection-molded LDPE is often used for applications including medical device components, wire and cable insulators, toolboxes, and children’s toys.

How Are Plastic Resins Made?

Manufacturers create plastic resins through the “cracking process,” which involves heating hydrocarbons to break down the larger molecules into propylene, ethylene, or other types of hydrocarbons. These monomers then undergo polymerization reactions to create polymer resins, which can then be collected for further processing, such as the addition of plasticizers, flame-retardant chemicals, dyes, and more.

After the cracking process, the compounds are formed into polymers, which can be combined to make the ideal plastic resin featuring the characteristics needed for the intended application. Once the desired resin is formed, it can be used in the injection molding process to create the desired products.

Read More 08 / 10 / 22

An Introduction to Injection Molds

Plastic Injection Molding

Injection molding is a highly versatile manufacturing process. It is used to create components in a range of shapes and sizes for various industries and applications. A key element of the process is injection molds. 

Read More 03 / 22 / 22

Low-Volume vs. High-Volume Plastic Injection Molding

Plastic Injection Molding

Injection molding is a manufacturing process used to create a wide range of plastic parts and products. There are many factors to consider when planning an injection molding project, including who will provide the service. One of the first things you should determine is volume since it helps narrow down which companies have the necessary resources to accommodate your project. 

Read More 02 / 23 / 22

How to Select the Best Resin for Your Plastic Injection Part

Plastic Injection Molding

Plastic injection molding is a highly versatile and efficient process that allows manufacturers to create a wide range of products and components from melted plastic resins. As a result of advances in molding technologies and material development, polymers and plastics have been incorporated into an increasingly wide array of products and applications. Featuring lightweight strength, aesthetic appeal, and durability, plastics are becoming the preferred material for industries ranging from consumer products to medical devices.

Read More 01 / 26 / 21

Advancements in Plastic Injection Molding

Injection Molding Basics

Advancements in plastic injection molding technology allow manufacturers greater flexibility and sophistication in part design. At The Rodon Group, we are continually incorporating the newest technologies to remain on the cutting-edge of molding techniques in all sectors. This commitment to growth and innovation has allowed us to continue providing the highest-quality products to our customers.

Read More 01 / 09 / 20

7 Answers to the Most Frequently Asked Questions About Injection Molding

Plastic Injection Molding

Plastic injection molding is an extremely versatile method of producing plastic parts and has multiple advantages over other methods of plastic molding. Not only is the process simpler and more reliable than others methods, but it is also extremely efficient. Both of these are primary reasons why it has become a standard process in virtually every industry demanding high-volume components and parts. 

After 62 plus years of experience in the industry, we have heard virtually every question a customer could ask. To help you make an informed decision on your plastic injection molding project, we’ve outlined some of the most common questions – and their answers from our previous blog articles– below. 

Read More 01 / 31 / 19
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