Tips for Designing Molding Plastic Parts

Tips for Designing Molding Plastic Parts

Molding plastic parts involves placing a liquid resin into a mold, which when closed, forms solid objects.molding plastic parts Once the object has cooled, it is removed from the mold. The object is then able to be used for its intended purpose. Depending on the complexity of your project, you may need to design and build your own mold or work with a manufacturing company that will make one for you. In either case, you will need to ask a number of questions in order to make sure that your project is cost effective and that the plastic part will meet your specifications.

When designing your injection molded part, you should always consider the plastic’s physical properties and how it will interact with the molding process.molding plastic parts This includes factors like shrinkage, ejection force, and cycle time. This is why it’s important to work with a qualified design and engineering firm that understands the nuances of injection molding. At Natech, we specialize in building injection molded parts and we can help you navigate the design and selection process.

If you want your plastic part to perform a specific function, there are a number of design features that you can add to the part to achieve this. For example, you can design a part with a core cavity, which allows for a stronger, more structurally sound part and reduces the need for costly support structures. Another useful feature is a ramp or gusset, which helps material flow and reduces stress on internal features.

It’s also important to consider the overall size of your plastic part. This will affect your cost and the type of mold required. For example, a larger plastic part will require a bigger injection molding machine in order to ensure proper cooling and to prevent warping of the finished product.

Additionally, the design of your plastic part will determine whether you need a two-piece or single-shot injection mold. A two-piece design allows you to make more parts in the same amount of time and is cost effective for small quantities of high quality parts. On the other hand, a single-shot design produces a higher quantity of lower quality parts but is ideal for large production runs.

You’ll also need to consider the part’s gating and ejection mechanisms, which are necessary for the plastic to enter the mold cavity, and the plastic parts to be effectively ejected from the mold after the cooling process is completed. Gating and ejection are an essential component of injection molding, but they can be overlooked by designers who are unfamiliar with the process.

The best way to avoid these issues and get the best possible plastic parts for your application is to work with a highly experienced injection molding company that is familiar with the complexities of the design and fabrication process. A skilled partner can minimize upfront tooling costs and reduce the number of revisions in your design to help you stay within your budget.

Tags:automotive injection molding | automotive plastic injection molding | custom injection molding | custom molded plastic