What is Plastic Injection Moulding?

Plastic injection moulding is a precision form of manufacturing process used to create a wide range of plastic components and products to exact specifications. Raw thermoplastic material of pellet form are melted and injected into a mould under high pressure; the finished product is then cooled, solidified, and removed from the mould. The moulds are highly customisable; specifically designed to the exact specifications of a given product. For products are being mass produced, this process can be repeated an unlimited number of times, making it an incredible tool for the aerospace, medical, and electronics industries.

Materials used in Plastic Injection Moulding

Acetal (POM)

Acetal (POM) materials are naturally opaque white and are characterised by their hardness and strength. These plastics are very resilient and offer excellent high impact resistance at a huge range of temperatures, from very high to very low. They are also fatigue, creep, and chemical resistant. They are a great choice for use in plumbing due to their moisture resistant properties, and are often chosen for producing bearings, gears, and rotors. It has a low to medium cost.

Acrylic (PMMA)

Acrylic (PMMA) materials are rigid but brittle and are usually transparent in colour. They are scratch resistant and have high optical clarity, meaning these materials are often used in the optometry industry to make the lenses of glasses. However, these properties also make acrylic a suitable choice for light housings, panels, and reflectors. On the other hand, the minimalist appearance and versatility of acrylic make it a common choice for making display items and office desk items such as display stands, signs, shelves, and trays. It has a low to medium cost.

Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS)

Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) is a naturally opaque polymer made up of three separate plastics: acrylonitrile, butadiene, and styrene. The fact it is a polymer means it is extremely strong and flexible and has excellent chemical resistance and electroplating capabilities. It is mostly used in the automotive industry for making car interior parts such as consoles, panels, trims, and vents. However, it also has a number of other applications such as use in housings, medical products such as inhalers, and even toys. It has a low to medium cost.

Cellulose Acetate (CA)

Cellulose Acetate (CA) is a tough, transparent polymer. It is manufactured from taking purified cellulose, a product which can be found in and extracted from cotton or wood pulp, reacting it with acetic anhydride and acetic acid, and dissolving it in acetone. It is brilliant for use in the optometry industry, with glasses frames often being constructed from this material. However, due to the complex process involved in creating this polymer, and its popularity as a material used in plastic injection moulding, it does carry a high cost.

Polycarbonate (PC)

Polycarbonate (PC) is a very tough material. It is a transparent plastic with brilliant temperature resistance and dimensional stability, which helps in eliminating surface defects. It has an excellent part-to-part repeatability, making it a great choice for parts that need to be mass produced in large quantities. It has various applications in the automotive industry, such as for making panels, lenses, and consoles, but is also often used for a variety of other purposes. Safety helmets, reflectors, light covers, and housings are all often made from polycarbonate.

Pentagon Plastics is a leading UK based plastic injection moulding service provider for bespoke technical moulding. Using our extensive processing knowledge, machinery and technology, we offer a complete plastic injection moulding service from initial design assistance to production and post-production support. Our highly experienced and dedicated team work very closely with our customers to provide exceptional service. If you are looking to start a project or just have a question about our plastic injection moulding services, get in touch today. Our knowledgeable team are on hand to help.