Things every Startup should know about injection molding
With the rapid pace of technological innovation, it’s hard to keep up with all the latest trends. But one thing is certain: injection molding will continue to be a key part of manufacturing for years to come.
Injection molding is one of the most popular manufacturing processes in the world. There are many benefits to this process, which is why it has become a staple for so many companies. Here’s everything you need to know about injection molding to stay competitive as your company grows and scales its operations.
What is injection molding and how it works
Plastic injection molding is a manufacturing process that uses high-pressure injection of materials to create molded objects. With this form, the heated plastic or resin enters into a cylinder and then cools for about five seconds while it travels down through the nozzle until finally being injected into a cavity where it takes on its predetermined shape before coming out as an object.
Injection molding is one of the most broadly used manufacturing processes. It has a minimal initial cost, and the machines are inexpensive to purchase.
The process of injection molding
The process of injection molding is both simple and complex, depending on how much you know. One aspect that makes it so unique is the fact that once your product has been created in a CAD program (computer-aided design), there are no other steps to take before production can begin.
Injection-molded products are typically made from a variety of different types of plastic and rubber. These are typically made up of polystyrene, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), or PVC. The process is quite simple in that once you have the CAD design created on your computer, all you need to do is send it electronically over to the injection molding machine for production.
The mold is what will ultimately determine how your product looks and feels, as well as the dimensions of it before being put into production. The variations in the size and shape depend on how much you are willing to invest upfront for a customized injection set-up or if you want more options when trying to decide which type of material would work best for your needs.
You will need to keep in mind that the quality of the tools can also play a factor in how well you are able to create a mold as well, which is why it’s important not to cut corners and try to save money on these pieces.
Types of materials used in injection molding
The type of materials used in injection molding varies based on the needs and specifications of the project, but here are some examples:
- PVC (polyvinyl chloride) with lead as an additive for pipes or joints
- ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) for high-impact items
- metal alloys for use in automotive equipment and parts
- wood, rubber or natural fibers to make handles for kitchenware
The type of material used will also affect the machine that is used: a heated injection molding machine would be better for PVC, while an open-die molding machine would be better for rubber or natural fibers.
Why should you invest in injection molding for your startup
You might be wondering why any tiny startup should invest in injection molding. It can cost a lot of money and take months to get your new product made. Well, here are some reasons you may not have considered:
- Your products will show up sooner than if it was outsourced or done manually;
- You will have less of a risk of defects;
- You can change your products without having to remake them;
- Your customers will be more satisfied.
This is especially important for startups because you don’t want to keep being delayed by supply issues or lack of material availability when trying to grow your business. Injection molding is the perfect solution because it will help you grow your business and meet the ever-changing needs of consumers.
How to get started
To get started with injection molding, you first need to find the right supplier. Once you’ve found a few potential vendors, start by looking at their portfolio and selecting those who specialize in your product type.
The next step is to request quotes from each prospective vendor along with details about how long it would take for them to create an injection mold and ship finished goods to you.
Lastly, you want to compare the quotes and decide which supplier is best for your needs, considering factors such as price, quality of workmanship, and turnaround time. Injection molding can be an integral part of any startup’s production process; it allows entrepreneurs from all over the world to produce high volumes with a low-cost investment.
Final thoughts
Injection molding is definitely worth looking into if you’re in manufacturing or need to create a lot of small parts. The best thing about injection molding is that it’s one of the most versatile methods for creating many different types and shapes of products, so there are ample opportunities available for your business.
All of these benefits make injection molding an excellent option for companies that need to create large quantities or small batches of products at relatively low costs with decent quality.