The best way to incorporate any solid material into the plastic of an item is through custom plastic injection molding process. Of course, not all molding is custom as some items are fairly standardized. However, most designs can be created as custom through an experienced manufacturing company.
The Process
Custom plastic injection molding can be a complicated process. It begins with a design and project-based specifications such as the required size, load-bearing limits and temperature requirements. Once the manufacturer understands the end-use for the mold, the process of manufacturing the perfect one begins. In some cases, a prototype is created before the final mold. In others, the mold is quickly manufactured to the exact specs. In either case, the last step is testing the mold to make sure all the requirements are met before sending it to the customer for use.
Applications
Custom plastic injection molding is the most common way to produce plastic pieces used in manufacturing and other industrial applications. It is also used for household items such as containers and in the automotive industry for vehicular parts. Plastic injection molding allows the customer to have a specialized mold for any process that can repeatedly be used. After the initial cost of the mold, the process of using it is streamlined which usually saves the customer on labor and material costs typically associated with manufacturing products.
Mixing Products
Plastic can be injected with almost any type of material using the right manufacturing process. Depending on the final use of the product, the customer may use a strong metal or something with flexible properties such as nylon. The material will depend on the need for strength, durability and processing requirements. Molds can be created with a variety of textures depending on the customer’s preferences and needs. Custom injection molding for plastic accounts for different weights, thicknesses, textures and sizes as well as the specified shape for any particular mold.
What’s Next
Once a mold is built, it can be used for a very long time. Many molds come with a manufacturer’s warranty so they will fix any defects that occur over a certain period. However, a quality mold will endure continual use through the life of the manufacturing cycle.
