The production of plastic parts is done using different processes, each of which is suitable for specific applications and geometries. From traditional methods such as molding and extrusion to new technologies such as 3D printing and advanced injection molding, each has its own advantages and limitations. This article provides an overview of these processes and guidelines for choosing the best method for different applications. With the advancement of technology, the manufacturing methods of plastic parts have improved and the ability to customize at a higher level has been provided. These technologies enable the production of parts with high precision and in different circulations, without incurring excessive costs. These changes have not only increased the efficiency and speed of production, but also improved the quality and accuracy of the parts. Also, paying attention to environmental and economic standards has played an important role in the development of these technologies. The improvement of the production processes of plastic parts shows the power of adaptability and progress in the modern age, an age in which faster and more accurate production according to the needs of customers has become more important.
Today, the use of plastic parts has become popular in all industries. For this reason, the production of plastic parts has grown significantly. Plastic parts are used in almost all industries and these parts must be made and produced first. Different methods are used to make plastic parts. The design, production, and manufacture of plastic parts require the necessary knowledge and understanding of material strength, heat transfer, molding, and the molding process. To produce a plastic part, it must first be determined what this part is used for and in what environment these parts are used.
The stages of making and producing plastic parts
As said, the production of plastic parts requires a detailed knowledge of plastic materials and what kind of plastic material is used to produce the part, how much heat is given to the rubber and how much strength this plastic has. In order to be able to produce a plastic part, it must first be determined what this part is used for and where it is used. Is it going to produce a plastic container that can be used in the microwave or a bottle of mineral water should be produced or a bottle for keeping chemicals is going to be produced. After it is determined that the produced part is useful, the type and type of plastic material can be determined.
Having such information, the costs of production, molding and product design are greatly reduced. As mentioned, the engineering design has a very high impact on the design and manufacture of the plastic mold, the cooling time of the plastic part, and so on. Plastic and raw materials for plastic production are not cheap, and because plastic parts can be produced in an integrated and massive manner, they are more demanding and useful than metal parts. For this reason, the production process of plastic parts is very important.
The following are the most important reasons for the production of plastic parts:
Plastic parts are made in a shorter time. They have high durability and resistance They need simpler and less raw materials The speed of making plastic parts using injection mold is very high A wide range of plastic parts can be produced by injection molding They have a much lower production cost For the consumer, plastic parts are much cheaper than metal parts They can be recycled and turned into another piece of plastic They have the least amount of waste and failures during production. The primary workforce for the production of plastic parts is very low, and injection machines only need one operator.
How to choose the plastic manufacturing process correctly?
When choosing your product manufacturing process, consider the following factors:
Do your parts have intricate internal details or tight tolerances? Depending on the geometry of a design, manufacturing options may be limited or significant design for manufacturing (DFM) optimization may be required to make part production economically viable.
Volume / Cost:
What is the total or annual volume of the pieces you intend to make? The cost of tools and installation in some production processes is high, but they produce cheap parts. In contrast, low-volume manufacturing processes have low start-up costs, but due to slower cycle times, less automation, and labor, the cost per part remains constant or decreases only marginally as volume increases.
Processing time:
How quickly do you need parts or finished products? Some processes produce primary parts within 24 hours, while tooling and setting up some high-volume production processes require months.
Material:
What stresses and strains should your product be resistant to? The optimal material for a given application is determined by certain factors. The price should match the expected utility and beauty. Consider the ideal properties for your specific application and compare them to available material options for a given manufacturing process.