Injection Moulding Process
Machine used for the injection moulding process
Plastic injection moulding
Plastic injection moulding, as opposed to injection moulding using other materials such as metal or glass, has many advantages, not least the versatility of the plastic itself, which can come in almost any colour, and be moulded into any shape or size. Plastic is durable, hygienic and easy to get hold of. Many types of plastic can also be recyclable, such as thermoplastics, making them a great option for many sustainable projects too. below is the injection moulding process.Injection Moulding Process Step by step
- The whole process around plastic injection moulding begins with taking the raw plastic material in the form of granules or tiny pellets. This is then fed through a hopper and melted at high heat. When the plastic is soft enough, it is then injected under pressure into a single or multi-cavity mould to produce the desired shape or shapes. Then, the plastic parts are left to cool down enough to harden and solidify. At that stage, the injection mould is opened up and the new plastic component is released by means of moving rods, plates or an air blast, ready to be put into its intended use.
- The mould itself consists of two separate parts – the injection mould that shapes the plastic entering the machine and the ejector mould that pushes the solidified product out the machine, ready for it to continue its journey along the production cycle. The moulds must be treated with the utmost care to prolong their useful life. Ideal humidity and temperatures must be maintained to ensure optimum performance and to prevent warping.
- The process is quick and effective, enabling the production of large numbers of plastic components of the same shape and size to take place within shorter time periods, while still managing to ensure astonishing levels of accuracy and a high-quality finish. As with any manufacturing process, plastic injection moulding doesn’t come without its issues, most of which can be corrected with the right technical know-how.
- Common problems include blistering, burn marks, colour streaking, crazing and twisting, all of which affect the quality and finish of the plastic parts being produced. Thus, injection moulding machines must be routinely maintained and repaired as soon as any problems emerge, and the plastic parts closely inspected as they are being produced in order to prevent delays in the production cycle.
- Such is the versatility of plastic injection moulding that various methods can be used to generate different finishes. For example, a two-shot, or multi-shot mould combines two (or more) separate materials and incorporates them into one finished plastic part. This technique is ideal for softer finishes for items such as drawer knobs, or when a part needs to be made of more than one colour or offer different, yet complementary characteristics.
Advantages and disadvantages of Injection Moulding
Choosing whether or not to use plastic injection moulding in a manufacturing process is a decision that must be based on the individual project requirements. There are both advantages and disadvantages to the process. Plastic as a product has many advantages. It is durable, flexible and very easy to shape into the exact form that is required.Final medical products made by injection moulding
“I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Adreco as a reliable and skilled supplier, who are always honest accommodating and offer good value for money. In essence, an excellent and valued supplier who are critical to our success!”

“Adreco Plastics are a great team to work with. Creative, hardworking and reliable. Adreco will always be our first choice when it comes to plastics injection moulding and toolmaking”

“Many thanks for all the support and service that you and Adreco have given… It’s a testament to the level of service from your company that we rarely have a need to call – You always deliver when you say and the quality is always exceptional”

“Adreco have become one of our key suppliers for our Injection Moulding operations and our experience is that they always work hard to accommodate and react to our changing demand. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Adreco as a reliable and valued supplier”

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