Plastic molding is a process of making plastic parts by pouring molten plastic into the mold so that it takes the shape of the mold. Using the plastic molding machine, you can manufacture varieties of plastic products in large volumes and in record time.
There are five primary types of plastic molding. They include:
- Extrusion molding
- Compression molding
- Blow molding
- Injection molding
- Rotational molding
Although each has the same end game of making plastic parts, they all follow a different process. The uses of these types of plastic molding will be explained in subsequent paragraphs below.
Common Uses of Extrusion Molding
When you use the plastic extrusion molding process, the finished product will have the same shape along the length of it. This kind of product may include straws or PVC pipes. These products can be produced in large quantities because they keep making the same shape continuously. In addition, this type of molding is cost-effective because the plastic machine used is simple but efficient. However, the disadvantage of this method is that you don’t have the option of making different parts.
Common Uses of Compression Molding
You can use this method to produce plastic parts to replace broken metal parts. You can achieve this because the high temperature used in compressing the plastic makes for a solid and durable finished product. The plastic end product is a strong and cost-effective substitute for metal parts. The intricacy of the design, number of molds, and surface finish determine the cost of using this method. However, when you produce in high volume, this method is the best option because it reduces production costs.
Common Uses for Blow Moulding
Blow molding is mainly used to produce plastic bottles, drums, cases, and fuel tanks. If you need to manufacture thousands of millions of these parts, this plastic molding process is your best option.
This process is fast and economical, but the price range is somehow between the price of injection molding and rotational molding.
Common Uses for Injection Moulding
This method commonly produces parts like car parts or medical equipment in large volumes. The injection molding machines can be costly because the molds are molded with aluminum or steel for higher strength and durability. However, like other methods, the more products you produce, the more you save on production costs. Also, it can take up to 16 weeks to make the tooling, and production can take up to 4 weeks.
Common Uses for Rotational Moulding
This method is mainly used when making products with hollow parts, such as bins, kayaks, road cones, storage tanks, and pet houses. The molds used in this plastic molding are complex, so products can be customizable. This includes unique curves, logos, slots, and inserts. These can be put into the mold to alter the final product.
The tooling cost for rotational molding is not as expensive as other methods like injection and blow molding. This means you don’t need to invest much to start using this method, and you can save production costs even when you’re not mass-producing.
