One significant way to reduce the cost of plastic injection molded parts is by lessening the amount of material used. Typically, the more material used, the more weight increases, and individual part costs rise.
Effective Ways to Reduce Material Volumes in Plastic Products
Here are a few ways to effectively reduce material volumes in your injection molding process:
1. Careful Material Selection for Injection Molding
Decide upfront what material will be used. Material selection directly impacts part weight and must be chosen in tandem with part design.
2. Optimized Part Design for Injection Molding
Part design is critical. Evaluate wall thicknesses for uniformity and use foaming agents that reduce material needed for thick-walled parts. Avoid thick sections if possible. Consider coring thick-walled sections and employ ribbing when needed to reinforce structure.
3. Adherence to Industry Standards for Injection Molding
Ensure that the tool is designed to meet industry standards for draft angles and radii to ensure the product is moldable.
4. Implementation of Good Design Practices
Employ good design practices as those specified by the Society of the Plastics Industry that calls out finishes for injection molded components.
5. Thorough Analysis and Simulation
Perform mold flow analyses and simulations and design for manufacturing review before cutting steel for new tooling.
6. Efficient Use of Hot Runners
Use of hot runners in mold can reduce waste and material.
JATCO: Your Partner for Successful Plastic Injection Molding in Modesto, California
Our team at JATCO, Incorporated, are experts at ensuring that your injection molding opportunity is a success from start to finish. Whether you are looking to transfer a tool for an existing component or have a new product to quote, we are ready.
Contact Steven Ames, Director of Sales, steven.ames@jatco.com.