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Custom Plastic Moulding
What is custom plastic moulding?
In this article, we'll discuss:
- What is custom plastic moulding?
- What is custom plastic moulding used for?
- The benefits of custom plastic moulding
- The selection criteria for custom plastic moulding materials
- Pekago's expertise as a custom plastic moulding manufacturer
Custom plastic moulding is the most common manufacturing process for producing large quantities of the same, or similar, plastic parts.
The process begins by making a metal mould to the exact specifications of the desired final product. Typically, this mould is comprised of two blocks of steel or aluminium which are shaped to create a cavity in each piece. The two sections are then fitted together in an injection moulding machine with a clamp.
This machine forces then molten granules of plastic into the mould at high pressure until the cavity is filled. Once this is done, the mould is cooled, the two sections are taken apart, and the solid plastic part is ejected, ready to be coated with a protective layer.
The custom plastic moulding process, meanwhile, can begin once again for the next part.
What is custom plastic moulding used for?
The applications of custom plastic moulding are all around us. Most plastic parts, components, and packaging have been produced using the custom plastic moulding process.
From medical devices to automotive parts, electronic appliances and industrial equipment, custom plastic moulding underlies many of the goods and services we use every day.
What are the benefits of custom plastic moulding?
The ubiquity of custom plastic moulding products is the result of their many beneficial properties alongside the efficiency and versatility of the manufacturing process.
At high temperatures or pressures, plastics can be moulded into an infinite number of shapes with a similarly vast range of properties, from lightweight carrier bags and rigid polystyrene packaging to impact-resistant car bumpers.
The custom plastic moulding process is what allows these properties to come to the fore.
The design flexibility afforded by moulding means nearly any product requirement can be met. While highly technical, the manufacturing process also lends itself to rapid, automated production which means many parts can be made accurately and reliably at a low per-unit cost.
The use of plastic pellets in injection moulding also means that scrap plastics can often be recycled and reused again, bringing more efficiency gains and increasing the sustainability of the process.
How to select the appropriate material for custom plastic moulding?
The benefits of custom plastic moulding are clear, but choosing the right material for your desired product can be overwhelming.
There are tens of thousands of custom plastic moulding materials available. However, these are commonly divided into the following six categories:
- Polypropylene (PP)
- Polyamide (Nylon)
- Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS)
- Polycarbonate (PC)
- High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE)
- ABS + PC Blend (primarily for electronics casings)
Each of these six common plastic materials lies at different points on scales developed to measure and assess the most important properties for product manufacturing. Those are:
- Hardness
- Flexibility
- Weight
- Cost
These properties are not set in stone though. Adjustments can be made through the use of additives and fillers to achieve the desired result. Getting this right can be tricky though, and that's why you need a proven custom plastic moulding manufacturer to help you get the balance just right.
Pekago: A leading manufacturer of custom plastic moulding
Pekago is one of the most trusted names in the custom plastic moulding industry.
We oversee the design and production of moulds in consultation with you, carry out the injection moulding process at our production site in the Netherlands, and apply the finishing coat to your products at the highest standards to ensure the best results.
To find out more about what we can offer you and receive a free quote, get in touch with your requirements.
