Kaysun Blog

Since the type and characteristics of an injection molding machine influence project outcomes, you may think equipment selection is best left to the injection molder.

Undoubtedly a molder’s input is key in aligning projects and injection molding machines. However, familiarizing yourself with machine basics will help you make better design choices, more accurately forecast project costs and production times, and even guide you to the injection molding partner best equipped to meet your needs.

Surface finish on plastic composites can vary a great deal, depending on the physical and chemical properties of the polymer blend as well as the parameters of the injection molding process.

The first objective for a custom injection molder is working with the customer to determine how important the surface finish is for the appearance and/or performance of the final product. For example, does the product need to be eye-catching or simply functional? Depending on the answer, the material selected and the desired finish will determine the settings for the injection molding process, and any required secondary finishing operations.

North American resin production topped out at nearly 28.7 billion pounds April of 2019, a 2.9% increase compared to the same time period in 2018.¹ The uptick suggests that engineered resins continue to find their place as preferred materials within industries requiring precision injection molded parts and devices such as in the medical, automotive, and defense & public safety markets.

Polyether ether ketone (PEEK) resin is regarded as ideal for many complex applications due to its inherent characteristics and injection molding versatility. Is this thermoplastic right for your project?

Injection molding is a complex, dynamic system with multiple, interacting factors—all of which impact performance, cost, and quality. One of these factors is the injection molding machine tonnage calculation, also known as the clamping force.

Overmolding is a value-added injection molding method for improving plastic and metal substrate performance and aesthetics. While seemingly simple, the process has a number of underlying complexities that must be carefully considered to ensure your overmolding project meets all goals and expectations.

Injection-molded and blow-molded plastic parts are so pervasive in everyday life that the two processes are sometimes thought of as interchangeable. While the two may be used in an individual application — perhaps a blow-molded fluid reservoir is attached to a custom injection-molded medical device — injection molding and blow molding serve different purposes and markets.

Medical device performance is inextricably linked to the characteristics of the plastics used. Enhanced properties such as strength, flexibility, transparency, biocompatibility, and temperature and chemical resistance ensure patient safety. They are also mandated by the stringent regulations and classifications of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and The U.S. Pharmacopeial Convention (USP).

Worldwide, sales of electric vehicles rose by 73% in 2018 — a banner year by any measurement, but all the more remarkable given it followed sales growth of 86% in 2017. The sales figures are more than impressive; they reflect a shift in consumer demand for affordable, eco-friendly transportation options and the bellwether of change in the automotive industry.

An increased speed to market is a distinct competitive advantage, but making speed your first priority can jeopardize injection molding process efficiencies — and product performance.

Accelerating speed to market and upholding quality doesn’t need to be an "either or" proposition. Early in the design phase, seek out an injection molding partner that thinks and delivers beyond the standard injection molding process. If your ultimate goals include preventing costly rework, and eliminating defects and unanticipated product failure, look for an injection molder with expertise in mold filling analysis, scientific molding, and other time and cost saving process methodologies.