Injection molding in Minnesota is a manufacturing process for producing parts by injecting molten material into a mold. Injection mold work can be performed with a variety of materials, including metals, glasses, elastomers, and most commonly thermoplastic and thermosetting polymers. Material for the part is fed into a heated barrel, mixed, and forced into a mold cavity where it cools and hardens to the configuration of the cavity. After a product is designed, usually by an industrial designer or an engineer, molds are made by a toolmaker from metal injection molded, usually either steel or aluminum, and precision-machined to form the features of the desired part.

Injected Into the Mold

The injection molding process begins with granular plastic resin. The granules are fed through a hopper and then into the injection barrel. The barrel is heated to its melting point. As the barrel rotates, the granules are carried forward by a screw-type plunger. The plunger applies high pressure to the material, pushing it through a nozzle at the end of the injection barrel that leads into the mold. Once the material is injected into the mold, it cools and solidifies into the desired shape. This injection process can be repeated as necessary to produce large numbers of parts. After the injection molded parts have cooled, they are ejected from the mold and then undergo any secondary operations that may be required, such as trimming, cleaning, or painting.

Produced Quickly and Efficiently

Injection molding Minnesota can trust is a unique manufacturing process that can produce parts of nearly any geometry. The molding process can produce complex parts with intricate details and features. In addition, injection molded parts can be produced with high dimensional accuracy and repeatability. This kind of molding is also well suited for mass production, as large numbers of parts can be produced quickly and efficiently. One advantage of injection type molding is that it can be automated to produce high volumes of parts with little or no human intervention. In addition, injection molded parts do not require any post-processing, such as painting or finishing, which can further reduce production costs. Contact Harbor Plastics today to learn more.