Thermoplastic engineering resins are the most common type of plastic resins used in the injection molding process. With many different types of plastic resins each with their own unique properties, it takes great care and consideration to properly design and construct a mold for use with thermoplastic resins. These highly useful polymer resins have varying properties of elasticity, resistance to temperature, corrosives, shrinkage and right down to the exterior finish such as a matte or a glossy finish.
Shrink rate is a very important property of thermoplastic engineering resins used in injection molding, as the cavities must be carved out to accommodate to this shrink rate. If shrink rate is not accounted for properly, a part may shrink too much after cooling and deviate from customer requirements. Knowing the cooling and shrink rate of the polymer resin used for any molding process is of the utmost important to the journeymen mold makers constructing the tool.
Cooling rate is also important for the part to become completely solidified prior to ejection. Cooling rate must be configured into the injection molding cycle time, to ensure proper cooling and ejection without damaging the part.
Each polymer resin will have a MSD sheet, Material Safety Data sheet along with material specifications clearly defined in each numbered lot of all thermoplastic resins. If working with a new material, a mold designer may prefer to use Mold Flow Analysis, for a computer simulated demonstration of how the plastic material will melt, flow and fill. Predicting the flow of thermoplastic resins prior to cutting steel is vital for accurate geometrical tolerances in the final product.
Even with a material spec sheet which is necessary, nothing helps a skilled mold designer more than experience. Skilled mold design engineers are very familiar with the various properties of engineering resins allowing for precise mold construction with even the most specialty of molding resins.
Michiana Global Mold is an experienced mold design and construction company, with vast experience with various thermoplastic resins used in injection molding. We employ highly skilled journeymen mold makers and expert design engineers to satisfy even the most demanding of customer requirements. We tackle the complex mold designs that other companies shy away from. For complex, precision molds that must meet tight tolerances, contact Michiana Global Mold today for superior mold design and mold making services.
Contact Michiana Global Mold today to speak with one of our skilled mold designers and learn how we can assist you with your next injection mold making project. We are an ISO9001:2015 Registered mold making company with vast experience constructing custom, precision injection molds using various thermoplastic engineering resins.
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