Plastic Processes: Injection Moulding

Injection moulding is a widely used process in manufacturing. It is a quick way of producing large numbers of identical components such as plastic trays and safety helmets. Most thermoplastics can be injection moulded, including, Nylon (PA), Polycarbonate (PC), Polypropylene, (PP), Polystyrene (GPPS) and Acrylonitrile-Butadiene-Styrene (ABS).

The injection moulding machine consists of a heated barrel with a screw feed mechanism that forces molten polymer into a split mould. The screw melts the polymer as it the turns and rams it into the mould under very great pressure. After the plastic component in the mould has cooled and solidified sufficiently, the mould is opened and the component is ejected from the split mould.