The method is used to produce products by injecting molten plastic into a mould that is then cooled until it solidifies into the shape of the mould, thus creating the final product. The process is used when the need is faced to produce the same part thousands of times. To make any product using this method, it is necessary to first build a mould.
Though it is a traditional production method, technological innovations have led to developments in injection moulding. The time required to develop a mould is relatively lengthy. Depending on the complexity of a mould, production time may take between 10-18 weeks. Once a mould has been completed, however, parts can be produced far more quickly. Production times of some parts, which take several minutes or hours to produce using 3D printing, can be reduced to a few seconds thanks to injection moulding. Once mould machining is complete, the automated production of components can begin, reducing the need for monitoring and, consequently, labour costs.
Though metal waste is produced during mould production, general resource wastage is drastically reduced when making components, as excess plastic can be reused.
Unlike 3D printing, which has a limited quality, the detail quality and resistance of parts produced using injection moulding are unparalleled. Injection moulding allows for higher production volumes ensuring greater precision, repeatability, and efficiency.
While a 3D printer is great for small production volumes, injection moulding is ideal for large volumes. 3D printing no longer makes sense when high volumes of parts are required, not only because it becomes more expensive but because it takes longer to produce each component.
If large production volumes are required, injection moulding is the most effective method to produce components. In addition to being more cost- and time-effective practice, it also produces parts to more exacting standards.
Rectimold has gained over 30 years of experience producing moulds. Contact us.
