Parameters of Injection Molding

In the production process of plastic products, such as plastic gears, plastic molds, plastic raw materials, injection molding machines, mold temperature controllers, dryers, robotic arms, and other equipment are required. Once the equipment is set up, the key factors affecting the quality of plastic products are the parameters of the injection molding process. In the following sections, engineers from 2F Prototypes Injection Molding Manufacturer will share our knowledge on injection molding parameters.

1. Shot Volume: This refers to the weight of the molten plastic injected into the mold cavity by the injection molding machine screw during injection. Different product weights require different shot volumes, and the tonnage of the machine also affects the shot volume.
2. Injection Speed: This is the speed at which the molten material is injected into the mold cavity. Different structures of plastic products require different injection speeds.
3. Injection Pressure: This refers to the pressure applied to inject the molten material into the mold cavity. Injection pressure is related to the machine tonnage and the structure of the plastic product. Excessive pressure can cause flash, while insufficient pressure can result in short shots.
4. Holding Pressure and Holding Time: To allow the molten material to solidify in the mold cavity, after injection, the screw continues to apply a certain pressure and time to the cavity, known as holding pressure and holding time, respectively. These parameters depend on the product structure.
5. Clamping Force: During injection and holding phases, there will be reactive forces within the mold cavity, causing the mold parting surfaces to separate. Therefore, the clamping system of the molding machine must apply a certain clamping force to ensure that the mold parting surfaces do not separate.
6. Drying Temperature and Drying Time: Many plastic materials require drying to remove moisture and ensure good product appearance. The drying temperature and time vary for different materials.
7. Barrel Temperature: Different plastic materials have different melting temperatures, and the set temperatures at different positions in the barrel vary accordingly.
8. Mold Temperature: This refers to the temperature of the mold cavity surface in contact with the product. Mold temperature affects the product’s dimensions, appearance, and molding time.

Injection molding is a complex physical transformation process, and the nine elements shared above are crucial. Injection enthusiasts are welcome to exchange technical knowledge with engineers from 2F Prototypes.