Injection Moulding

Injection moulding is a manufacturing process where molten plastic is injected into a mould to form a componenent of some form. Once set the component is ejected from the mould and the process is repeated. Using this method of injection moulding almost unlimited possibilities exist for component design and manufacture. Batches of small and large runs are possible with injection moulding.

Components for automotive, mechanical and many more purposes are possible through injection moulding. Other common parts made by injection moulding are bottle caps and even lego.

The process of injection moulding is used to produce large quantities of identical components. The process is highly automated and uses thermoplastics.

Firstly, granulated plastic is added to the hopper in the injection moulding machine. The plastic grain is transfered through the barrel by an archimidial screw. Heaters melt the plastic in the barrel. Once enough molten plastic has gathered a hydraulic ram forces the plastic in to the mould through the sprue. Pressure is maintained during injection moulding setting before the component is ejected.