Process: Injection Molding

The Process Defined

Injection molding is used to process a wide variety of small to medium sized parts, at economical labor input, using single cavity or multiple cavity molds. Raw material, in pellet form, is pushed through a heated barrel where it is melted to a fluid state. The melted material is forced through a nozzle into the mold cavity or through a runner system into multiple cavities. The "melt" is held in the cavity under pressure to form the desired part which is cooled sufficiently to retain its shape.

When the mold opens, the part is removed and the process is repeated.

The Benefits of Injection Molding

• Economical part cost
• Greater production rate
• Precision design
• Close tolerances
• Weight reduction [as compared to metals]
• Finish and color flexibility