Think about injection molding and your mind immediately goes to plastic army men and other tiny toys and accessories that toddlers love to cram in their ears, nose, throat, etc. The process, injecting fluid material into a mold, applies to all sorts of other materials, too. Metals, glass, confections, polymers and elastomers can all be molded and then custom machined to produce everything from a jelly snakes to car doors.
The IM process has even been used to manufacture shoes - both casual flip-flops and designer heels. Both a science and an art, IM is incredibly versatile and is used to produce everything from dustpans and laundry baskets to precision-machined parts for robots and aircraft engines.
One use for the IM process to which we can all relate is in the production of toy soldiers and collectible military miniatures. There are miniature troops to match practically every war in history. The price of the piece often corresponds to the seniority of the figure. The Duke of Wellington, for example, will cost more than his minions, although Richard Sharp would probably fetch a pretty penny.
Electric train enthusiasts are another market for this genre of art and technology. Along with little engineers and little villagers, trees and parts of buildings can be manufactured in this manner. The level of detail and authenticity can be very impressive. These are usually the product of a metalworking process.
The starting material, whether polymer, metal or thermoplastic, is pulverized into a fine dust and, in the case of metal, mixed with what is called a binder to produce what is called feedstock. The feedstock is fed through a hopper and passed through a heater while being fed through a tube by a linear actuator. The material is melted into a liquid and then fed into a mold and then cooled.
The vast range of objects that can be produced using IM is astounding. The injecting and molding machines are themselves built from parts that are the product of IM technology.
The industry relies on a vast number of other industries for its survival. Software, polymers, additives and the molding machines themselves are all related industries. It is going to be fascinating to see how this industry stands up to new developments in 3D printing technology.
The IM process has even been used to manufacture shoes - both casual flip-flops and designer heels. Both a science and an art, IM is incredibly versatile and is used to produce everything from dustpans and laundry baskets to precision-machined parts for robots and aircraft engines.
One use for the IM process to which we can all relate is in the production of toy soldiers and collectible military miniatures. There are miniature troops to match practically every war in history. The price of the piece often corresponds to the seniority of the figure. The Duke of Wellington, for example, will cost more than his minions, although Richard Sharp would probably fetch a pretty penny.
Electric train enthusiasts are another market for this genre of art and technology. Along with little engineers and little villagers, trees and parts of buildings can be manufactured in this manner. The level of detail and authenticity can be very impressive. These are usually the product of a metalworking process.
The starting material, whether polymer, metal or thermoplastic, is pulverized into a fine dust and, in the case of metal, mixed with what is called a binder to produce what is called feedstock. The feedstock is fed through a hopper and passed through a heater while being fed through a tube by a linear actuator. The material is melted into a liquid and then fed into a mold and then cooled.
The vast range of objects that can be produced using IM is astounding. The injecting and molding machines are themselves built from parts that are the product of IM technology.
The industry relies on a vast number of other industries for its survival. Software, polymers, additives and the molding machines themselves are all related industries. It is going to be fascinating to see how this industry stands up to new developments in 3D printing technology.
About the Author:
Genevive B. Mata has taught plastics molding techniques for over 15 years. He specializes in injection molding and thermoforming. If you are interested in learning more about plastic pallets for sale then he recommends you visit his friends at PTM: Custom Plastics Injection Molding Company.
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