Why Injection Molding Materials Matter

MOLD DESIGN IS ONLY PART OF THE EQUATION

Simple truth: Even if you have the perfect injection mold, using the wrong type of plastic in production can spell disaster. Choosing the suitable injection molding materials and the correct grade for your job ensures that each component meets or exceeds quality standards for your industry — not only that, it saves you from production delays, higher costs, and field failures. 

Choosing the Right Injection Molding Materials

Every industry has unique requirements for plastic components, from extreme heat resistance and tensile strength to biocompatibility and impact rating. And because not all thermoplastics are created equal, choosing suitable resins for your industry is critical. Medical grade plastics are a must for healthcare manufacturing, especially FDA-regulated products. Energy industry components often require better mechanical and thermal properties than commodity plastics like PVC and polypropylene offer, so engineering-grade materials are crucial. ABS plastic is ideal for rapid prototyping and a lightweight replacement for metal in the auto industry, but it can’t be used for medical products. In short, materials matter!

Materials + Design = High-Performance Plastic Parts

When the appropriate type of plastic is combined with a well-designed, custom injection mold, you get top-quality, high-performance plastic parts. I would like to know how your chosen material will fill your injection mold before production begins. Mold flow analysis, a software simulation showing how resin will fill the mold during the injection molding process, is critical in ensuring the mold and material are compatible. The right material will fill the mold cavity at the speed and temperature needed to prevent defects. Additionally, optimal material flow minimizes production cycle times.

Choosing the wrong resin grade can have dire consequences, including poor processability, aesthetic issues, increased costs, poor chemical resistance, and regulatory non-compliance. Further, an incorrect grade can result in compromised physical properties affecting the finished part’s ability to withstand intended loads, temps, and environmental factors. Additionally, some grades of material are more recyclable than others — choosing a grade that doesn’t align with your sustainability goals can impact your environmental footprint and commitment to green-conscious markets.

Houston Plastic Products has an extensive selection of injection molding materials suitable for every need. Our advanced mold flow analysis tools and a team of experienced specialists ensure that your project will be delivered to spec and on time. Please reach out to get your next plastic manufacturing project up and running.