Extrusion vs. Plastic Injection Molding

The molding process can become complicated and one of the most common questions that people tend to have when they are getting into the business has to do with the difference between plastic injection molding and of course extrusion molding. Though they are both a molding process, they definitely differ in not only the equipment sued, but also the execution.

We’re going to talk a bit about extrusion vs. plastic injection molding to give you a better idea of what we’re looking at. In addition to that, we’re going to go over a few of the most common plastics that are used in the molding process.

Understanding the Plastic Injection Molding Process

The first thing that you need to know about the injection molding process is that it uses a die. This is essentially a recreation of the object that you wish to produce, however it takes on the appearance of a container. This container is ‘injected’ with the plastic substance which will then harden and take on the form of the product. Once the cooling is complete, the component will be ejected from the mold.

It is important for us to note that you have actually seen examples of injection molding in everyday life, even if you don’t realize it. This is going to sound like a bit of a cliché, but one of the more common molds you see are chess pieces. Have you ever wondered how they are made? Yes, there are some that are hand carved but the vast majority of these are products of injection molding.

What is Extrusion Molding?

This process is as bit different as it does use a die, but it an entirely different manner. During the extrusion molding process plastic material (whichever type you choose) will be melted and placed into the die under pressure. In this case, however, the die will eject the material and it will take on the form of said die. This is done in a continuous manner and is sometimes considered to be a bit faster than standard injection molding.

Types of Plastic Used in the Molding Process

There is a common misconception among buyers and end consumers that there is only one type of plastic used in the molding process, but this would be absolutely untrue. There are actually several different types of plastic in play, some of which are more durable than others. Below, we are going to discuss some of the most common type so plastic used in product design whether you’re creating a chess piece of a part for an intricate piece of machinery.

ABS – This is one of the most common types of thermoplastic and is frequently used due to its durability as well as impact resistance.

Polypropylene – Even if you haven’t heard of this one you’ve definitely seen it here and there. This form of plastic is frequently used in the creation of plastic barrels for the shipping industry. It is resistant to heat and very durable, allowing for high impact resistance.

Polyoxmethylene – This form of plastic features high stiffness and low friction, useable in many different applications.

PVC – Even if you haven’t hear of the others that we mentioned here, you’ve heard of PVC at one point or another.  PVC is frequently used in piping and other applications that call for high heat resistance, and it is much more durable than your average plastic. It also has great mechanical properties, making it good as a machine part.

Get the Plastic Injection Molding Services you Need

You have a great idea but you don’t quite have the resources to put it into production yourself. Don’t worry, we have the resources, we have the tools, and we have the equipment to help make sure you are a success. You might be a startup company, or maybe you’ve been established for a significant period of time.

No matter what the case is, you need to make sure you have a good plastic injection molding service supporting you – it’s more important that you realize, and it will help you to get your product off the ground.