What is Precision Injection?
Precision injection is a method of injection molding that requires great accuracy. It is not used to produce an entire product, but instead for rare occasions when a project requires a precise form of plastic injection molding. The precise plastic parts produced are often used to replace high-precision metal parts in instruments, electronics, optics, medical devices, and more. It is because of these requirements that precision injection molding requires a precision mold and precision machines. Precision molding is a sophisticated process
What is a Precision Injection Mold?
A precision injection mold has dimensional tolerances controlled below 1/3 of the dimensional tolerance of products. The precision of the mold depends on the precision of the cavity size and number of cavities in the design, positioning of the cavity, precision of the parting surface, material selection, and dimensional tolerance. The thickness of the bottom plate, supporting plate, and cavity wall as well as the runner size are all important factors of the precision mold. Design engineering is equally important. The mold is usually made of alloy steel, which has high mechanical strength.
What are the Benefits of Precision Injection Molding?
When a project requires parts for a highly technical application and desires a high volume of production, precision injection molding can be a smart choice for several reasons:
- Cost-effective – the automation and repeatability of precision injection molding helps to reduce the cost of labor while increasing productivity
- Complexity – the high level of detail can be produced in large quantities
- Strength – by adding fillers or blends, the plastic used can be incredibly strong, even at a reduced cost
- Efficiency – precision injection molding is much faster than other traditional molding methods and allows for more parts to be made from just one mold
- Freedom of design – the precision mold is custom made to the project requirements allowing for greater customization and control
For jobs with highly detailed and complex parts that seek a higher volume of production, ICOMold has the design and manufacturing expertise. Combined with ICOMold’s online customer platform, the experience of high-volume manufacturing is seamless and painless.
Precision Injection Molding Process
Every piece developed in a precision molding project must be identified as it will be attached identically. Because of this, the precision molding process can be slow, steady, and focused. This is a part-specific process and is unique to each project. Everything from the tooling, part design, material selection, and procedures are critical to the success of a precision-molded part.
The precision injection molding machine must be able to control the accuracy and repeatability of the product. This machine should be high pressure to improve the overall precision and quality of the parts produced. Structurally, the machine should have a stiff clamping system controllable between 0.05 to 0.08mm, dimensional tolerance of parts, die speed, plasticizing parts including the screw, screw head, material barrel, check ring, and more.
If you are ready to discuss your precision injection molding project, please contact ICOMold at (419) 867-3900 or use our instant quote form.
