Plastic mold products are important components in various industries, such as food processing, chemicals and beverages, medical and biotechnology. Plastic mold equipment design and fabrication companies specialize in creating equipment for the different types of plastic molds, such as injection molds and blow molds.

Understanding the common terms associated with plastic mold equipment design will help you in interacting with the suppliers of plastic mold equipment. This guide intends to explain some plastic mold equipment design key terms, such as polymers, thermoforming, thermoplastic elastomers and flash.

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Polymers

A polymer is a large molecule composed of many smaller molecules linked together.The term is often used in place of plastic, rubber or elastomer. The process of forming a polymer by combining large numbers of chemical units or monomers into long chains is called polymerization.

I recommend: You can read through the detailed information of a polymer at Cornell University Laboratory of Atomic and Solid State Physics.

Resin

Resin is a solid or semi-solid organic (carbon based) material, either natural or synthetic. Resin is important raw material for organic synthesis in manufacturing varnishes and adhesives.

I recommend: wiseGEEK, an information resource, explains the different types of resins.

TPE (Thermoplastic elastomer)

Thermoplastic elastomers are a family of polymers that can be repeatedly stretched without permanently deforming the shape. Unlike rubber-like elastomers, these elastomers do not require curing or vulcanization.

I recommend: You can read through detailed information about thermoplastic elastomers at Alliance Polymers, Inc., a dealer of recycled plastic materials.

Thermoforming

Thermoforming is the process of heating a thermoplastic sheet to a working temperature and transforming it into a finished shape by means of heat or pressure.

I recommend: You can read through detailed information on thermoforming machines and processes at the Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA), an organization that sets the regulations for the safety of personnel working in an industry.

Plastic boss design

Plastic boss is a functional extrusion or tab on a plastic part normally used to locate or fasten two adjoining parts or to add strength.

I recommend: David O. Kazmer (PDF), a specialist in plastic product design and polymer process development, offers information about plastic boss design and methodology.

Flash

Flash is a defect on plastic parts that results in a thin membrane of material extending along the parting line. It is caused by over packing, lack of support, unbalanced molds, overly hot material and a host of other causes.

I recommend: UMG ABS Ltd., a manufacturer of resin, provides information about flash.

A plastic molding machine manufactures parts using plastic injection molding, plastic blow molding or another common variation of plastic molding. These machines are usually custom designed by manufacturing companies, using a variety of methods.

Sometimes a plastic molding company will specialize in a specific type of mold machine construction, such as designing a plastic injection molding machine for industry-specific uses. Often, a company will work primarily on a specific type of manufacturing design. For this reason, it's important to find a company that has experience in the kind of plastic mold equipment design you want to create.

1. The FDA imposes certain restrictions on parts manufactured using plastic molding. These depend on where manufacturing takes place, what type of plastic you use and the manufacturing process itself.

2. Certain types of molding machines require lubrication, so it's important to keep that in mind when estimating manufacturing costs and design scenarios.

3. If you're planning to buy a plastic mold, check to make sure the maker is a member of the American Mold Builder's Association (AMBA). This organization provides training and accreditation to mold makers in the United States.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Buy a plastic injection molding machine

Injection molding uses thermoplastic and thermosetting plastic to fill a mold at high pressure. The mold is an inverse shape. Most mold-making companies will work with you to produce a mold machine that meets your specifications, or even alter an existing design. Not all molds will hold up, though, so be sure to specify whether you'll use your mold for manufacturing, prototyping, or limited-run production.

I recommend: Bermar Associates offers injection molding machines, as does RCO Engineering. You can also find a custom mold maker near you through the AMBA's website.

Choose a plastic blow molding machine for hollow parts

Hollow parts are generally formed by melting the plastic and forming it into a tube-like structure with a hole in the end. It is then placed into a mold and formed the rest of the way. This process works great for tubular designs and other pieces that require hollow areas.

I recommend: Buy a new blow molding machine from R & B Plastics Machinery, or check out Stopol's selection of used blow molding machines.

Let an expert help you design a custom plastic molding machine

Some companies offer to create custom molds to provide the perfect combination of quality and price for your needs. These services will create your mold machinery based on the type of plastic you plan to use, your quality requirements, and the expected life of the mold.

I recommend: Pittsfield Plastics Engineering offers custom mold design services. You can also check out Accede Mold & Tool's plastic mold equipment design services.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  A print, sketch or sample part can be used to create your custom plastic molding, although CAD designs are best. Some companies can rush deliver custom molds to your company if you fax or ship them the source material.