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Start with a basic overview of injection molding equipment key terms

Make communication with colleagues, customers and other businesses easier by learning some of the industry-specific terms, like casting, haze, elastomer, runner, isobar and extrusion, for example. There are a lot of terms related to the plastic injection molding equipment field, but some advanced knowledge will make your learning curve much more manageable.

I recommend: Get an overall picture for industry language by checking out information about everyday plastic injection molding machines and processes terms from Protomold, or use the extensive and comprehensive glossary provided by HPM.

Get to know some terminology for injection molding machinery processing terms

'Blending,' 'debinding,' and 'sintering' may be simple enough terms to pick up, but when you realize that these are just categories for more specific processes, you know that remembering all the terms you can possibly learn will help you. Learn about liquid phase sintering, catalytic debinding and various other steps in the injection molding machine process and increase your knowledge.

I recommend: Educate yourself on processing and fabrication terminology for injection molding presses by going to Epsilon Industries and Tengam Engineering for their term definition lists, which also cover other aspects of the field.

Become familiar with your injection molding machine component terms

Increase your proficiency with injection molding equipment key terms by knowing about the parts and components of the machine itself. Whether it's the hopper, barrel, sprue, clamp, runner, gate or mold plate, eliminate having to check your manual when someone asks you about a machine part. It'll increase productivity and help you communicate more efficiently.

I recommend: Glean some key terms and definitions for plastic injection molding machines components from among the information available at DRM Associates' glossary. You can also check out terms in conjunction with diagrams by going through the detailed information from the Santa Clarita University Design Center; select separate machine systems for easier organization.

Round out your knowledge with some injection molding supplies and materials names

The plastics and other material you'll work with also have specific names and classifications, including nylons, acrylics and polymers. Get to know about the powders, compounds and fluids processed by injection molding machinery and familiarize yourself with the brand names of different plastics, such as Dynaflex and Cycolac.

I recommend: Increase your knowledge of injection molding supplies and raw materials by checking out terms at Injection Molding, or learn about general terms as well as specific product brand names at Proto-Cast.

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  If you're just starting out in the plastic injection equipment industry, use this guide as a reference more than a study book. There are hundreds of terms available to check, and many of them may be used infrequently. As you become knowledgeable in your business, you'll get a feel for what terms you'll need to know and which ones aren't necessary.

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Choose plastic injection molding equipment that works best for your business operation

Plastic comes in thermoplastics and thermoset plastics. Thermoplastics allow melting and shaping multiple times, which reduces waste and is easily recycled after use. Thermoset plastics are chemically altered once molded. Misshapen or out of specification parts can't be run through the injection molding machinery a second time. Many parts are acceptable from either material, but special requirements usually need thermoset mixtures.

I recommend: Boy Machines Inc. builds and supports a wide variety of injection molding machinery for thermoplastic applications. Contact a representative for a quote. Specializing in multiple rubber and plastic press applications, Technical Machine Products Corp. can customize molding equipment to work in a variety of product manufacturing environments.

Compare electric injection molding machines with hydraulic models for best ROI

Hydraulic injection equipment has been the standard for decades but newer electric models are beginning to take over. Electric models cost more initially, but are cheaper to install and maintain. Hydraulic models require oil and more maintenance, however, many in the industry believe higher-pressure applications are better achieved with hydraulic injection machines.

I recommend: Milacron Inc. builds and supports a large selection of hydraulic horizontal and vertical injection molding machines. Electric models and hybrids are the focus at Stork Plastics Machinery to save operating costs and conserve power consumption.

Buy used injection molding machines to lower costs

Buying used equipment enables you to get more machine for the money. Injection molding equipment has a long lifespan and is easy to modify to meet the needs of your business. A used injection molding machine is especially effective in small production applications where return on investment is tighter.

I recommend: Aaron Equipment carries a full line of small, medium and large capacity, used injection molding machinery. Plastics One, Inc. specializes in injection molding liquidations and injection molding supplies for all injection applications.

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Nitrogen injection systems are now available but not in wide distribution. This system works by forming pressurized wall of nitrogen gas to form parts with higher conformity and lower waste production.

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Build your knowledge of injection molding machinery

Plastic injection molding equipment is machinery that processes plastics and resins into a finalized shape through pressure. The machine mixes the material and then injects it into a preformed mold, causing it to take the shape that you want. Whether it's a finished item itself or just a premade part for a larger product, it is now the right shape for whatever application you need.

I recommend: Start filling in your injection molding equipment basics by checking out the information presented by the Wise Geek and Injection Molding. Both provide info regarding steps in the standard molding process and the elements of the machinery. You can also learn about typical materials and the advantages and disadvantages.

Get some information on how injection molding presses work

Injection mold equipment uses several steps to achieve the finished product. The machine mixes and heats the material, usually plastic, then pours it into a screw-like device, which forces the material, under pressure, toward a small opening leading into the mold. The fluid fills the mold, taking its shape and when the material cools, it comes out in the perfect shape.

I recommend: Find more detailed information about how plastic injection molding machines work by checking out the steps and diagrams provided by Cheresources.com. Alternatively, read about the process, along with some ideas for applications, at Yaskawa.

Learn about the applications and advantages an injection molding machine can bring to your business

Injection molding supplies provide products for a plethora of industries. From automotive to medical devices, machine parts to consumer goods, injection molding can manufacture necessary elements or whole products. There are options for both plastic and metal, so choose the equipment you need for the services your business specializes in.

I recommend: Explore some of the applications for injection molding machinery listed at Morgan Industries, or check out GKN Sinter Metals, which outlines some of the uses for metal injection as well as giving you an overview of their process through an animation.

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  When you begin shopping for equipment, consider the option of used injection molding machines. Many companies sell them simply because they are upgrading or phasing in newer machinery. A used device may still be perfectly operational, and it will save you a good deal of money.
• •  You also have the option to buy vertical injection molding machines. These take less space on your factory floor, and in many ways, their vertical integration provides better support for parts due to the natural effects of gravity. Be aware, however, that most machines are horizontal, and the majority of experts and training materials focus on this configuration.