Thermoplastics are plastic polymers or resins that soften upon heating and harden or solidify once cooled down. It has multiple usages in the manufacture of an extensive range of consumer goods and functional parts.
Thermoplastic Injection Molding or TIM is the process where a plastic resin is heated and melted under pressure and injected into a mold. Once cooled, it is cast out of the mold.
Mobile phone covers to car door panels; a variety of materials are obtained through thermoplastic molding.
Types of Thermoplastics
Thermoplastics are broadly categorized in two different forms:
1. Amorphous Polymers- These polymers have lower chemical resistance and are prone to shrinkage. Transparent in nature but have less strength, stiffness and durability. The most common amorphous polymers include polycarbonate, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), acrylic, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polystyrene, polyphenylene oxide, and polyetherimide.
2. Crystalline Polymers- They possess better strength, stiffness and sustainability than amorphous polymers. However, these polymers are opaque. The preferred crystalline polymers are polyester, nylon, acetal, polyethylene, polyphenylene sulphide, and polypropylene.
Services of Thermoplastic Injection Molding ensures the production of duplicate parts with less lead time and improved mechanical and chemical properties.
The Significant Benefits of Thermoplastic Injection Molding
Thermoplastic injection molding is a consummate technique to manufacture highly durable and consistent plastic products that are used for various purposes. The chief advantages of the same are:
• Highly precise geometrical detailing of complex parts is easily possible by Thermoplastic Injection Molding Operation.
• A heterogeneity of thermoplastic polymers can be used concurrently.
• The thermoplastics achieved are light-weighted that possess great strength and sustainability.
• The entire process is fast and thus production speed is high.
• Thermoplastic injection molding enables diverse forms of surface finishes like glossy and matte depending upon the requirement.
• Since the polymers are transparent or opaque, they can be coloured as desired.
• Minimum wastage as thermoplastic is reversible which indicates it can be melted and cooled down to cast into a different structure every time.
• Whether soft and stretchable like rubber or stiff and hard as fibre, there is flexibility in the products obtained.
• Low cost of production due to less labour employment.
To be noted, thermoplastic injection molding in contemporary times is an environment-friendly process that enables the recycling and reuse of the products.
