The injection molding process not only benefits the industries it serves but the consumers as well, as various products are made using this process, from household items to service tools. To gain a deeper appreciation for this process, let’s dive into what goods come from the injection molding process and how everyday consumers benefit.
How Injection Molding Works
The primary goal of injection molding is to create a large number of parts in a timely fashion. The product engineers design a mold that will form the pieces and parts set out by the manufacturer. Plastic material is injected into the mold for a set amount of time at the right temperature to create the part. This process is incredibly versatile for various industries because of how many molds and parts benefit from this method.
Common Products That Benefit from Injection Molding
The list of products that benefit from injection molding is vast. But some of the most common items are found in everyday consumers’ homes and lives. Here are a few of the most commonly used products that injection molding is responsible for.
Consumer Goods
Various consumer goods come to the market thanks to injection molding techniques. But the most common can be found in the home, including:
- Toothbrushes
- Kitchen utensils
- Caps and lids
- Toilet seats
Sporting Goods
Another relatively common industry that benefits from injection molding is the sporting goods industry. Things like helmets, mouth guards, and cleat forms are all products of injection molding. Additionally, manufacturers can request specific types of plastics for molding to produce durable protective gear for athlete safety.
Medical Industry
The healthcare industry benefits greatly from injection molding processes. The devices and instruments used in various medical applications are unique to the field. Injection molding for medical devices allows manufacturers to get specific about materials and create a high volume of products.
A few products that benefit include:
- Syringes
- Beakers and test tubes
- Implants
- Surgical devices
Industrial Parts
One unique thing about injection molding is how reliable the process is with various materials. The oil and gas industry requires specific types of materials to decrease degradation and increase safety. Thanks to injection molding, they can request durable, high-capacity matter for parts production.
Another industrial application that benefits from injection molding is auto manufacturing. Components like mirror casings, door panels, and interior buttons are all mass-produced through injection molding.
When it comes to injection molding, the results of the process are all around us. Whether you’re a consumer, engineer, or surgeon, almost none of the items you use would be available without this unique parts manufacturing method.