In plastic injection molding, the number of items that can be molded in one shot using one mold is called the number of cavities. The number of cavities can be from 1 to a reported maximum of 216. Since the number of items molded in one shot becomes large as the number of cavities becomes large, it is possible to reduce the cost of production per item. However, as the number of cavities becomes larger, there is a trend of […]
Tags: Injection Molding, Plastic Parts
Injection molding is a manufacturing process where a material is injected into a mold to create a desired shape. Typically, this process is used for plastics, but it is also possible to use it for metals like aluminum. Aluminum injection molding involves melting aluminum pellets and injecting them into a mold cavity under high pressure. The aluminum solidifies quickly in the mold, taking the shape of the cavity. Once the aluminum has cooled and hardened, the mold is opened, and […]
Tags: Injection Molding
The ejection of a plastic product is the last step in the plastic injection molding process. The quality of the ejection determines the quality of the plastic product. When the mold opens, the plastic product must be retained on the mold half (usually the core) with the ejector mechanism that is used to release the plastic product. (1) In order to prevent the plastic product from deformation during ejection, the ejection force has to be distributed as evenly as possible, […]
Sandblasting is a general term used to describe the act of propelling very fine bits of material at high-velocity to clean or etch a surface. Sand used to be the most commonly used material, but since the lung disease silicosis is caused by extended inhalation of the dust created by sand, other materials are now used in its place. Any small, relatively uniform particles will work, such as steel grit, copper slag, walnut shells, powdered abrasives, even bits of coconut […]
From machining to MIM, metal parts buyers have a wide range of options for addressing their part-production challenges. The key in choosing from among them is to remember that each technology brings something different to the table, and every part has unique requirements. Metal fabrication does not lack for depth as an industry. No fewer than 6 distinct — and commonly used — techniques exist for the manufacture of metal pieces and parts in 2019. Each can be considered the […]
Tags: Metal Parts
Coining is a closed die forging process, in which pressure is applied on the surface of the forging in order to obtain closer tolerances, smoother surfaces and eliminate draft. Closed die forging is a process in which forging is done by placing the work piece between two shaped dies. This process may be done in hot or cold working conditions, but is predominantly a cold work process. In coining, pressure is applied to a portion or the entire surface of […]
There are two categories of finishing operations: those that produce minor dimensional corrections, and surface treatment processes. Coining, sizing and straightening are commonly used to improve the dimensional accuracy of forgings. When tolerances closer than those that can be economically produced in the forging die are specified, coining and sizing operations are often employed. These processes cause plastic deformation of the forging, either by striking or squeezing a defined area. Coining may be performed either hot or cold, and can […]
Tags: Forging