Question

When developing prototype tooling, discuss some of the techniques used in the evolution of injection molds.

Answer 1

A prototype is an early sample, model, or release of a product built to test a concept or process or to act as a thing to be replicated or learned from. It is a term used in a variety of contexts, including semantics, design, electronics, and software programming.

Designing plastic parts is a complex task involving many factors that address a list of requirements of the application. "How is the part to be used?" "How does it fit to other parts in the assembly?" "What loads will it experience in use?" In addition to functional and structural issues, processing issues play a large role in the design of an injection molded plastic part. How the molten plastic enters, fills, and cools within the cavity to form the part largely drives what form the features in that part must take. Adhering to some basic rules of injection molded part design will result in a part that, in addition to being easier to manufacture and assemble, will typically be much stronger in service. Dividing a part into basic groups will help you to build your part in a logical manner while minimizing molding problems. As a part is developed, always keep in mind how the part is molded and what you can do to minimize stress.

Different Types of Injection Molding Processes.

• Co-injection(sandwich)molding
• Fusible(lost, soluble)core injection molding
• Gas-assisted injection molding
• In-mold decoration and in mold lamination
• Injection-compression molding
• Injection molding of liquid silicone rubber
• Insert and outsert molding
• Lamellar (microlayer) injection molding
• Low-pressure injection molding