The Caplugs range of plastic protective products is created by injection moulding and dip moulding. Not all types of plastic are suitable for injection moulding. This article explains why thermoplastics are suitable as an injection moulding material.
In an earlier article, the injection moulding process, in which plastics become liquid when heated, without losing flexibility, homogeneity and colour fastness, was explained. This group of plastics is also known as ‘thermoplastics’. Polypropylene and high density polyethylene (HDPE) are plastics commonly used for injection moulding.
Plastic injection moulding from granulate to end product
Unlike thermosets, thermoplastics take on the shape of the product precisely. Under high pressure, the liquid plastic fills the injection mould, creating a product that is precise down to the smallest product detail. This accuracy is essential to achieve the exact geometry and dimensions of injection-moulded products. It also enables the sustainable use of plastic products, as there is little waste, and eliminates the need for further finishing. This saves considerably on production time and costs.
Plastic with a high moulding capacity
Thermoplastics can also be formed in liquid form and under high pressure in the cavity of an injection mould. This is necessary to achieve a high-quality plastic product that exactly meets all product requirements in terms of geometry, dimensions, and level of finish. The material used influences the choice of heating, cooling and removal from the mould. Polyethylene retains the same properties, from the granules at the beginning of the process to the injection moulded product at the end.
Plastic injection moulding: light and robust
Thermoplastics are lightweight materials that can take severe knocks and are not affected much by weather and environmental conditions. This makes Caplugs’ plastic protection and masking products ideal for the aviation, petrochemical, electrical engineering, and automotive industries, among others.
Plastic granules are reusable
A significant advantage of thermoplastics is its reusability through re-shredding and heating. Thermoplastics can be completely reused for injection moulding, or used for dip moulding or other production methods for numerous other applications. Thermoplastics can be used multiple times over.
Would you also like to have your product injection moulded? Or are you looking for a plastic moulded protective or masking product? View the product range in our catalogue or contact us for more information or a customised solution.
