Plastic is man-made and there are a few different ways to make it. One of the most popular ways to make plastic is with liquid injection moulding, which is a cost-effective way to make high-quality, durable plastic.
How does this process work and what kind of plastic does it produce? Here is everything you need to know about liquid injection moulding.
Liquid injection moulding: the basics
Liquid injection moulding is a popular method that enables us to mould different materials into different products and components. This is different from the normal injection moulding process, as this system uses mechanical mixing rather than pressurised mixing.
This type of mixing is often used to produce small products, such as isolators, seals and O-rings. The system has to produce a large number of these products in a small amount of time, which is both time efficient and cost effective. It is also very useful for industries with uncertain demand, as it is possible to produce a large number of products quickly if demand increases.
This system can also be used to mould liquid silicone, which is commonly used to create insulators and conductors. Silicone is also widely used in medical equipment, such as syringe stoppers and flow control valves. If you want to learn more about silicone moulding, contact a specialist such as http://www.meadex.co.uk/silicone-mouldings to find out more.
How it works
This process begins by mixing a selection of plastic materials together, which is done using plungers. Normally, one plunger holds the plastic that is used to form the base of the material and the other will hold the catalyst. When the two are mixed together, a reaction is created.
This results in a liquid compound, which is injected into a mould to create a shape. The mould is sealed, as this means that every product is made precisely. This is very important for intricate designs.
This material then cools and hardens. Once it is completely hard, it will be removed from the seal and is ready to be used. It may also be painted or varnished, depending on the product.
This process may seem complex, but it is actually fairly simple and is an essential part of the modern world; after all, the vast majority of us use things every day that are shaped by liquid injection moulding.