From cell phone cases to dashboards and aerospace parts to garbage cans, plastic injection molding is used to manufacture all products. But is this process right for your manufacturing needs?
This article will discuss how this manufacturing process applies to a growing range of industries and applications.
What industries use plastic injection molding?
Plastic injection molding is a process for producing high-quality precision parts by injecting molten polymers into a mold. Since the molds are custom-made, the resulting components can meet the exact specifications of every client. That means plastic injection molding works in the development of products of all sizes, shapes, and materials.
Here is an overview of some of the industries that this type of precision manufacturing.
Consumer electronics. The manufacture of today’s consumer electronics relies heavily on plastic components.
Plastic injection molding is widely used for the casings within electronics. Since plastic casing is resistant to moisture and dust, it provides a high level of protection and helps extend the performance of electronic devices.
Electronics, including cell phones, tablets, laptops, and PCs, also include durable internal plastic components that have been injection molded to exact specifications.
Healthcare industry. Plastic injection molding also is widely used for medical purposes. The manufacturing process offers high quality and precision for the plastic parts typically used in test kits, X-ray equipment, and pharmaceutical supplies.
Food and beverage industry. Plastic injection molding also is used to create many products and parts for the foodservice industry. These items include beverage bottles and caps, cups, lids, food containers, filtering components, and conveyor system parts. Experienced manufacturers ensure strict compliance with sanitation and health regulations for consumer safety.
Automotive industry. Cars and trucks are made with lightweight yet durable plastic injected components that enable streamlined production. Examples include light housings, sensor holders, mudguards, floor rails, cup holders, trunk trims, door panels, door handles, wheel arches, and grilles.
Agriculture. Plastic injection molded products and parts offer resistance to ultraviolet light, heat, humidity, and impact. These factors make the process a good fit for the agriculture industry. The process is used for everything from feeding troughs to harvesting components.
Household products industry. Plastic injection molded products can be found throughout the modern home. From food containers and drinkware in the kitchen to toilet seats in the bathroom to outdoor furniture and barbecue accessories on the patio, plastic injection molded items make life easier for today’s consumer.
Communications. The communications industry utilizes fiber optic cables to transmit data and information throughout the world. Many plastic injection molding manufacturers supply communications companies with adapters, cable coverings, plastic attachments, and other parts to develop and maintain reliable connectivity.
Transportation. Plastic injection molding is critical to supplying parts that keep our supply chain moving. You’ll find plastic injection molded parts on container ships, jumbo jets, and tractor-trailers. Lightweight yet durable, these parts help transportation companies keep weights low and efficiency high.
Construction. Plastic injection molded parts are critical to the many parts and equipment that are integral to the building trade. Companies can design intricate components for specific applications, and the durable parts are found in many fasteners, accessories, and hand tools.
Why should you use plastic injection molding?
As you can see, plastic injection molding is used in a wide range of industries. The chances are good that your business falls into one or more of the previous categories.
What do parts manufactured through plastic injection molding have in common? Here are some of the crucial characteristics they share:
- • design and application flexibility
- variety of colors and textures
- high tensile strength
- temperature resistance
- efficient production
All these factors add up to the significant advantage of using plastic injection molding as your company’s manufacturing process – the ability to produce a large number of parts for a lower cost.
At All Service Plastic Molding, Inc. (ASPM), we specialize in complex plastic parts and assemblies. To learn more about how plastic injection molding can work for your business, contact the experts at ASPM today.
