Each step or phase in the process of injection molding in California is short. The process involves using high pressure to inject a polymer into a form-shaping mold. The entire procedure lasts from just a few seconds to about two minutes. The four stages include clamping, injecting, cooling, and ejecting.
Clamping Phase
Before the mold can be injected with material, the halves must be closed using a clamp. Once the two pieces are clamped together, they are attached to the injecting machine. The clamps hold the halves together as the material is injected into the mold.
Injecting Phase
Plastic pellets are fed into the molding machine. They begin to melt as heat is applied. Injecting lasts until the mold is filled to about 95 to 99 percent. Since plastic constantly changes, it’s challenging to calculate the exact injection time.
Cooling Phase
Once the plastic has melted and filled the mold, it must cool. As it cools off, it will harden while taking the mold’s shape. It’s essential to note that it may shrink slightly during the cooling phase. The mold cannot be opened until the cooling period has finished. The cooling time will vary based on the mold’s wall thickness and the plastic’s thermodynamic properties.
Ejecting Phase
The final phase of injection molding in California is when the part is ejected from the machine using a specific ejection system. The mold opens, then the component is pushed out. It requires some force since the part shrinks and sticks to the mold. Once the piece is ejected, the mold will shut again to restart the process.
