What are the advantages of injection molding?
Custom Injection Molding for Aerospace Applications
Injection molding is a process where plastic is first added to a mold, and then the mold rotates continuously along two perpendicular axes while being heated. Under the influence of gravity and heat energy, the plastic inside the mold gradually and evenly coats, melts, and adheres to the entire surface of the mold cavity, forming the desired shape, which is then cooled and solidified.
Compared to traditional blow molding and injection molding processes, rotational molding has the following advantages:
1. Cost advantage: In rotational molding, the machine frame only needs to be strong enough to support the weight of the material, the mold, and the frame itself, and to provide the closing force to prevent material leakage. Furthermore, during the entire molding process, the material is subjected to almost no external force except for natural gravity, thus offering the advantages of convenient machine and mold manufacturing, short cycle time, and low cost.
2. Quality advantage: Because no internal stress is generated during the entire manufacturing process, products made with rotational molding have more stable quality and structure.
3. Flexibility and versatility: The ease of manufacturing and low cost of molds in rotational molding make it particularly suitable for multi-variety, small-batch production in new product development.
4. Personalized design advantage: Products made with rotational molding can easily be changed in color and can be made hollow (seamless and weldless). Surface treatments can achieve patterns, wood, stone, and metal effects, meeting the personalized needs of modern consumers.
Products manufactured using this process include: fuel tanks, water tanks, machine housings, fenders, etc. The main replacements are metal parts and fiberglass products.
Following for Aerospace Applications:
Injection molding is a process developed based on micro-manufacturing technologies such as LIGA, and there are many other methods as well. Plastics are playing an increasingly important role in the aerospace industry due to their ability to reduce weight and their enhanced material properties. They offer exceptional strength-to-weight ratios, stiffness, and flexibility and are highly resistant to corrosion, which prolongs the lifespan of components exposed to harsh environments. The use of plastics also allows for faster and more cost-effective manufacturing processes.
At HUIWEN Plastics, we understand the critical demands of the aerospace industry and proudly meet these challenges as an AS 9100 certified molder. We provide injection molded assemblies for applications including airplane interior components, exterior components like fairings and access panels, and engine components such as fuselage bodies. Engineering-grade resins used in aerospace applications include PC, PEEK, PPA, NYLON, and ULTEMTM.
