Injection Molding

 

Injection molding is the principal method of forming thermoplastic materials. In injection molding, plastic material is put into a hopper which feeds into a heated injection unit. A reciprocating screw pushes the plastic through this long heating chamber, where the material is softened to a fluid state. At the end of this chamber there is a nozzle which abuts firmly against an opening into a cool, closed mold. The fluid plastic is forced at high pressure through this nozzle into the cold mold. A system of clamps hold the mold halves shut. As soon as the plastic cools to a solid state, the mold opens and the finished plastic is ejected from the press.

 

Blow Molding

 

Blow molding is a method of forming hollow articles, such as bottles, out of thermoplastic materials. Blow molding is a process of forming a molten tube of thermoplastic material, then with the use of compressed air, blowing up the tube to conform to the interior of a chilled blow mold.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Vacuum Forming

 

This process consists of heating thermoplastic sheet to a formable plastic state and then applying vacuum to shape it to the contours of a mold.