What is Plastic Fabrication?
If you’re in any type of manufacturing industry, you know that sometimes, plastic molds are required to make various parts. But how are those made? Plastic fabrication is any process of designing, manufacturing, or assembly of products made from plastic or composites of plastics. Plastic fabrication tends to be more popular than working with glass or metal because there are more options for types of molds.
There are a few different types of plastic fabrication to choose from: CNC plastic machining, plastic injection molding, and plastic stamping & die-cutting. Keep reading to learn more about what a molded plastic manufacturer can engineer for you.
What Does a Molded Plastic Manufacturer Produce?
CNC Plastic Machining
Computer Numerical Control, or CNC machining, is the process of manufacturing machines controlling a certain operation rather than physical labor. CNC machining is typically used for very specific designs or operations. A molded plastic manufacturer can use CNC machining to produce a large volume of products with precision. The first step in the CNC plastic fabrication process is the initial design. The 3D design must be exact for the manufacturing computer to process it. Once the 3D design is uploaded, the computer can begin the production of the mold or composite.
Plastic Injection Molding
Plastic injection molding is the process of injecting a melted plastic component under high pressure into the cavity of a metal die to create a mold. The melted plastic is cooled rapidly to form a solid mold shape. The entire molding process can take anywhere from a few seconds to a few minutes. Almost any type of thermoforming resin can be used in an injection molding process. There are thousands of thermoforming resins to choose from, so you can select the type that’s right for your project.
Plastic Stamping & Die Cutting
Plastic stamping uses a high-speed punch press of varying tonnages. Each set of die helps the shape to be punched out from a strip of an extruded plastic sheet, or sometimes other non-metallic substances. Plastic stamping and die-cutting die-cutting allow a molded plastic manufacturer to produce very thin pieces of plastic. Items such as washers, gaskets, or other insulators are typically made through the plastic stamping process.
Benefits of CNC Plastic Fabrication
Although the results of plastic fabrication can vary depending on the type of plastic used, plastic fabrication is still very beneficial for manufacturing companies. Custom plastic fabrication near me can help optimize your projects while delivering quality plastic molds. Plastic manufacturers in Ohio can benefit from:
- Easy forming – Plastic has a low melting point and high malleability and therefore can be formed into basic shapes easily.
- Reduced finishing – Plastics can be colored before fabrication, unlike most metals. This eliminates the need for a post-treatment finishing process.
- Fast production – Plastic fabrication has quicker cycle times and turnover rates than metal fabrication.
- Lightweight – Plastics typically weigh significantly less than metal components
- Chemical-resistant – Plastics are less likely to be damaged by chemicals or chemical reactions such as rusting.
Leading Materials of Plastic Fabrication
Whether you’re in the plastic manufacturing industry or are trying to learn more on your own, it’s always a good idea to refresh your terminology. Below are the top 10 materials used by a molded plastic manufacturer during injection molding:
- Acrylic (PMMA)
- Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS)
- Nylon Polyamide (PA)
- Polycarbonate (PC)
- Polyethylene (PE)
- Polyoxymethylene (POM)
- Polypropylene (PP)
- Polystyrene (PS)
- Thermoplastic Elastomer (TPE)
- Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU)
Choosing a Molded Plastic Manufacturer
If you’re looking for custom plastic fabrication near me, consider plastic manufacturers in Ohio. Top-notch plastic fabrication engineers are ready to help you with your project or business. When you work with a molded plastic manufacturer, you’re guaranteed durable products, various customizable options, a quick turnaround, and more profitability. Contact a plastic fabrication manufacturer today!
