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2K, Two-shot, and Overmolding - 2 shot overmolding

Author:gly    Date: 2024-10-15    

A wide range of thermoplastic and thermosetting polymers are used in plastic injection molding. Thermoplastics, like polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), and polystyrene (PS), are popular due to their versatility and recyclability. They can be melted and molded repeatedly without altering their fundamental properties. Thermosetting plastics, such as epoxy and phenolic resins, harden permanently after being heated, making them suitable for high-heat applications. The choice of material depends on the intended use of the final product, cost considerations, and specific property requirements like strength, flexibility, or heat resistance.

Relying on our experience in hands-on production, our engineers can help you in your process and in product development. HSV TMP is a specialist in injection moulding of large plastic products.

The field of plastic injection molding is constantly evolving, driven by technological advancements. Automation is playing an increasingly prominent role, with robotic arms and automated systems being integrated to increase efficiency and precision.

Additive manufacturing, commonly known as 3D printing, is also influencing injection molding. It offers new possibilities in mold design, allowing for the creation of molds with complex geometries that were previously challenging or too costly to produce.

Once the plasticising is complete, the dosing takes place. In this phase, the correct quantity of molten plastic is measured in the screw, so that the correct quantity can be injected into the mould via the injection nozzles.

Plastic injection molding is a manufacturing process used to produce parts by injecting molten plastic material into a mold.

Another significant advancement is the development of smart molds equipped with sensors. These sensors provide real-time data on parameters like temperature and pressure, enabling better control and optimization of the molding process.

If you choose HSV, you automatically opt for sustainable injection moulding of your plastic products, shaped components, housings and other plastic parts. HSV-TMP finds the most optimal solution for you, both in terms of minimising material use and optimising matrix investments, assembly  and logistical solutions that will save you time and money. In addition, we use sustainable energy, generated from solar collectors, for the production and assembly of your product, and incorporate recycled materials wherever possible. More about CSR at HSV-TMP.

Are you looking for a partner who can support you with the development of your plastic products due to practical experience? At HSV TMP we have decades of experience in the development of plastic components and a wealth of knowledge when it comes to the materials and techniques required.

Various factors are used to determine the costs of injection moulding your plastic product. In comparison to other plastic production technologies, the start-up costs are relatively high. However, a tool or mould has a very long service life and injection moulding is in fact much cheaper in relative terms for larger quantities. HSV can even give a shot guarantee of 1 million products. However, this depends on the type of plastic, the material used to build the mould, and the construction of the mould. To give you an example, we even have moulds in production that have lasted for more than 22 years and still meet the predefined quality requirements, dimensions and model.

The cooling process begins as soon as the liquid plastic is injected into the mould. The shrinkage that arises due to the transition from liquid cohesion to the solid phase is compensated by pressure holding and by injecting small quantities of plastic into the mould. The holding time and pressure level depend on factors including the dimensions of the shaped component. Pressure holding also compensates for the difference in volume that arises during the transition from liquid to solid material. The mould is fitted with piping, which is connected to a mould heating machine. This device continuously pumps liquid through the piping and supplies warm fluid during the start of the cycle and cooling during the cooling and pressure holding process.

HSV TMP is one of Europe’s leading companies when it comes to manufacturing large plastic products. At our factories in Ede and Leeuwarden we develop and produce innovative housings, fittings and other components for customers in a diverse range of sectors.

Looking to the future, sustainability will likely continue to be a significant trend in the industry. This might include increased use of recycled and bio-based materials, as well as continued efforts to reduce the energy consumption and carbon footprint of the molding process.

We are convinced that our customers not only work with us because of the products we supply, but also because of the way we do business. We have broken down this approach into 4 core values.

We have decades of experience and the production and logistics facilities you need to make your products. Combining our passion for injection moulded plastics with an in-company engineering department and smart technical solutions, we are delighted to use our extensive knowledge and experience to help you realise your product concepts, which we manufacture at our production locations in Ede and in Leeuwarden.

High Volume Production Capability: This process is ideal for high-volume production. With the capability to produce thousands or even millions of parts with the same mold, it is a cost-effective solution for large-scale manufacturing.

Plastic injection moulding involves melting plastic granules and injecting them into a production mould under high pressure. The molten plastic takes on the shape of the mould. After the plastic cools, the product or shaped component can be removed from the mould.

In this post, we will discuss five important aspects of plastic injection molding, providing insights into its workings, benefits, and challenges. This knowledge is vital for anyone involved in or interested in industrial manufacturing processes.

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The history of HSV Technical Moulded Parts (HSV TMP) can be traced back to the foundation of our sister company, HSV Moulded Foams. This company – like HSV TMP now a separate division of the HSV Group – started manufacturing EPS packaging at a production location in Ede in 1968.

Understanding the nuances of plastic injection molding is crucial in the realm of modern manufacturing. It not only offers insights into how various products are made but also reveals the challenges and opportunities within this ever-evolving field. As industries continue to adapt and innovate, plastic injection molding will undoubtedly remain a central process, shaping the way we create and think about manufactured goods.

Technological advancements such as automation, smart molds, and the integration of Industry 4.0 technologies are propelling the industry forward. Future trends suggest a continued focus on sustainability, material innovation, and the adoption of advanced data analytics.

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Another area of focus is the adoption of energy-efficient practices. The injection molding process traditionally consumes a significant amount of energy, primarily for heating the plastic and operating the machinery. Advances in technology have led to the development of more energy-efficient machines and processes that reduce energy consumption and lower the carbon footprint of production.

While offering numerous benefits, it’s also important to consider the initial costs, design restrictions, and material limitations that come with this manufacturing method. The environmental impact of plastic production and disposal remains a significant concern, leading to efforts towards sustainability through recycling, the use of biodegradable materials, and energy-efficient practices.

It begins with melting plastic pellets or granules until they are liquefied. This molten plastic is then injected at high pressure into a metal mold.

Air-conditioning systemsMachinery and equipment constructionElectronicsMedical & analyticalRenewable energyAgricultureInfrastructure

Proper design can minimize material usage, reduce cycle times, and prevent defects. It’s crucial to consider factors like wall thickness, rib design, and gate location during the design stage to optimize the molding process and the quality of the final product.

With 3D printing, designers can quickly create prototypes that closely mimic the properties of injection-molded parts. This enables the identification and rectification of design flaws early in the development process. Prototyping also provides a tangible model for functional testing, ergonomics evaluation, and stakeholder feedback, ultimately leading to a more optimized and successful final product design.

Efficiency and Speed: One of the most significant advantages of plastic injection molding is its ability to produce parts quickly. Once the mold is designed and created, the manufacturing process can produce a high volume of parts in a relatively short time. This efficiency is especially beneficial for large-scale production runs.

As these innovations and trends continue to unfold, they will shape the future landscape of plastic injection molding, driving efficiency, sustainability, and innovation in this crucial sector of manufacturing.

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Prototyping is a critical step in refining designs for injection molding. It allows for the testing and validation of design concepts before investing in expensive mold tooling. 3D printing, in particular, has revolutionized prototyping.

The production and disposal of plastic products have significant environmental implications. Plastic waste, particularly from single-use products, contributes to pollution and poses a threat to marine life and ecosystems. The production process itself can be resource-intensive, often involving the consumption of fossil fuels and the emission of greenhouse gases. These environmental concerns have brought a renewed focus on sustainability within the plastic injection molding industry.

During this phase, the dose is injected into the mould via the injection nozzles. The correct pressure and injection rate are set. These depend on the injection technology used, such as high-pressure injection moulding, thermoplastic injection moulding or cascade injection moulding, and factors such as technical specifications, material quantities, shape and size, etc. The injection moulding machine keeps the mould closed and the liquid plastic mixture fills the voids in the mould.

Every injection-moulded plastic product is unique. A cost estimate is based on various factors, such as product specifications, dimensions of the mould, production numbers, type of plastic and the injection moulding technique.

Initial Costs and Tooling: The initial cost of creating a mold for injection molding can be quite high. This includes the cost of design, material for the mold, and the machining process. Therefore, it’s more economical for large production runs where the initial investment can be spread over a larger number of parts.

In summary, plastic injection molding is a pivotal process in modern manufacturing, distinguished by its efficiency, versatility, and high-volume production capability. It involves injecting molten plastic into a mold to create diverse parts used in various industries. The process demands thoughtful design and prototyping to ensure the quality and functionality of the final product.

Are you working on the development of a product and do you want to test the feasibility of your ideas? Request the TMP Quickscan!

This method involves injecting molten plastic into a mold to create parts with precision and efficiency. The technique is notable for its ability to mass-produce items with consistency and high quality.

In addition, the rise of Industry 4.0 technologies, such as the Internet of Things (IoT) and Artificial Intelligence (AI), is leading to more connected and intelligent manufacturing environments. These technologies enable predictive maintenance, process optimization, and enhanced quality control.

Understanding plastic injection molding is crucial for professionals in manufacturing, design, and engineering. It’s a process that has implications for product development, cost management, and production efficiency.

HSV-TMP only works with mould technicians who can build durable and large-scale moulds and who use high-quality materials. Would you like more information or to request a quotation? Then use the button below: the design team is ready to help you.

HSV-TMP uses a gravimetric dosing system. A major benefit of this is that the plastic granulate, colour and any foaming agent can be mixed very precisely in the silo. This promotes constant quality in your product, shaped component or housing, because the material mix remains constant. Material enters the screw from the silo, where it is heated to become a homogeneous, liquid mass. By the time the mixture reaches the injection nozzles, it has reached the correct working temperature and is fully liquid. The machine now closes the mould. All moving parts in the mould that shape the product in accordance with the required specifications shift into the correct positions. The injection nozzles are pressed against the mould.

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Following the development process, the construction of the mould and approval of the FOT (first out of tool), production of your plastic product can begin. But how does the plastic injection moulding process work? You can read more information about the four main phases below.

Our clients already experience the benefits of our expertise at the beginning of the process. Our knowledge, the required materials and the sophisticated techniques, including high pressure injection moulding, structural foam moulding, Sequential injection moulding and Project+ technique are used to optimal effect by our design team, who will join forces with you to create the most ideal solution for your plastic product. Contact us and request a QuickScan.

Furthermore, the integration of advanced data analytics and machine learning could lead to more predictive and adaptive manufacturing processes. These technologies can analyze vast amounts of data to predict issues, optimize production, and even adapt to changing conditions in real-time.

Would you like to develop large plastic products or shaped components and have them injection-moulded? HSV TMP is a specialist in plastic injection moulding of large plastic products and your partner in developing and manufacturing large plastic products, housings, shaped components and other plastic parts.

By reusing post-consumer or post-industrial plastics, manufacturers can reduce waste and lower the demand for virgin materials. Additionally, there is an increasing use of biodegradable materials. These materials, derived from renewable sources, can break down naturally over time, mitigating the impact of plastic waste.

Once the product has cooled sufficiently, the mould opens, the product is ejected and the injection nozzles are disconnected. The injection moulding machine prepares a new quantity of material and the injection moulding cycle can begin again.

In response to environmental challenges, there are growing efforts to make plastic injection molding more sustainable. One of the key strategies is the recycling of plastic materials.

Once injected, the plastic cools and hardens, forming the desired part. The mold is then opened, and the part is ejected, ready for any further processing or finishing.

Design Restrictions: While injection molding allows for complexity in design, there are still limitations. For example, designs must accommodate the ejection of the part from the mold, and some intricate shapes might require complex and costly molds.

Material Limitations: Although there is a wide range of materials available, each material has its constraints, such as melting temperature, strength, and flexibility. Some specialized materials may also increase the cost or complexity of the manufacturing process.

Material science is expected to advance, with the development of new polymers that offer improved properties or are more environmentally friendly. There might also be a shift towards more localized production models, facilitated by advancements in automation and 3D printing, reducing the need for extensive global supply chains.

Versatility in Materials and Shapes: Plastic injection molding is compatible with a wide range of materials, including various thermoplastics and thermosetting polymers. This versatility allows manufacturers to choose materials based on the specific requirements of the product. Additionally, the process can produce complex shapes and designs, which might be challenging or impossible with other manufacturing methods.

Plastic injection molding is a widely used manufacturing process, essential for producing a variety of products in numerous industries.

Design plays a pivotal role in the success of plastic injection molding. A well-thought-out design not only ensures the functionality and aesthetics of the final product but also influences the efficiency of the manufacturing process.

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