Injection molding is a process that was invented in the late 1800s, and it has come a long way since then. The first plastic injection molding machine was created in 1872 by John Wesley Hyatt, who was trying to find a way to make billiard balls without using ivory. Ivory was becoming increasingly expensive and difficult to obtain, so Hyatt came up with the idea of using a mold to create the balls from celluloid instead.

Because aliphatic polyesters are susceptible to hydrolysis at typical processing temperature, the products must be dried prior to molding.

ABOUT THE AUTHORS: Max Senechal is the chief commercial officer at CJ Biomaterials. He has more than 25 years’ experience in the chemical and material industries, with the last 13 years spent on the development of biomaterials at Metabolix, Ginkgo Bioworks, and CJ Biomaterials. Contact: (339) 999-2693; max.senechal@cj.net; cjbio.net.

Plastics Technology covers technical and business Information for Plastics Processors in Injection Molding, Extrusion, Blow Molding, Plastic Additives, Compounding, Plastic Materials, and Resin Pricing. About Us

Injection molding enables mass-producing plastic parts with consistency, detail, and efficiency. While a highly cost-effective process, developing an accurate budget requires evaluating numerous cost components. We’ll explore fixed and variable costs, quoting considerations, design strategies, tooling factors, and advice for minimizing overall expenditures without sacrificing part quality.

The Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS) has released final figures for NPE2024: The Plastics Show (May 6-10; Orlando) that officially make it the largest ever NPE in several key metrics.

In order to produce a high quality product, it is important to get rid of unnecessary features and simplify the design injection molding.

In this collection of articles, two of the industry’s foremost authorities on screw design — Jim Frankand and Mark Spalding — offer their sage advice on screw design...what works, what doesn’t, and what to look for when things start going wrong.

▪  Mold temperature: This directly affects the cycle times. At a mold temperature of 30℃, the cycle time for CA1180P PLA/aPHA blend is 20–35 sec. On the other hand, more than 100 sec of cycle time is required for high-temperature molding (110℃) typically used for crystallizing the PLA in-mold.

When it comes to the cost of a plastic injection mold, there is no definitive answer. The reason for this is because there are so many variables that can affect the price. Some of these variables include:

Estimating injection molding costs requires understanding the diverse factors comprising the total expenditures. Simplifying part geometries, standardizing tooling, and optimizing processes offer significant savings over a program lifespan. Collaboration between product developers and molders, combined with emerging technologies, ensures cost-effective, quality plastic part production.

In this collection of content, we provide expert advice on welding from some of the leading authorities in the field, with tips on such matters as controls, as well as insights on how to solve common problems in welding.

An overview on the use of chemical foaming agents (CFAs) to successfully foam single and multilayered rotational molding parts, this webinar will illustrate the multiple benefits rotational molders can achieve, including reducing resin consumption, decreasing part weight, enhancing wall thickness and improving structural rigidity. Agenda: Charging the mold Dosing ratios Venting Optimal decomposition temperatures, cycle times and drop times for drop box applications Cooling considerations

A core cavity approach to injection molding is a process whereby a mold is created with an inner core that forms the shape of the desired product. The molten plastic is then injected into the mold and allowed to cool, forming the product.

AIM Processing has parlayed small part molding expertise and aggressive automation, even for short run production, into a highly successful custom molding business.

More than four years on, there are aspects of the COVID-19 pandemic that linger in their impacts to the plastics market and are made visible in our annual survey.

Mike Sepe has authored more than 25 ANTEC papers and more than 250 articles illustrating the importance of this interdisciplanary approach. In this collection, we present some of his best work during the years he has been contributing for Plastics Technology Magazine.

This approach has several benefits over traditional injection molding methods, including increased accuracy and precision, as well as decreased production time and costs.

When it comes to injection molding, the design of self-mating parts is an important consideration. This is because self-mating parts must be able to fit together perfectly in order to function properly. Injection molding is a process that can create very precise parts, so it is important to take advantage of this when designing self-mating parts.

There are five specific areas that designers and manufacturers need to consider to realize the potential of these unique materials.

The steel,size and complexity of the mold will have the biggest impact on the price, but other factors like the material and the turnaround time can also affect the cost.

This month’s resin pricing report includes PT’s quarterly check-in on select engineering resins, including nylon 6 and 66.

It is also necessary to take into consideration how the plastic mold will be used. If it is for a one-time project, then a smaller size may be more cost effective. On the other hand, if the mold will be used multiple times, then a larger size may be necessary in order to avoid having to replace it frequently.

Exhibitors and presenters at the plastics show emphasized 3D printing as a complement and aid to more traditional production processes.

Learn about sustainable scrap reprocessing—this resource offers a deep dive into everything from granulator types and options, to service tips, videos and technical articles.

There are a few ways to eliminate undercuts, but the best way is to design the part so that it can be molded without them. This can be done by using symmetrical geometry, designing bigger draft angles into the part, or using core pins.

There are several reasons why a company might choose to modify a mold. In some cases, the original mold was not designed correctly and needs to be modified to fix the problem. Other times, a company may want to change the design of the part that is being produced.

When it comes to injection molding, there is no single “right” answer when it comes to finding the best value. However, there are a few tips and tricks that can help you save on injection molding costs. The first tip is to work with an experienced and reputable company. This will ensure that you get the best possible price for your project. The second tip is to be realistic about your project’s design and budget. Injection molding can be a complex and time-consuming process, so it’s important to have a clear understanding of your project’s requirements before getting started. By following these tips, you can be sure that you’re getting the best value for your injection molding project.

These polymers are also prone to chain scission at higher than nominal processing temperatures that can arise from excessive shear. These attributes call for processing temperatures below ~200°C. The injection speed and screw rpm must be moderate. High-shear regions such as flow through the gate must be appropriately addressed through gate design.

Discover how artifical intelligence is revolutionizing plastics processing. Hear from industry experts on the future impact of AI on your operations and envision a fully interconnected plant.

As the world increasingly moves away from traditional manufacturing methods, on-demand production is becoming a more popular option for businesses. Plastic molding is one area where on-demand production can be a great option for businesses. There are many benefits to choosing on-demand production for your plastic molding needs, including a reasonable price.

In the plastics industry,modifying and reusing molds is a common practice. It can be done with either new or existing molds and can save companies time and money.

Join Engel in exploring the future of battery molding technology. Discover advancements in thermoplastic composites for battery housings, innovative automation solutions and the latest in large-tonnage equipment designed for e-mobility — all with a focus on cost-efficient solutions. Agenda: Learn about cutting-edge thermoplastic composites for durable, sustainable and cost-efficient battery housings Explore advanced automation concepts for efficient and scalable production See the latest large-tonnage equipment and technology innovations for e-mobility solutions

Eunhye (Grace) Lee is the group manager of polymer application R&D at CJ Biomaterials. She has a Ph.D in polymer engineering from Osaka University and over 10 years’ experience in research on biopolymers. In particular, she has led application studies on biopolymers such as PLA, PHA, and PGA. She recently published several papers on the behavior of polymer properties and the use of biopolymers. Eunhye is currently conducting research on improving the physical properties of PHA biopolymers and compounds including tuning rates of biodegradability. Contact: (339) 999-2693; grace.lee@cj.net; cjbio.net.

Simpler molds with standardized, interchangeable parts cost substantially less. Partnering with an experienced mold maker is vital for optimizing these tradeoffs.

What are the basic building blocks of plastics and how do they affect the processing of that material and its potential applications in the real world? Meet the repeat unit.

Gifted with extraordinary technical know how and an authoritative yet plain English writing style, in this collection of articles Fattori offers his insights on a variety of molding-related topics that are bound to make your days on the production floor go a little bit better.

With all of these factors affecting the cost, it can be difficult to determine what is a “reasonable” price for a plastic injection mold. However, there are some general guidelines that can be followed.

In many cases, decreasing the discharge temperature will improve product quality and perhaps even boost rate. Here are ways to do it.

As a result, it can be regarded as an attractive alternative to petroleum-based plastics. (It should be noted that the value of aPHA is to work with PLA or other biopolymers that are brittle and rigid, where it can help improve their performance and quicken their rate of composting compared with PLA alone.)

aPHA is a type of biopolymer that belongs to the family of PHAs, which are biodegradable aliphatic polyesters produced by various microorganisms as a means of energy storage. Unlike other types of PHAs, aPHA is a non-crystalline or amorphous polymer, meaning that it lacks the highly ordered structure found in semi-crystalline polymers. In 2022, CJ Biomaterials commercialized Phact 1000P aPHA, which has several unique properties that make it a promising material for various applications.

technotrans says climate protection, energy efficiency and customization will be key discussion topics at PTXPO as it displays its protemp flow 6 ultrasonic eco and the teco cs 90t 9.1 TCUs.

The molder then factors in their production capabilities, overhead, and desired margins when preparing a detailed quote. Leave buffer for potential changes in the design process.

•  Improved flexibility and potential for living hinges in molded parts. Figure 3 shows the influence of aPHA addition on the modulus of PLA.

The size and complexity of the mold are perhaps the most important factors in determining its cost. A simple mold for a small object may only cost a few hundred dollars, while a more complex mold for a larger object could cost several thousand.

For example, its low glass-transition temperature (Tg) around -17℃ leads to high stability and elasticity at low temperatures, compared with semi-crystalline PHAs in the market. The high biodegradability of aPHA is also one of its most remarkable characteristics. It is certified to be biodegradable in various environments, including soil and marine, by microorganisms that can use it as a carbon source.

The two companies have agreed to collaborate on creating advanced products based on industry-leading Ingeo PLA and Phact PHA technologies to meet growing demand for sustainable materials across a broad  array of markets

Based on those performance features highlighted, it’s clear that blends of PLA and aPHA are useful biobased (100% bio-carbon) and compostable alternates to plastics such as ABS, PP, PS, HIPS and PET in many molding applications. These blends are also certified for food contact by the U.S. FDA.

When, how, what and why to automate — leading robotics suppliers and forward-thinking moldmakers will share their insights on automating manufacturing at collocated event.

This will minimize the potential for defects and improve the overall efficiency of the production process. There are a few key things to keep in mind when simplifying a design for injection molding:1. Remove any features that are not absolutely essential to the function or aesthetics of the final product.

Mold maintenance is critical, and with this collection of content we’ve bundled some of the very best advice we’ve published on repairing, maintaining, evaluating and even hanging molds on injection molding machines.

If the mold is made of a more expensive material like titanium, then the price will increase as well. Also, if the mold is being produced in large quantities, then it will be less expensive per unit. The lead time should also be considered.

Plastics Technology’s Tech Days is back! Every Tuesday in October, a series of five online presentations will be given by industry supplier around the following topics:  Injection Molding — New Technologies, Efficiencies Film Extrusion — New Technologies, Efficiencies Upstream/Downstream Operations Injection Molding — Sustainability Extrusion — Compounding Coming out of NPE2024, PT identified a variety of topics, technologies and trends that are driving and shaping the evolution of plastic products manufacturing — from recycling/recyclability and energy optimization to AI-based process control and automation implementation. PT Tech Days is designed to provide a robust, curated, accessible platform through which plastics professionals can explore these trends, have direct access to subject-matter experts and develop strategies for applying solutions in their operations.

This CW Tech Days virtual event will explore the technologies, materials and strategies used by composites manufacturers working in the evolving space market. Presentations from industry experts will emphasize the use of composite materials in applications requiring the weight savings, structural benefits and ability to withstand extreme temperatures that only composites can provide.

There are a few things to keep in mind when designing self-mating parts for injection molding. First, the part must be designed so that it can be easily removed from the mold. Second, the part must be designed so that it can be assembled and disassembled easily. Third, the part must be designed so that it can mate with other parts without any gaps or other problems.

After successfully introducing a combined conference for moldmakers and injection molders in 2022, Plastics Technology and MoldMaking Technology are once again joining forces for a tooling/molding two-for-one.

The mold constitutes a significant upfront fixed cost, so minimizing its expense is crucial. Factors influencing mold costs include:

To date, CJ Biomaterials has introduced two compounds for injection molding, CA1180P and CA1170P, which are based on PLA and aPHA along with a small amount of mineral filler. Their cost and performance are differentiated by the content of aPHA and mineral filler. The spider chart  (Fig. 4) demonstrates the performance of CA1180P relative to a standard PLA injection molding grade. It is evident that CA1180P, which is 100% biobased and compostable, has significantly higher impact strength and elongation relative to PLA alone, while only a modest decrease in strength is evident.

The optimal hold time is the time that it takes the gate to seal off, at which point the weight of the part does not increase with further holding. For PLA/aPHA blends, hold times of 3–10 sec are common; longer hold times can be used for more complex parts. Sink marks and voids in the part indicate insufficient hold time.

▪  Cooling time:  This should be long enough that the part ejectors do not penetrate the part. The part should not stick in the cavity and eject freely. The cooling requirements of a part are strongly dependent on its wall thickness. It is recommended to start long — e.g., 15–30 sec — to  ensure the part can be ejected, and then gradually reduce the cooling time when the cycle is running. At a minimum, the cooling time will be equal to the screw recovery time.

To develop the ultimate physical and appearance properties of PLA/aPHA blends, the material should be processed at the maximum allowable melt temperature without excessive thermal degradation. It should be injected at slow speed, packed at the minimum pressure required to fill out the mold details, and packed long enough until the gate freezes.

In general, small and simple molds can start at around $1,000, while larger and more complex molds can cost tens of thousands of dollars. The price of the mold is just a small part of the overall cost of manufacturing a product though. It is important to factor in the cost of materials, labor, packaging, and shipping when determining the final price of a product.

Join this webinar to explore the transformative benefits of retrofitting your existing injection molding machines (IMMs). Engel will guide you through upgrading your equipment to enhance monitoring, control and adaptability — all while integrating digital technologies. You'll learn about the latest trends in IMM retrofitting (including Euromap interfaces and plasticizing retrofits) and discover how to future-proof your machines for a competitive edge. With insights from industry experts, it'll walk you through the decision-making process, ensuring you make informed choices that drive your business forward. Agenda: Maximize the value of your current IMMs through strategic retrofitting Learn how to integrate digital technologies to enhance monitoring and control Explore the benefits of Euromap interfaces and plasticizing retrofits Understand how retrofitting can help meet new product demands and improve adaptability Discover how Engel can support your retrofitting needs, from free consultations to execution

When considering the size of a plastic mold, it is important to take into account the reasonable price for the project. Depending on the desired outcome, the size of the mold may need to be changed in order to accommodate for different parts.

Generally, the cost of a plastic injection mold starts at around $3,000. This is for a simple mold that is relatively small and does not have any intricate designs. If the mold is larger or more complex, the price will increase.

Addition of aPHA to PLA improves impact strength and ductility at room temperature. (The two different curves represent two different lots of aPHA.)

One reason why the cost of a plastic injection mold has decreased is because of advancements in technology. In the past, molds had to be built by hand which was very time consuming and expensive. Today, molds can be built using CNC machines which are much faster and less expensive.

Take a deep dive into all of the various aspects of part quoting to ensure you’ve got all the bases—as in costs—covered before preparing your customer’s quote for services.

FDA listing clears the way for CJ Biomaterials’ amorphous polyhydroxyalkanoate to be used in the manufacture of food contact materials sold in the U.S.

Sustainability continues to dominate new additives technology, but upping performance is also evident. Most of the new additives have been targeted to commodity resins and particularly polyolefins.

•  Faster PLA industrial composting. As shown in Fig. 1, blending 10% aPHA with PLA permits composting times about 30 days faster.

While prices moved up for three of the five commodity resins, there was potential for a flat trajectory for the rest of the third quarter.

Ultradent's entry of its Umbrella cheek retractor took home the awards for Technical Sophistication and Achievement in Economics and Efficiency at PTXPO.

Join KraussMaffei for an insightful webinar designed for industry professionals, engineers and anyone interested in the manufacturing processes of PVC pipes. This session will provide a comprehensive understanding of the technology behind the production of high-quality PVC pipes: from raw material preparation to final product testing. Agenda: Introduction to PVC extrusion: overview of the basic principles of PVC pipe extrusion — including the process of melting and shaping PVC resin into pipe forms Equipment and machinery: detailed explanation of the key equipment involved — such as extruders, dies and cooling systems — and their roles in the extrusion process Process parameters: insight into the critical process parameters like temperature, pressure and cooling rates that influence the quality and consistency of the final PVC pipes Energy efficiency: examination of ways to save material and energy use when extruding PVC pipe products

While the major correction in PP prices was finally underway, generally stable pricing was anticipated for the other four commodity resins.

Adding aPHA to PLA can boost a range of mechanical properties and expedite composting. Here are the details as well as processing guidelines for injection molding the blends.

In a time where sustainability is no longer just a buzzword, the food and beverage packaging industry is required to be at the forefront of this innovation. By adopting circular packaging processes and solutions, producers can meet regulatory requirements while also satisfying consumer demand and enhancing brand reputation. Join Husky to learn more about the broader implications of the circular economy — as well as how leading brands are leveraging this opportunity to reduce costs, increase design flexibility and boost product differentiation. Agenda: The cost and operational benefits of embracing circularity Key materials in circular packaging — including rPET and emerging bioplastics How to design a circular food and beverage package Strategies for selecting sustainable closures to future-proof packaging solutions Optimization and streamlining of production processes for enhanced efficiency How Husky Technologies can enable your sustainable success

The cost of a plastic injection mold is mainly driven by the part geometry, the material being molded, and the complexity of the mold.

Join Wittmann for an engaging webinar on the transformative impact of manufacturing execution systems (MES) in the plastic injection molding industry. Discover how MES enhances production efficiency, quality control and real-time monitoring while also reducing downtime. It will explore the integration of MES with existing systems, emphasizing compliance and traceability for automotive and medical sectors. Learn about the latest advancements in IoT and AI technologies and how they drive innovation and continuous improvement in MES. Agenda: Overview of MES benefits What is MES? Definition, role and brief history Historical perspective and evolution Longevity and analytics Connectivity: importance, standards and integration Advantages of MES: efficiency, real-time data, traceability and cost savings Emerging technologies: IoT and AI in MES

Second quarter started with price hikes in PE and the four volume engineering resins, but relatively stable pricing was largely expected by the quarter’s end.

This 1-day technical conference and exhibition showcases innovative developments in materials, processing and equipment for the additive manufacturing industry. This conference is specifically designed to inform, update and educate plastic processors about implementing new additive manufacturing technologies. Hear technical presentations on the newest advances in additive manufacturing related to: design, materials development, processing equipment and enabling technologies, new applications and more. See exhibits from engineering plastic suppliers, compounders, molders, design and engineering firms and machinery suppliers. Experts will show you how to apply the latest technologies to your next project or program. The conference includes a full day of technical presentations, plenary and keynote presentations on business trends; breakfast, lunch and breaks; exhibits of advanced technologies and an evening networking reception.   Note: Additive Manufacturing Media executive editor Stephanie Hendrixson will moderate the Supporting AM Adoption in Northeast Ohio panel at 11:20 a.m.

Multiple speakers at Molding 2023 will address the ways simulation can impact material substitution decisions, process profitability and simplification of mold design.

Introduced by Zeiger and Spark Industries at the PTXPO, the nozzle is designed for maximum heat transfer and uniformity with a continuous taper for self cleaning.

As the years went by, and more companies began to specialize in mold building, the prices began to come down. Today, the cost of a plastic injection mold is much lower than it was in the past.

Formnext Chicago is an industrial additive manufacturing expo taking place April 8-10, 2025 at McCormick Place in Chicago, Illinois. Formnext Chicago is the second in a series of Formnext events in the U.S. being produced by Mesago Messe Frankfurt, AMT – The Association For Manufacturing Technology, and Gardner Business Media (our publisher).

Raj Krishnaswamy is v.p. of polymers R&D at CJ Biomaterials. He had over 20 years of polymers R&D experience at Chevron Phillips Chemical, Metabolix and Braskem prior to his current stint at CJ. Raj is a co-inventor on 50+ patents and a co-author on 40+ publications. He is a Fellow of the Society of Plastics Engineering (SPE), has been recognized with the Research/Technology lifetime achievement award by the SPE, and is an alumnus of the NAE Frontiers of Engineering.  Contact: (339) 999-2693; raj@krish.cj.net; cjbio.net.

Even small optimizations add up significantly over production lifetimes. An experienced molder provides valuable guidance.

Adding aPHA to PLA improves flexibility and potential for living hinges. (The two different curves represent two different lots of aPHA.) CA1180P,

The price of a multi-cavity mold can vary depending on the size and complexity of the mold. However, in general,multi-cavity molds are more expensive than single-cavity molds.

There are several benefits to choosing an on-demand production option for your plastic mold needs. Perhaps the most obvious benefit is that it allows you to only produce what you need, when you need it. This can help save on costs associated with inventory and storage. Additionally, on-demand production can help reduce lead times and improve flexibility in your supply chain.

▪  Holding pressures and time:  The second-stage injection pressure (i.e., holding pressure) should be just enough to fill the last 1% to 5% of the part and maintain a full part as it cools and shrinks in the cavity. For PLA/aPHA blends, holding pressure is typically 15% to 30% of the first-stage peak injection pressure and should start low and increase gradually until the part fills but does not flash.

The cost of a plastic injection mold has changed significantly over time. In the early days of injection molding, the price of a mold was very high. This was due to the fact that the process was new and there were not many companies that knew how to build molds.

Plastics Technology Top Shops Benchmarking Survey provided both unanimous responses and divided results, but pervasive throughout is the sense of an industry still grappling with the aftermath of 2020’s global pandemic.

This Knowledge Center provides an overview of the considerations needed to understand the purchase, operation, and maintenance of a process cooling system.

Ultimately, the decision of what size plastic mold to use should be based on what is most likely to produce the desired results at a reasonable price. Taking into account all of these factors will help ensure that the final product is exactly what is needed.

In this collection, which is part one of a series representing some of John’s finest work, we present you with five articles that we think you will refer to time and again as you look to solve problems, cut cycle times and improve the quality of the parts you mold.

Biopolymers such as polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) and polylactic acid (PLA) are versatile, compostable and biocompatible materials derived from natural resources such as corn, sugar beets and potato starch, and are excellent candidates for producing commercially compostable packaging materials. PLA adoption has grown significantly in recent years, but some drawbacks — including low elongation at break and brittleness in comparison with traditional petroleum-based polymers — have limited the range of applications in which it is employed.

▪  Warping and shrinkage: PLA/aPHA blends have a relatively high coefficient of thermal expansion, which can cause warping and shrinkage of the parts during the cooling phase of injection molding. To minimize this, it is critical to use proper cooling methods, such as uniform cooling across the mold surface and adequate cooling time. And a slower than normal injection speed and additional holding pressure can help fill the part without much shrinkage and flash.

Despite price increase nominations going into second quarter, it appeared there was potential for generally flat pricing with the exception of a major downward correction for PP.

CA1180P can be processed on conventional electric and hydraulic reciprocating-screw injection molding machines. General process conditions are similar to those of PLA. Hydrolysis, thermal stability and warpage/shrinkage are among the factors that must be accounted for in molding both PLA and compounds of PLA with aPHA. Because aliphatic polyesters are susceptible to hydrolysis at typical processing temperature, the products must be dried prior to molding.

Mixed in among thought leaders from leading suppliers to injection molders and mold makers at the 2023 Molding and MoldMaking conferences will be molders and toolmakers themselves.

In this article we explore the use of amorphous polyhydroxyalkanoate (aPHA), which is commercially produced by CJ Biomaterials (a division of CJ CheilJedang), to improve the mechanical properties of brittle polymers such as PLA in injection molding applications. While modification of PLA is the focus here, a similar approach may be employed for a variety of other polymers used in molding applications.

If you’re looking for a way to save on production costs, you may want to consider using overmolding plastic mold. Overmolding is a process that allows you to mold two or more different materials together, which can help reduce waste and eliminate the need for separate assembly processes. Additionally, overmolding can improve the strength and durability of your products.

August 29-30 in Minneapolis all things injection molding and moldmaking will be happening at the Hyatt Regency — check out who’s speaking on what topics today.

•  Considerable impact toughening of PLA.  As shown in Fig. 2,  aPHA can enable PLA to transition from a brittle polymer to a ductile polymer.

Mold costs can vary greatly, depending on a number of factors. A plastic mold can cost anywhere from $1,000 to $10,000. The exact cost depends on a number of factors, including the size and complexity of the mold, the material it is made from, and the company that makes it.

On-demand production can save businesses money in the long run by reducing inventory costs and eliminating the delivery time. In addition, on-demand production can help businesses respond quickly to changes in customer demand.

Demand for bioresins is growing in molded goods, particularly as a sustainability play to replace fossil-fuel based materials, but these materials are not a drop-in replacement for traditional materials. Molds and hot runners need to be optimized for these materials.

Injection molding undercuts can be a difficult and costly problem to fix. They are caused by the mold not being able to release the part from the mold cavity. Undercuts can also lead to the material not flowing properly into the mold cavity.

In this three-part collection, veteran molder and moldmaker Jim Fattori brings to bear his 40+ years of on-the-job experience and provides molders his “from the trenches” perspective on on the why, where and how of venting injection molds. Take the trial-and-error out of the molding venting process.

A sit-down with bioplastic producer Danimer Scientific showed me there are more possible answers to that question than I had previously thought.

Resin drying is a crucial, but often-misunderstood area. This collection includes details on why and what you need to dry, how to specify a dryer, and best practices.

The cost of injection mold can vary based on a number of factors, but the median cost is around $3,000. The price range can be as low as $1,000 or as high as $10,000, so it’s important to get quotes from multiple companies before making a decision.

Understanding how to accurately estimate and minimize injection molding costs is key for creating viable, cost-optimized plastic products. This comprehensive guide covers the factors comprising total molding costs and advice for effective budgeting.

Using a multi-cavity mold can be more expensive than using a single-cavity mold, but it can also be faster and more efficient. If you need a large number of parts, or if your part is complex and has many features, a multi-cavity mold may be the best option.

The steel material the mold is made from also plays a role in its cost. Molds can be made from various metals, plastics, or even composites. Molds are generally more expensive when made of more expensive steel, like S136, which costs three times as much as P20.

Currier Plastics had a major stake in small hotel amenity bottles until state legislators banned them. Here’s how Currier adapted to that challenge.

Thousands of people visit our Supplier Guide every day to source equipment and materials. Get in front of them with a free company profile.

Across all process types, sustainability was a big theme at NPE2024. But there was plenty to see in automation and artificial intelligence as well.

Finally, the company that makes the mold can also affect its cost. Typically, an experienced manufacturer that makes molds for many industries and types of products will have experience and be able to make the mold in less time, which can bring down your cost.