The material contains 100% USDA certified biobased content. Sulapac Solid has low carbon footprint2, and it is certified as industrially compostable by BPI3. It doesn’t leave persistent microplastics or toxic load behind4. Furthermore, the material is certified chemically recyclable by LOOPLA technology.

The electrical discharge machining (EDM) or spark erosion process has become widely used in mould making. As well as allowing the formation of shapes that are difficult to machine, the process allows pre-hardened moulds to be shaped so that no heat treatment is required. Changes to a hardened mould by conventional drilling and milling normally require annealing to soften the mould, followed by heat treatment to harden it again. EDM is a simple process in which a shaped electrode, usually made of copper or graphite, is very slowly lowered onto the mould surface over a period of many hours, which is immersed in paraffin oil (kerosene). A voltage applied between tool and mould causes spark erosion of the mould surface in the inverse shape of the electrode.[24]

Some moulds allow previously moulded parts to be reinserted to allow a new plastic layer to form around the first part. This is often referred to as overmoulding. This system can allow for production of one-piece tires and wheels.

1 Suitable for reusable applications as per European Commission regulation (EU) No 10/2011. Dishwashability tested according to EN 12875 standard with 20 washing cycles.

Sulapac Solid is a sustainable injection molding material ideal for kitchenware used on a daily basis, such as plates, mugs, bowls and containers. It has high impact strength and it is dishwasher1 and microwave safe. The material is available in natural, white and black color.

Tool steel is often used. Mild steel, aluminium, nickel or epoxy are suitable only for prototype or very short production runs.[1] Modern hard aluminium (7075 and 2024 alloys) with proper mould design, can easily make moulds capable of 100,000 or more part life with proper mould maintenance.[23]

The material has high density, good resistance to temperature fluctuations and a unique, ceramic look and feel, even sound. With Luxe both shiny or a matt surface can be achieved depending on your mold selection.

For a two-shot mould, two separate materials are incorporated into one part. This type of injection moulding is used to add a soft touch to knobs, to give a product multiple colours, or to produce a part with multiple performance characteristics.[5]

Sulapac Universal Flex 35 is a sustainable, beautiful, and functional injection molding material which contains 87% USDA certified bio-based content. The material is designed for thin-walled structures with good impact strength and is easy to process with minimal, if any adjustments needed for the existing machinery.

The amount of resin required to fill the sprue, runner and cavities of a mould comprises a "shot". Trapped air in the mould can escape through air vents that are ground into the parting line of the mould, or around ejector pins and slides that are slightly smaller than the holes retaining them. If the trapped air is not allowed to escape, it is compressed by the pressure of the incoming material and squeezed into the corners of the cavity, where it prevents filling and can also cause other defects. The air can even become so compressed that it ignites and burns the surrounding plastic material.[12]: 147

A mould is usually designed so that the moulded part reliably remains on the ejector (B) side of the mould when it opens, and draws the runner and the sprue out of the (A) side along with the parts. The part then falls freely when ejected from the (B) side. Tunnel gates, also known as submarine or mould gates, are located below the parting line or mould surface. An opening is machined into the surface of the mould on the parting line. The moulded part is cut (by the mould) from the runner system on ejection from the mould.[18]: 288  Ejector pins, also known as knockout pins, are circular pins placed in either half of the mould (usually the ejector half), which push the finished moulded product, or runner system out of a mould.[12]: 143 The ejection of the article using pins, sleeves, strippers, etc., may cause undesirable impressions or distortion, so care must be taken when designing the mould.

Specific instances include removing of parts from the mould immediately after the parts are created, as well as applying machine vision systems. A robot grips the part after the ejector pins have been extended to free the part from the mould. It then moves them into either a holding location or directly onto an inspection system. The choice depends upon the type of product, as well as the general layout of the manufacturing equipment. Vision systems mounted on robots have greatly enhanced quality control for insert moulded parts. A mobile robot can more precisely determine the placement accuracy of the metal component, and inspect faster than a human can.[32]

The standard method of cooling is passing a coolant (usually water) through a series of holes drilled through the mould plates and connected by hoses to form a continuous pathway. The coolant absorbs heat from the mould (which has absorbed heat from the hot plastic) and keeps the mould at a proper temperature to solidify the plastic at the most efficient rate.[12]: 86

3The compostability has been tested up to the thickness of 150μm according to BPI (ASTM D6400). As the compostability of an end product is also dependent on the geometry of product, it is the responsibility of the manufacturer of the end product to ensure compliance with the regulations.

As the number of cavities play a vital role in moulding costs, so does the complexity of the part's design. Complexity can be incorporated into many factors such as surface finishing, tolerance requirements, internal or external threads, fine detailing or the number of undercuts that may be incorporated.[25]

This bio-based (87%) material is safe for people and the planet: it is industrially compostable and biodegrades without leaving persistent microplastics behind1.

Moulds are built through two main methods: standard machining and EDM. Standard machining, in its conventional form, has historically been the method of building injection moulds. With technological developments, CNC machining became the predominant means of making more complex moulds with more accurate mould details in less time than traditional methods.

Replace your traditional plastic material and start mass-producing truly sustainable products with minimal investment. Universal material is designed to fit to existing production lines and molds. It is suitable for rigid products such as jars and hangers. Technical specification and easy processing instructions are available in the technical datasheet.

1 Sulapac materials within the same family of recipes show biodegradation of 26-60% at 140 days in the marine environment (30ºC / 86ºF) (ASTM D6691).

3 Fully biodegradable in simulated marine environment tests according to ISO 22403 and ASTM D6691. Relative biodegradation of 100% (ISO 22403, 27°C / 80°F) and 92% (ASTM D6691, 30°C / 86°F) in 56 days using natural sea water. Not considered biodegradable in California.

2Biodegradation of 79% in 308 days in the marine environment (30 °C / 86 °F) (ASTM D6691). Tested according to ASTM 5511 (accelerated biodegradation in the landfill 37°C / 99 °F): 52% relative biodegradation in 210 d. Not considered biodegradable in California.

Please note that if the end product needs to be resistant to high temperatures (HDT-B 130 °C)6, the minimum mold temperature is 100°C7.

To maximise the functionality of your end product, there’s a range of material grades you can choose from with different flexural and tensile properties, heat resistance and density. In terms of look & feel, you can opt for a natural appearance with large wood chips or a smooth polished surface, or something in between!

5 As the compostability of an end product is also dependent on the geometry of product, it is the responsibility of the manufacturer of the end product to ensure compliance with the regulations.

Sides of the part that appear parallel with the direction of draw (the axis of the cored position (hole) or insert is parallel to the up and down movement of the mould as it opens and closes)[18]: 406  are typically angled slightly, called draft, to ease release of the part from the mould. Insufficient draft can cause deformation or damage. The draft required for mould release is primarily dependent on the depth of the cavity; the deeper the cavity, the more draft necessary. Shrinkage must also be taken into account when determining the draft required.[18]: 332  If the skin is too thin, then the moulded part tends to shrink onto the cores that form while cooling and cling to those cores, or the part may warp, twist, blister or crack when the cavity is pulled away.[12]: 47

Injection moulding consists of the high pressure injection of the raw material into a mould, which shapes the polymer into the desired form.[3]: 14  Moulds can be of a single cavity or multiple cavities. In multiple cavity moulds, each cavity can be identical and form the same parts or can be unique and form multiple different geometries during a single cycle. Moulds are generally made from tool steels, but stainless steels and aluminium moulds are suitable for certain applications. Aluminium moulds are typically ill-suited for high volume production or parts with narrow dimensional tolerances, as they have inferior mechanical properties and are more prone to wear, damage, and deformation during the injection and clamping cycles; however, aluminium moulds are cost-effective in low-volume applications, as mould fabrication costs and time are considerably reduced.[1] Many steel moulds are designed to process well over a million parts during their lifetime and can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars to fabricate.

The number of cavities incorporated into a mould directly correlate in moulding costs. Fewer cavities require far less tooling work, so limiting the number of cavities lowers initial manufacturing costs to build an injection mould.

4Relative biodegradation of 77,3% in 420 days in simulated marine environment test (ASTM D6691 86 °F/30 °C) using natural sea water. Not considered biodegradable in California

Automation means that the smaller size of parts permits a mobile inspection system to examine multiple parts more quickly. In addition to mounting inspection systems on automatic devices, multiple-axis robots can remove parts from the mould and position them for further processes.[32]

Pre-moulded or machined components can be inserted into the cavity while the mould is open, allowing the material injected in the next cycle to form and solidify around them. This process is known as Insert moulding and allows single parts to contain multiple materials. This process is often used to create plastic parts with protruding metal screws so they can be fastened and unfastened repeatedly. This technique can also be used for In-mould labelling and film lids may also be attached to moulded plastic containers.

Sulapac Premium is made of wood chips from industrial side streams combined with biodegradable biopolymers. This 100% bio-based material biodegrades without leaving persistent microplastics behind1.

7 The heat resistance of the end product is dependent on the geometry and the manufacturing process of the product. It is the responsibility of the manufacturer of the end product to test and validate the maximum usage temperature and optimize the manufacturing process.

Our experts are happy to support you in choosing the right material. Contact our sales to discuss more or ask for a quote.

Sulapac® materials are the sustainable, beautiful, and functional alternative to conventional plastic. Start using Sulapac with your existing injection molding equipment and gain competitive advantage through sustainability and innovation.

Injection moulding is used to create many things such as wire spools, packaging, bottle caps, automotive parts and components, toys, pocket combs, some musical instruments (and parts of them), one-piece chairs and small tables, storage containers, mechanical parts (including gears), and most other plastic products available today. Injection moulding is the most common modern method of manufacturing plastic parts; it is ideal for producing high volumes of the same object.[2]

Sulapac Luxe Flex contains 73-86 % USDA certified biobased content1, sustainably sourced biodegradable biopolymers being the main raw material. Sulapac Luxe Flex is safe for people and planet2. It has been certified industrially compostable by TÜV Austria.3 The material is recyclable by design and can also be made with recycled content.4 Available as non-GMO; ask more from your account executive!

Traditionally, the injection portion of the moulding process was done at one constant pressure to fill and pack the cavity. This method, however, allowed for a large variation in dimensions from cycle-to-cycle. More commonly used now is scientific or decoupled moulding, a method pioneered by RJG Inc.[27][28][29] In this the injection of the plastic is "decoupled" into stages to allow better control of part dimensions and more cycle-to-cycle (commonly called shot-to-shot in the industry) consistency. First the cavity is filled to approximately 98% full using velocity (speed) control. Although the pressure should be sufficient to allow for the desired speed, pressure limitations during this stage are undesirable. Once the cavity is 98% full, the machine switches from velocity control to pressure control, where the cavity is "packed out" at a constant pressure, where sufficient velocity to reach desired pressures is required. This lets workers control part dimensions to within thousandths of an inch or better.[30]

Sulapac Luxe Flex is a sustainable material for injection molding ideal for replacing hard plastics like ABS. Luxe Flex can be used to manufacture fragrance caps, cosmetic jars, lids, compact powder boxes, and pencils, for example. The material is resistant to temperature fluctuations, has a high density and a premium look and feel, even sound. With Sulapac Luxe both shiny and matt surface can be achieved depending on your mold selection. The material has excellent processability and it is easy to color with Sulapac masterbatches. Luxe Flex is now also available as black granules!

1 Sulapac Universal Flex 30 meets the EU and US FDA requirements for food contact materials. Restrictions and specifications of use apply, please ask for Declaration of Compliance for further information.

Sulapac® materials are the sustainable, beautiful, and functional alternative to conventional plastic. Start using Sulapac with your existing injection molding equipment and gain competitive advantage through sustainability and innovation.

When filling a new or unfamiliar mould for the first time, where shot size for that mould is unknown, a technician/tool setter may perform a trial run before a full production run. They start with a small shot weight and fills gradually until the mould is 95 to 99% full. Once they achieve this, they apply a small amount of holding pressure and increase holding time until gate freeze off (solidification time) has occurred. Gate freeze off time can be determined by increasing the hold time, and then weighing the part. When the weight of the part does not change, the gate has frozen and no more material is injected into the part. Gate solidification time is important, as this determines cycle time and the quality and consistency of the product, which itself is an important issue in the economics of the production process.[31] Holding pressure is increased until the parts are free of sinks and part weight has been achieved.

4 Can be recycled through hydrolysis back to monomers, suitable as feedstock for recycled biopolymers. Mechanical and chemical recyclability tested and proven technically feasible by third parties. Field tests have also verified that Sulapac materials can be collected and sorted out of a mixed waste stream. When collected together, Sulapac materials do not interfere with the current mechanical recycling of conventional fossil-based or bio-based non-biodegradable plastics. The technology for chemical recycling of bio-based and biodegradable materials exists, but the infrastructure is still under development.

Most polymers, sometimes referred to as resins, may be used, including all thermoplastics, some thermosets, and some elastomers.[13] Since 1995, the total number of available materials for injection moulding has increased at a rate of 750 per year; there were approximately 18,000 materials available when that trend began.[14] Available materials include alloys or blends of previously developed materials, so product designers can choose the material with the best set of properties from a vast selection. Major criteria for selection of a material are the strength and function required for the final part, as well as the cost, but also each material has different parameters for moulding that must be taken into account.[12]: 6  Other considerations when choosing an injection moulding material include flexural modulus of elasticity, or the degree to which a material can be bent without damage, as well as heat deflection and water absorption.[15] Common polymers like epoxy and phenolic are examples of thermosetting plastics while nylon, polyethylene, and polystyrene are thermoplastic.[1]: 242  Until comparatively recently, plastic springs were not possible, but advances in polymer properties make them now quite practical. Applications include buckles for anchoring and disconnecting outdoor-equipment webbing.

Injection moulding machines consist of a material hopper, an injection ram or screw-type plunger, and a heating unit.[1]: 240  Also known as platens, they hold the moulds in which the components are shaped. Presses are rated by tonnage, which expresses the amount of clamping force that the machine can exert. This force keeps the mould closed during the injection process.[16] Tonnage can vary from less than 5 tons to over 9,000 tons, with the higher figures used in comparatively few manufacturing operations. The total clamp force needed is determined by the projected area of the part being moulded. This projected area is multiplied by a clamp force of from 1.8 to 7.2 tons for each square centimetre of the projected areas. As a rule of thumb, 4 or 5 tons/in2 can be used for most products. If the plastic material is very stiff, it requires more injection pressure to fill the mould, and thus more clamp tonnage to hold the mould closed.[12]: 43–44  The required force can also be determined by the material used and the size of the part. Larger parts require higher clamping force.[13]

Sulapac’s patent pending innovation is a perfect fit for cosmetic brands seeking for a sustainable packaging for water-based formulas. Used as the inner layer of a jar, it provides an excellent barrier against water evaporation and enables you to pack your emulsions in beautiful, bio-based and biodegradable Sulapac packaging. The weight loss of Sulapac Barrier in one year (demonstrated shelf life) is well below 3%1, which is the typically accepted maximum weight loss for cosmetic packaging.

Like all industrial processes, injection molding can produce flawed parts, even in toys. In the field of injection moulding, troubleshooting is often performed by examining defective parts for specific defects and addressing these defects with the design of the mould or the characteristics of the process itself. Trials are often performed before full production runs in an effort to predict defects and determine the appropriate specifications to use in the injection process.[3]: 180

2 Sulapac materials within the same family of recipes show biodegradation of 57,6% at 462 days in the marine environment (30ºC / 86ºF) (ASTM D6691), 28% at 153 days when tested according to ASTM 5511 (99 ºF) accelerated biodegradation in the landfill.

Further details, such as undercuts, or any feature that needs additional tooling, increases mould cost. Surface finish of the core and cavity of moulds further influences cost.

Although most injection moulding processes are covered by the conventional process description above, there are several important moulding variations including, but not limited to:

Two-shot, double-shot or multi-shot moulds are designed to "overmould" within a single moulding cycle and must be processed on specialised injection moulding machines with two or more injection units. This process is actually an injection moulding process performed twice and therefore can allow only for a much smaller margin of error. In the first step, the base colour material is moulded into a basic shape, which contains spaces for the second shot. Then the second material, a different colour, is injection-moulded into those spaces. Pushbuttons and keys, for instance, made by this process have markings that cannot wear off, and remain legible with heavy use.[12]: 174

Since moulds have been expensive to manufacture, they were usually only used in mass production where thousands of parts were being produced. Typical moulds are constructed from hardened steel, pre-hardened steel, aluminium, and/or beryllium-copper alloy.[17]: 176  The choice of material for the mold is not only based on cost considerations, but also has a lot to do with the product life cycle. Generally speaking, those who have matured, the need for mass production of the product selection of materials will be better, and hope that the mold circle time the larger the better so that the total cost will be reduced. For those who have just developed, not very mature, just want to produce a small-scale market test products, the choice of material is often some lower cost of aluminum alloy and so on. These mould called rapid tooling. In general, steel moulds cost more to construct, but their longer lifespan offsets the higher initial cost over a higher number of parts made before wearing out. Pre-hardened steel moulds are less wear-resistant and are used for lower volume requirements or larger components; their typical steel hardness is 38–45 on the Rockwell-C scale. Hardened steel moulds are heat treated after machining; these are by far superior in terms of wear resistance and lifespan. Typical hardness ranges between 50 and 60 Rockwell-C (HRC). Aluminium moulds can cost substantially less, and when designed and machined with modern computerised equipment can be economical for moulding tens or even hundreds of thousands of parts. Beryllium copper is used in areas of the mould that require fast heat removal or areas that see the most shear heat generated.[17]: 176  The moulds can be manufactured either by CNC machining or by using electrical discharge machining processes.

The Universal Flex 30 is ideal for single-use and reusable cutlery that ensures easy mass-manufacturing and outstanding usability. Beautiful and sustainable option for injection molding. Ideal flexural strain and impact strength for complicated designs like knives and forks. Suitable for food contact according to EU and FDA.1

For thermosets, typically two different chemical components are injected into the barrel. These components immediately begin irreversible chemical reactions that eventually crosslinks the material into a single connected network of molecules. As the chemical reaction occurs, the two fluid components permanently transform into a viscoelastic solid.[3]: 3  Solidification in the injection barrel and screw can be problematic and have financial repercussions; therefore, minimising the thermoset curing within the barrel is vital. This typically means that the residence time and temperature of the chemical precursors are minimised in the injection unit. The residence time can be reduced by minimising the barrel's volume capacity and by maximising the cycle times. These factors have led to the use of a thermally isolated, cold injection unit that injects the reacting chemicals into a thermally isolated hot mould, which increases the rate of chemical reactions and results in shorter time required to achieve a solidified thermoset component. After the part has solidified, valves close to isolate the injection system and chemical precursors, and the mould opens to eject the moulded parts. Then, the mould closes and the process repeats.

3  Raw materials fulfil the requirements for heavy metal tresholds and ecotoxicity according to EN13432 and ASTM D6400.The material complies with the EU and US FDA food contact requirements (restrictions and specifications of use apply, further information in Declaration of Compliance).

1Biodegradation of 48%–59% in 280 days in the marine environment (30ºC/86ºF) (ASTM D6691). Tested also according to ASTM 5511 (accelerated biodegradation in the landfill, 37ºC/99ºF): 68% relative biodegradation in 160 days. Not considered degradable in California.

The German chemists Arthur Eichengrün and Theodore Becker invented the first soluble forms of cellulose acetate in 1903, which was much less flammable than cellulose nitrate.[8] It was eventually made available in a powder form from which it was readily injection moulded. Arthur Eichengrün developed the first injection moulding press in 1919. In 1939, Arthur Eichengrün patented the injection moulding of plasticised cellulose acetate.

The plastic injection moulding industry has evolved over the years from producing combs and buttons to producing a vast array of products for many industries including automotive, medical, aerospace, consumer products, toys, plumbing, packaging, and construction.[12]: 1–2

To ease maintenance and venting, cavities and cores are divided into pieces, called inserts, and sub-assemblies, also called inserts, blocks, or chase blocks. By substituting interchangeable inserts, one mould may make several variations of the same part.

6Sulapac Solid has been tested for per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) by an independent laboratory (ISO/IEC 17025 certified) based on CEN/TS 15968 test method; No PFAS compounds were detected.

5Restrictions and specifications of use apply, please refer to the relevant Declaration of Compliance for further information.

1 Material version with USDA Certified Biobased Product label (certification mark of the U.S. Department of Agriculture) available.

Sulapac Luxe contains 73-87% USDA certified biobased content1, sustainably sourced biodegradable biopolymers and non-visible wood flour from industrial side streams being the main components. The material is safe for people and the planet: it leaves no persistent microplastic2 or toxic load3 behind. Sulapac Luxe is recyclable by design4 and can also be made with recycled content.

Sulapac Universal Heat 30 is safe for people and the planet: It is made of industrially compostable raw-materials and leaves no permanent microplastic2 or toxic load behind.

Sustainable innovation approach It all began with a desire. In 2018, LES EAUX DE CHANEL introduced a new olfactory world to the...

The Sulapac Premium material makes your products look and feel luxurious. The ceramic sound and visible wood chips’ haptic touch make it stand out. It is ideal for sustainable products that aim for an exclusive feel.

Injection moulding uses a special-purpose machine that has three parts: the injection unit, the mould and the clamp. Parts to be injection-moulded must be very carefully designed to facilitate the moulding process; the material used for the part, the desired shape and features of the part, the material of the mould, and the properties of the moulding machine must all be taken into account. The versatility of injection moulding is facilitated by this breadth of design considerations and possibilities.

Replace conventional plastic with the beautiful, functional and sustainable Sulapac material. We will help you to make the switch smoothly.

Sulapac® materials can be used with existing injection molding machinery, enabling a resource efficient transition towards a cleaner future.

Moulds for highly precise and extremely small parts from micro injection molding requires extra care in the design stage, as material resins react differently compared to their full-sized counterparts where they must quickly fill these incredibly small spaces, which puts them under intense shear strains.[22]

Sulapac Universal Heat 30 is a sustainable, beautiful, and functional material for injection molding containing 70% USDA certified biobased content. The material is optimized for high heat resistance without additional or post-treatment, with ideal flexural strain and impact strength, making it a great option for single-use and reusable cutlery1 with outstanding usability.

Supplements that meet people’s unique needs In developed countries people have better living standards than ever before. A high standard of living has enabled people to focus on their health by using health apps and smart rings....

After a few years of working abroad in Paris and Tokyo, Rebecca Dufour Partanen embarked on a journey that would see her pivot for a...

Sulapac Universal Flex 35 is safe for both people and the planet: the material is certified as industrially compostable by BPI1 and leaves no persistent microplastics2 or toxic load behind. Universal Flex 35 meets the EU and US FDA requirements for food contact materials for dry food3 .

Manufacturers go to great lengths to protect custom moulds due to their high average costs. The perfect temperature and humidity level is maintained to ensure the longest possible lifespan for each custom mould. Custom moulds, such as those used for rubber injection moulding, are stored in temperature and humidity controlled environments to prevent warping.

The Sulapac Premium material makes your products look and feel luxurious. This grade of Premium is more flexible and has a better impact strength. The visible wood chips and haptic touch make it stand out. It is ideal for brands that value sustainability while aiming for that exclusive feel.

The unique combination of raw materials: responsibly sourced biodegradable biopolymers and naturally occurring clay minerals, gives Sulapac Solid its beautiful ceramic look and feel, even sound, that makes it stand out. Sulapac Solid meets the EU and FDA requirements for food contact materials5 and it contains zero PFAS6.

1The compostability has been tested up to the thickness of 1,48 mm. As the compostability of an end product is also dependent on the geometry of product, it is the responsibility of the manufacturer of the end product to ensure compliance with the regulations.

The mould consists of two primary components, the injection mould (A plate) and the ejector mould (B plate). These components are also referred to as moulder and mouldmaker. Plastic resin enters the mould through a sprue or gate in the injection mould; the sprue bushing is to seal tightly against the nozzle of the injection barrel of the moulding machine and to allow molten plastic to flow from the barrel into the mould, also known as the cavity.[12]: 141  The sprue bushing directs the molten plastic to the cavity images through channels that are machined into the faces of the A and B plates. These channels allow plastic to run along them, so they are referred to as runners.[12]: 142  The molten plastic flows through the runner and enters one or more specialised gates and into the cavity[18]: 15  geometry to form the desired part.

2 Ecotoxicity and threshold values for heavy metals tested according to EN 13432. The material complies with the EU and US FDA food contact requirements (restrictions and specifications of use apply, further information in Declaration of Compliance).

Injection moulding is a complex technology with possible production problems. They can be caused either by defects in the moulds, or more often by the moulding process itself.[3]: 47–85

When thermoplastics are moulded, typically pelletised raw material is fed through a hopper into a heated barrel with a reciprocating screw. Upon entrance to the barrel, the temperature increases and the Van der Waals forces that resist relative flow of individual chains are weakened as a result of increased space between molecules at higher thermal energy states. This process reduces its viscosity, which enables the polymer to flow with the driving force of the injection unit. The screw delivers the raw material forward, mixes and homogenises the thermal and viscous distributions of the polymer, and reduces the required heating time by mechanically shearing the material and adding a significant amount of frictional heating to the polymer. The material feeds forward through a check valve and collects at the front of the screw into a volume known as a shot. A shot is the volume of material that is used to fill the mould cavity, compensate for shrinkage, and provide a cushion (approximately 10% of the total shot volume, which remains in the barrel and prevents the screw from bottoming out) to transfer pressure from the screw to the mould cavity. When enough material has gathered, the material is forced at high pressure and velocity into the part forming cavity. The exact amount of shrinkage is a function of the resin being used, and can be relatively predictable.[4] To prevent spikes in pressure, the process normally uses a transfer position corresponding to a 95–98% full cavity where the screw shifts from a constant velocity to a constant pressure control. Often injection times are well under 1 second. Once the screw reaches the transfer position the packing pressure is applied, which completes mould filling and compensates for thermal shrinkage, which is quite high for thermoplastics relative to many other materials. The packing pressure is applied until the gate (cavity entrance) solidifies. Due to its small size, the gate is normally the first place to solidify through its entire thickness.[3]: 16  Once the gate solidifies, no more material can enter the cavity; accordingly, the screw reciprocates and acquires material for the next cycle while the material within the mould cools so that it can be ejected and be dimensionally stable. This cooling duration is dramatically reduced by the use of cooling lines circulating water or oil from an external temperature controller. Once the required temperature has been achieved, the mould opens and an array of pins, sleeves, strippers, etc. are driven forward to demould the article. Then, the mould closes and the process is repeated.

In some cases, multiple cavity tooling moulds a series of different parts in the same tool. Some toolmakers call these moulds family moulds, as all the parts are related—e.g., plastic model kits.[20]: 114

Injection moulding uses a ram or screw-type plunger to force molten plastic or rubber material into a mould cavity; this solidifies into a shape that has conformed to the contour of the mould. It is most commonly used to process both thermoplastic and thermosetting polymers, with the volume used of the former being considerably higher.[3]: 1–3  Thermoplastics are prevalent due to characteristics that make them highly suitable for injection moulding, such as ease of recycling, versatility for a wide variety of applications,[3]: 8–9  and ability to soften and flow on heating. Thermoplastics also have an element of safety over thermosets; if a thermosetting polymer is not ejected from the injection barrel in a timely manner, chemical crosslinking may occur causing the screw and check valves to seize and potentially damaging the injection moulding machine.[3]: 3

2 Biodegradation of 56,7% in 280 days in the marine environment ASTM D6691(86°F / 30°C). Not considered biodegradable in California.

Sulapac Barrier contains 98% USDA certified biobased content2 and biodegrades without leaving persistent microplastics3 or toxic load behind. The material is food contact compliant4 and certified industrially compostable by BPI5.

The sequence of events during the injection mould of a plastic part is called the injection moulding cycle. The cycle begins when the mould closes, followed by the injection of the polymer into the mould cavity. Once the cavity is filled, a holding pressure is maintained to compensate for material shrinkage. In the next step, the screw turns, feeding the next shot to the front screw. This causes the screw to retract as the next shot is prepared. Once the part is sufficiently cool, the mould opens and the part is ejected.[26]: 13

Rubber injection moulding process produces a high yield of durable products, making it the most efficient and cost-effective method of moulding. Consistent vulcanisation processes involving precise temperature control significantly reduces all waste material.

A parting line, sprue, gate marks, and ejector pin marks are usually present on the final part.[3]: 98  None of these features are typically desired, but are unavoidable due to the nature of the process. Gate marks occur at the gate that joins the melt-delivery channels (sprue and runner) to the part forming cavity. Parting line and ejector pin marks result from minute misalignments, wear, gaseous vents, clearances for adjacent parts in relative motion, and/or dimensional differences of the melting surfaces contacting the injected polymer. Dimensional differences can be attributed to non-uniform, pressure-induced deformation during injection, machining tolerances, and non-uniform thermal expansion and contraction of mould components, which experience rapid cycling during the injection, packing, cooling, and ejection phases of the process. Mould components are often designed with materials of various coefficients of thermal expansion. These factors cannot be simultaneously accounted for without astronomical increases in the cost of design, fabrication, processing, and quality monitoring. The skillful mould and part designer positions these aesthetic detriments in hidden areas if feasible.

The industry expanded rapidly in the 1940s because World War II created a huge demand for inexpensive, mass-produced products.[9] In 1946, American inventor James Watson Hendry built the first screw injection machine, which allowed much more precise control over the speed of injection and the quality of articles produced.[10] This machine also allowed material to be mixed before injection, so that coloured or recycled plastic could be added to virgin material and mixed thoroughly before being injected. In the 1970s, Hendry went on to develop the first gas-assisted injection moulding process, which permitted the production of complex, hollow articles that cooled quickly. This greatly improved design flexibility as well as the strength and finish of manufactured parts while reducing production time, cost, weight and waste. By 1979, plastic production overtook steel production, and by 1990, aluminium moulds were widely used in injection moulding.[11] Today, screw injection machines account for the vast majority of all injection machines.

3 Restrictions and specifications of use apply, please refer to relevant Declaration of Compliance for further information.

Injection moulding (U.S. spelling: injection molding) is a manufacturing process for producing parts by injecting molten material into a mould, or mold. Injection moulding can be performed with a host of materials mainly including metals (for which the process is called die-casting), glasses, elastomers, confections, and most commonly thermoplastic and thermosetting polymers. Material for the part is fed into a heated barrel, mixed (using a helical screw), and injected into a mould cavity, where it cools and hardens to the configuration of the cavity.[1]: 240  After a product is designed, usually by an industrial designer or an engineer, moulds are made by a mould-maker (or toolmaker) from metal, usually either steel or aluminium, and precision-machined to form the features of the desired part. Injection moulding is widely used for manufacturing a variety of parts, from the smallest components to entire body panels of cars. Advances in 3D printing technology, using photopolymers that do not melt during the injection moulding of some lower-temperature thermoplastics, can be used for some simple injection moulds.

Sulapac Luxe is the ultimate answer for brands looking for a sustainable yet luxurious replacement for hard plastics like ABS. Sulapac Luxe is ideal for fragrance bottle caps, jars, and lids.

To allow for removal of the moulded part from the mould, the mould features must not overhang one another in the direction that the mould opens, unless parts of the mould are designed to move from between such overhangs when the mould opens using components called Lifters.

Sulapac materials for injection molding are sustainable alternatives for PS, ABS, PC and PP. They can be used for various applications including cosmetic packaging, kitchenware, and cutlery.

2  Relative biodegradation of 49,7 % in 308 days in simulated marine environment test (ASTM D6691 86 °F / 30 °C) using natural sea water. Not considered biodegradable in California.

The power required for this process of injection moulding depends on many things and varies between materials used. Manufacturing Processes Reference Guide states that the power requirements depend on "a material's specific gravity, melting point, thermal conductivity, part size, and molding rate." Below is a table from page 243 of the same reference as previously mentioned that best illustrates the characteristics relevant to the power required for the most commonly used materials.

More complex parts are formed using more complex moulds. These may have sections called slides, that move into a cavity perpendicular to the draw direction, to form overhanging part features. When the mould is opened, the slides are pulled away from the plastic part by using stationary “angle pins” on the stationary mould half. These pins enter a slot in the slides and cause the slides to move backward when the moving half of the mould opens. The part is then ejected and the mould closes. The closing action of the mould causes the slides to move forward along the angle pins.[12]: 268

Relative biodegradation of 70% in 58 days when tested in simulated solid-state anaerobic condition (ASTM D5511, 37°C / 99 ºF) representing an accelerated biodegradation in a landfill.

1Material is suitable for repeated use as per European Commission regulation (EU) No 10/2011. Dishwashability tested according to EN 12875 standard with 125 washing cycles.

The material is processable with existing injection molding machinery. Our experts assist with the tests and production settings from mold selection to nozzle size.

4 Restrictions and specifications of use apply, please refer to the relevant Declaration of Compliance for further information.

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Usually, the plastic materials are formed in the shape of pellets or granules and sent from the raw material manufacturers in paper bags. With injection moulding, pre-dried granular plastic is fed by a forced ram from a hopper into a heated barrel. As the granules are slowly moved forward by a screw-type plunger, the plastic is forced into a heated chamber, where it is melted. As the plunger advances, the melted plastic is forced through a nozzle that rests against the mould, allowing it to enter the mould cavity through a gate and runner system. The mould remains cold so the plastic solidifies almost as soon as the mould is filled.[1]

3Restrictions and specifications of use apply, please refer to relevant Declaration of Compliance for further information.

The material is processable with existing injection molding machinery. Our experts assist with the tests and production settings from mold selection to nozzle size.

4  Can be recycled through hydrolysis back to monomers, suitable as feedstock for recycled biopolymers. Mechanical and chemical recyclability tested and proven technically feasible by third parties. Field tests have also verified that Sulapac materials can be collected and sorted out of a mixed waste stream. When collected together, Sulapac materials do not interfere with the current mechanical recycling of conventional fossil- based or bio-based non-biodegradable plastics. The technology for chemical recycling of bio-based and biodegradable materials exists, but the infrastructure is still under development.

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Tolerance depends on the dimensions of the part. An example of a standard tolerance for a 1-inch dimension of an LDPE part with 0.125 inch wall thickness is +/- 0.008 inch (0.2 mm).[18]: 446

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American inventor John Wesley Hyatt, together with his brother Isaiah, patented one of the first injection moulding machines in 1872.[7] This machine was relatively simple compared to machines in use today: it worked like a large hypodermic needle, using a plunger to inject plastic through a heated cylinder into a mould. The industry progressed slowly over the years, producing products such as collar stays, buttons, and hair combs(generally though, plastics, in its modern definition, are a more recent development c. 1950s).

Universal material is made of wood from side streams and biodegradable biopolymers. This 100% bio-based material biodegrades without leaving persistent microplastics behind1.

A mould can produce several copies of the same parts in a single "shot". The number of "impressions" in the mould of that part is often incorrectly referred to as cavitation. A tool with one impression is often called a single impression (cavity) mould.[19]: 398  A mould with two or more cavities of the same parts is usually called a multiple impression (cavity) mould. (Not to be confused with "Multi-shot moulding" {which is dealt with in the next section.})[19]: 262  Some extremely high production volume moulds (like those for bottle caps) can have over 128 cavities.

20,57 kg CO2 eq/kg based on cradle-to-gate LCA performed by an independent third-party consultancy (biogenic carbon included).