Working with us means we will answer any questions you may have about injection molding. We’re one of the most trusted injection molding companies that will guide you through the process, so you understand how we can finish the project and deliver perfect results. No matter how large your orders may be, we’re ready to work with you to create an innovative design that fits your standards.

Polypropylene has to be dried at 80-90°C for not less than 2 hours to bring the moisture content to below 0.1% reduction in molding quality is achieved to avoid the formation of poor-quality products.

To ensure the best PP material and injection molding production, it is wise to seek advice from an experienced supplier. An experienced provider can provide recommendations on the most suitable PP plastic injection moldings for your product’s functional requirements and the final product’s appearance, ensuring a successful project.

Radii in the mold design also assists in reducing stress concentrations. So, it significantly impacts the life cycle of the part. The suggested radius should be at least twenty-five percent of the wall thickness. The radius of curvature should be 75% of the thickness of the wall which gives both the strength and the fine surface finish.

PP-H, or homopolypropylene is the most used type of polypropylene, characterized by high rigidity and strength as a result of crystalline structure. It is commonly employed in uses where the material will be exposed to a lot of force, as it is with containers, auto parts, and more. PP-H has good chemical and heat resistance hence; it is used in products such as buckets and other household utensils. However, it is less flexible and therefore not as effective in more flexible applications.

They are on the cutting edge with tooling, equipment and design capabilities. Their design review team provides excellent input; they are creative solution-finders and are very easy to work with. NPI delivers a timely response on product and a quick turn around on tools.

Nicolet Plastics is an award-winning plastic injection molding engineering company that provides full-service custom injection molding to customers, including the latest 3D metal printing technology for the tooling industry. So, we’re your trusted plastic injection mold manufacturer that strives to provide customers with the results they deserve.

When designing living hinges in polypropylene, it is good to work at a thickness of between 0.2 mm to 0.51 mm. For optimum performance, the radii should be wide and the hinge should have a flat shoulder. This design approach provides flexibility and strength to withstand the usage of the hinge when used several times.

They want to be involved in the entire process of your project so they can truly understand the objectives that need to be fulfilled. In my experience, it is rare to find a plastic injection molding company that has the combination of in-house tooling and molding that they do. The quality produced is phenomenal.

We’ve put together a basic glossary of terms to help customers better understand their project quote and molding technology options.

With our value added services, you can reduce labor and overhead, SKUs, and consolidate vendors. Spend more time doing what your company does best!

“We are very happy with your management & English communication, you are outstanding in issue solving and fast replier, frankly say you are  the best plastic mold maker and the molding company I have been working up to know”

Contact us now for all your plastic part needs, whether it’s a complex or simple design. We’ll guide you through the process – from concept to completion.

We stand behind the molds we source and run. Tools are guaranteed per the quoted cycles and receive the proper maintenance to ensure long term performance.

The first project I ever worked on with Nicolet Plastics, Inc. was in the mid 80’s, and since then the partnership has only grown stronger. Nicolet is willing to try anything to produce the results the client is looking for. They are on the cutting edge with tooling, equipment and design capabilities. Their design review team provides excellent input; they are creative solution-finders and are very easy to work with. NPI delivers a timely response on product and a quick turn around on tools. When challenged with difficult mold designs Nicolet is able to simplify the process, thereby reducing costs. Utilizing their in-house rapid prototype machine allows the toolmaker to better understand how the tool needs to be created. One quality control advantage that Nicolet provides for the customer is their storyboards, which detail the proper measurements and color specifications of each piece. Through this self-certification process, Nicolet offers customers the assurance of knowing that each piece is manufactured to exact specifications. I have come to expect that quality work will always be there. You don’t realize how good Nicolet is until you try to compare quality and price somewhere else. From the President of the company to the guys in shipping, the folks at Nicolet are host, hardworking and down to earth, some of the best people I’ve ever worked with.

A materials overview for common plastic mold materials. Compare relative cost, mechanical properties, molding characteristics, and more.

Speed of innovation is a great advantage in a competitive global market where getting ahead means reducing the costs behind the product.

All in one service for new product development from part design, PCB design, prototyping, testing, mold/die/tooling making, massive production, assembly, inspection, and packing.

In the consumer goods industry, polypropylene is preferred for its strength and the ability to be molded. PP is used in small appliances like blenders and hairdryers because it offers impact strength and ease of molding. Polypropylene is safe and durable and it is used often in injection molding toys. Furthermore, polypropylene’s durability is also used in household products such as bins for storage and utensils in the kitchen.

I have been working with Nicolet Plastics for 13 years and have never been disappointed. The people at Nicolet Plastics have a true open door policy, and extreme flexibility.

PP-R is a random copolymer polypropylene that contains only a small amount of ethylene, which increases its flexibility and impact strength. This makes PP-R suitable for use in piping systems, automotive parts, and any other consumer goods that are expected to have a long life cycle. Due to these properties, it is commonly used in hot and cold water pipes and containers where strength and flexibility are a requirement.

Polypropylene is widely used in food packaging since it is safe and has a longer lifespan. Take-out containers and food storage products such as cups and containers are made from PP foam for thermal insulation and protection. PP material is used in making plastic cups and bottles for beverages and food products since the material does not react with moisture or chemical substances.

PP-B is a block copolymer polypropylene that has a block structure with ethylene thus making it have better impact strength and elasticity compared to PP-A. This type is applied in the automobile industry, in the manufacturing of shockproof packaging material and other heavy-duty consumer products. The automotive sector and protective packaging industries are ideal for PP-B because of its flexibility and damping properties in stressed applications.

One of the most important types of packaging films is polypropylene films because of the strength and flexibility that they offer. The applications of BOPP (Biaxially Oriented Polypropylene) films are in packaging due to their high clarity, excellent mechanical properties, and moisture and oxygen barrier properties. CPP (Cast Polypropylene) films are used for heat sealability in flexible packaging applications for a variety of products.

Some of the common problems such as sink marks and poor filling can be solved through proper gating and runner systems. To improve production efficiency and part quality, updating the designs at some intervals based on the best practices and feedback on the process is effective.

The extrusion die is a critical component in the process. It has to be designed to not allow the die to swell and control the flow of the material that is being extruded to achieve the desired quality of the final product.

When challenged with difficult mold designs Nicolet is able to simplify the process, thereby reducing costs. Utilizing their in-house rapid prototype machine allows the toolmaker to better understand how the tool needs to be created. One quality control advantage that Nicolet provides for the customer is their storyboards, which detail the proper measurements and color specifications of each piece. Through this self-certification process, Nicolet offers customers the assurance of knowing that each piece is manufactured to exact specifications. I have come to expect that quality work will always be there. You don’t realize how good Nicolet is until you try to compare quality and price somewhere else.

Polypropylene has a melting point within the range of 160-170°C and this means that correct temperature control is required while processing the material. Additionally, it is crucial to dry the polypropylene pellets for the injection molding process. For optimal outcomes and splay-free parts, the moisture must be kept below 0.02%.

Extrusion is carried out by melting Polypropylene at a temperature of 210°C to 250°C. Temperature control and cooling rate are two critical factors that need to be well controlled to allow the formation of the desired product properties.

Polypropylene can take very small angles of drafting, as small as one degree, which is adequate for most parts. But if your part has textured surfaces, it’s recommended to increase the draft angle up to five degrees depending on the depth of the texture. In the case of filled polypropylene materials, it may be necessary to have a draft angle of up to ten degrees to facilitate easy ejection of the part and to improve the quality of the final part.

Our clients are involved in the project, ensuring they get the desired results. Every industry has different needs and specifications, so we want our clients to know the process from start to finish.

Mercury Marine is very selective in who they use as suppliers. Companies must meet the high quality standards and flexibility that Mercury Marine requires. Nicolet Plastics has consistently met these criteria. Nicolet Plastics and Mercury Marine engineering and purchasing departments worked together to redesign and prototype an existing part. Each prototype met all the specialized criteria, and through combined innovation Nicolet Plastics was able to move the part into production. The cost came in very low, allowing Mercury Marine to save money and use a better quality part. Nicolet Plastics adapts very quickly to change, can do custom work and provides each client with the personal attention they deserve.

With our differentiated and exceptional skills and expertise, we can create better plastic parts according to your needs and preferences. Our full-service custom injection molding service allows us to work with you every step of the way.

Requirements for tolerance of polypropylene parts can be classified into commercial tolerance or fine tolerance. Commercial tolerances are relatively larger and cheaper as compared to fine tolerances which are precise but expensive. For instance, a commercial tolerance for a 20 mm part will be in the region of ± 0.125 mm, while the fine tolerance for the same part is about 0.075 mm. Thus, it’s crucial to understand that if tighter tolerances are desired they can have a large impact on the production cost.

This article gives more information about polypropylene (PP) as an engineering plastic, including the different types available, the properties of the PP, and the complexities of the injection molding process. It also examines the challenges associated with selecting the right equipment, addressing issues related to product design, and discussing the fundamentals of mold design. In the same vein, the article discusses some of the major defects that are likely to occur during production and how to correct them.

Molten polypropylene travels through runners from the sprue to the mold cavity. Molds with multiple cavities design their runners with branches to evenly distribute the material. We suggest employing cold slugs at junctions to prevent early stiffening and ensure free flow. The runner diameters range from 4 to 7 mm to ensure that there is optimal flow and cooling for the mold.

With our plastic injection molding machine, we can craft custom plastic parts for those looking to achieve specific mechanical and aesthetic features. Our goal is to help you produce high-quality plastic parts that meet your specifications and exceed your expectations.

Small gates are normally used to minimize friction and prevent the wear out of the material. The thickness of the gate land is the part of the gate that joins the cavity should be as thin as possible so that it can be easily filled. Gate location is important, usually located at the thickest section of the mold to achieve an even spread of material and minimize defects.

The sprue serves as a conduit for molten polypropylene, connecting the injection molding machine to the mold cavity. This is a cylindrical design with a spherical part at the end that fits properly into the machine nozzle. This is critical to prevent leaks and ensure a smooth flow of materials through the system and equipment.

I have been working with Nicolet Plastics for 13 years and have never been disappointed. The people at Nicolet Plastics have a true open door policy, and extreme flexibility. They want to be involved in the entire process of your project so they can truly understand the objectives that need to be fulfilled. In my experience, it is rare to find a plastic injection molding company that has the combination of in-house tooling and molding that they do. The quality produced is phenomenal. Nicolet Plastics is an outstanding company. They are knowledgeable, easy to work with, provide exceptional customer service, produce high quality parts, provide flexible lead times, are always competitive on price and do precision color matching work.” Nicolet Plastics is a cutting edge company that is always willing to take on a challenge.

Injection molding is a manufacturing process in which Nicolet Plastics specializes in. It’s all about producing plastic parts in high quantities, performed by injecting melted materials (typically plastic) into molds. We often utilize this mass production process to manufacture hundreds or thousands of identical plastic items.

We take on complex injection mold projects, a challenge we’re willing to take on to deliver innovative products. Doing business with us means we can help you develop a fantastic injection molded plastic design that will work with whatever project it’s intended for.

Time-to-market is critical to being competitive. We pushed Nicolet Plastics to provide tools within a very aggressive timeline and they delivered samples in just six weeks.

We’re one of the most trustworthy plastic injection molding companies you can go to for excellent plastic parts. We’re passionate about injection molding and continuously strive to enhance our capabilities. Plus, our state-of-the-art injection molding facility is equipped with the latest injection molding machines.

We’ve pulled together these resources to answer our the most common topics and questions that come up when working on new plastic part designs.

From the President of the company to the guys in shipping, the folks at Nicolet are host, hardworking and down to earth, some of the best people I’ve ever worked with.

Need to transfer your existing plastic mold or develop a new one? We share our experience and best practices that have stood the test of time.

Nicolet Plastics is a custom plastic injection molding manufacturer that’s focused on enhancing our clients’ success by creating superior plastic components, all while maintaining a commitment to speed, adaptability, and versatility. We collaborate with you to develop designs that optimize value. Excitingly, we've embraced Mantle 3D metal printing for rapid production tooling, bringing the future to the present!

Primarily, injection molding is used to create different objects, from everyday household items to parts for cars, computers, and much more.

Polypropylene injection molding or PP injection molding, is a molding manufacturing technique using polypropylene, which is a type of thermoplastic polymer material that is exposed to heat until it turns to melt. The process forces the low viscosity molten polymer to flow into specially designed molds. On cooling, the liquid turns into a solid plastic and assumes the mold’s shape. This technique is most effective when used on the polymer in its processed form. This technique enables the creation of geometries that would otherwise be challenging to achieve. Curious about polypropylene itself? Now, let’s explore more about polypropylene and its uses, along with the reasons for its popularity in injection molding.

They include Homopolypropylene (PP-H) for rigidity, Random Copolymer Polypropylene (PP-R) for flexibility, and Block Copolymer Polypropylene (PP-B) for impact resistance.

Our people make a difference. For over 30 years, this is how Nicolet Plastics has achieved steady growth amidst a highly competitive landscape.

Using an injection molder to fulfill large orders provides an extensive range of advantages that can help us meet any project or demand you may have. These include:

Nicolet Plastics and Mercury Marine engineering and purchasing departments worked together to redesign and prototype an existing part. Each prototype met all the specialized criteria, and through combined innovation Nicolet Plastics was able to move the part into production. The cost came in very low, allowing Mercury Marine to save money and use a better quality part.

Mercury Marine is very selective in who they use as suppliers. Companies must meet the high quality standards and flexibility that Mercury Marine requires. Nicolet Plastics has consistently met these criteria.

Molding of polypropylene is easy, but to get the best result, one has to follow certain design principles. This section focuses on the practical recommendations that are necessary to produce long-lasting and high-performance polypropylene components.

Gates are the last opening through which molten polypropylene is allowed to flow into the mold cavity. The dimensions and the kind of gate determine how the material is transported throughout the manufacturing process and the quality of the last part. They are pin gates and edge gates and they are chosen depending on the type of mold that is to be made. The gate should allow for easy flow of materials into the mold while at the same time reducing the formation of surface defects.

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Some of the most common imperfections are sink marks, flowlines, venting issues, warping, and incomplete filling. These problems can be solved by adjusting the thickness of the wall, increasing venting groove, the temperature of the mold, and the pressure of injection.

Nicolet Plastics is an outstanding company. They are knowledgeable, easy to work with, provide exceptional customer service, produce high quality parts, provide flexible lead times, are always competitive on price and do precision color matching work.”

The blow molding process involves heating polypropylene and then forming it into a parison and blowing it in a mold. Temperature and inflation pressure should be strictly maintained to produce the desired shape of the product. Ejection Part cooling is required to retain the part shape and dimensions. The cooling rate should be dependent on the size and complexity of the part in question.

Polypropylene pipes are used in plumbing and industrial practices since they are chemically inert and can be easily installed. PP plumbing pipes are used for both hot and cold water because of their strength and resistance to corrosion. In industrial applications, the use of polypropylene pipes is in chemical and waste handling systems, and the material is well endowed with the strength and capability of withstanding aggressive conditions.

The first project I ever worked on with Nicolet Plastics, Inc. was in the mid 80’s, and since then the partnership has only grown stronger. Nicolet is willing to try anything to produce the results the client is looking for.

PP Plastic Injection molding provides an advantage of mass production of identical plastic parts. High volumes- from a thousand to millions of identical parts can be produced at one time. Because the intended mold is reused several times in the part’s manufacturing process. This makes polypropylene injection molding another suitable option to meet the large demand and ensure that the products produced are of equal quality, simultaneously.

The automotive industry is one of the major users of polypropylene as the material is light in weight and has a high degree of strength. PP is utilized in interior trim parts such as dash and panels due to the material’s versatility in terms of appearance and durability. There are also polypropylene glove compartments and mirror housings to give the needed strength and impact protection.

In polypropylene injection molding, gates and runners constitute some of the most important features that control the flow of the molten material into the mold cavity. The design of these elements should enable proper filling, and the quality of the finished parts should be very high.

The PP injection molding temperature is needed around 220°C and 280°C while the mold temperature is between 30°C and 80°C. These conditions are as follows to have proper flow and solidification. Cycle time is another critical consideration. Usually, it refers to the time taken to complete a cycle and it should be reduced to avoid warping, and efficient cooling is important. In addition, cooling channels must be designed in such a manner that allows equal distribution of heat all over the surface.

Time-to-market is critical to being competitive. We pushed Nicolet Plastics to provide tools within a very aggressive timeline and they delivered samples in just six weeks.

Nicolet Plastics adapts very quickly to change, can do custom work and provides each client with the personal attention they deserve.

In this article, we will give you a comprehensive description of injection molding polypropylene and discuss the strengths of PP material as well by considering its applications across manufacturing sectors.

Responsive service is key to a successful project. We use a cloud-based, interactive project management solution to allow for 24/7 access to the project status.

It is common knowledge that polypropylene fibers are essential in different textile areas because of their strength and resistance to stains. PP fiber carpets are capable of withstanding wear and stain. PP is used for furniture and automotive interiors since it does not wear out easily and is easy to clean. Due to its excellent characteristics, polypropylene fibers are used in the production of clothing that wicks moisture, providing comfort and performance.

Nicolet Plastics is a Carbon 3D Production Partner which provides on-demand manufacturing and tool-free design flexibility and speed.

In the case of polypropylene parts, the thickness of the walls of the product must not exceed 0.635 mm to 3.81 mm thickness. Thick parts should also have smooth changes in thickness from one level to another to avoid defects such as sink marks. Moreover, ribs should preferably be less than half the thickness of the adjoining walls to provide strength and prevent the formation of structural voids.