A huge selection of injection molding materials for parts is available in the market. However, choosing the right material may seem like a difficult task. First, you need to understand the application's overall material composition and requirements.
Before choosing any material for injection molding, it's important to assess the material based on a few parameters; these include temperature behavior, cost, material flexibility and more. Let's look into each of these factors in deeper detail.
- Degree of Ultra Violet exposure
Many plastics disintegrate when exposed to UV radiation. Suppose your application is exposed to UV radiation often or for a long time; you should use UV stabilizers. They will provide the needed protection for your part.
- Regulations
It would help if you were up to date with regulations from major regulatory bodies such as FDA and ISO. For example, certain products are approved in medical devices, such as molded plastic optics, while others are not. The reasons include sterilization of materials or toxin dangers. Ensure to read regulation publications often.
- Costing
It would help if you considered the cost factor before buying anything. Therefore, you must thoroughly research what's available in the market. A variety of plastics available will serve your purpose without costing you a lot.
- Availability of the product
The product will likely hit production all year round. Therefore, you want to use a plastic that's easy to source. Changes in the material need changes to your process setting that can lead to downtime when the machines are not producing what is needed.
- Color of your product
It's important to note that some plastics change their properties once they add color. Therefore, ensure that you make this decision before buying the materials. It will prevent you from getting unwanted surprises once you add color.
- Viscosity
Viscosity is an important factor to consider when choosing the injection molding material. When building complex components, there is a preference for using a low viscous material to ease the material flow in molding. It helps ensure a proper filling of the material within the cavity.
- Degree of chemical exposure
Different plastics will react differently when exposed to chemicals. Some may withstand strong chemicals, while others disintegrate even in mild chemicals. Therefore, you must choose a material that will withstand oils, chemicals, and cleaning agents.
- Exposure to high temperature
Injection molding material properties, such as tensile strength, vary with temperature. You must consider the range of temperature you will expose to the parts during their use.
- Flexibility of the material
Some materials can withstand stress and high load, while others are soft and break very easily. The stiffness tester device gauges the material's flexibility on a score of 0 to 100. The higher the score, the harder the material.
- Material hardness and density
You need to evaluate the type of force subjected to the parts during their use. The strength of the materials is dependent on material density. Hence select material according to the nature of use.
You have to consider several factors when choosing the right injection molding material for a part. First, the material needs to be fit for production and function. Besides the factors mentioned above, other factors include ease of processing, the availability of the materials and their impact on the environment. If you need help deciding on the right injection molding material, you should seek professional advice.
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