PLASTIC INJECTION MOLDING
EDM Solutions for Plastic Injection Molding
What is Plastic Injection Molding
Injection molding is an advanced mold making process for producing plastic injection molds from both thermoplastic and thermosetting plastic materials. Plastic injection molding material is first fed into a heated barrel, mixed, and forced into a mold cavity by a reciprocating screw or a ram injector, where the injection molded part cools and hardens to the configuration of the mold cavity. After a part is designed, usually by an industrial designer, or by a mold engineering expert. Molds are then manufactured by a plastic injection molding company, where it is assigned to a mold maker (or toolmaker). Injection molds are usually constructed using either steel or aluminum, and precision-machined to form the features of the desired parts. Injection molding is widely used for manufacturing a variety of parts, from the smallest component to entire body panels of cars. Injection molding is the most common method of production, with some commonly made injection molded items including computer components to outdoor furniture.
Through the Injection molding manufacturing process the plastic material is forced into a mold cavity under pressure. Pelletized resins are fed into the injection molding machine, as well as any colorants required. The resins and colorants are introduced into an injection barrel where they are heated and melted. The material is then forced into the mold cavity where it cools. Once cooled, the part can be removed from the mold cavity.
Plastic injection molding is often an intricate process. If the processed mold has flaws, the parts it produces won’t function as well as they should. Electrical discharge machining offers the precision necessary for accuracy within advanced mold making parts. American Wire EDM uses electrical discharge machining technology and prototyping to expand advanced mold making capabilities to numerous manufacturing industries throughout the world.
Injection molding is a great technology for prototyping on a massive scale. It is also useful for finalized prototypes that are used for consumer and/or product testing.
EDM Machines and Plastic Injection Molding
Modern manufacturing requires the use of CNC machining processes that combine high precision with high productivity. Electrical discharge machining (EDM) is well suited for machining complex profiles in exotic materials that challenge the capabilities of conventional machining. This machining process uses a series of electric discharges (sparks) to erode material from a workpiece. EDM technology plays a vital role in the production of plastic injection molding and mold engineering capabilities.
At American Wire EDM, we rely on state of the art EDM CNC machines to deliver top of the line results from our mold making systems. We know that the plastic injection molds we produce need to match your designs; our CNC machines manufacture parts that match within ± 0.0001” of the dimensional tolerances of our clients’ designs.
Our facility in Orange, California, is well-equipped to handle projects ranging in size from small to very large. No matter how complex your plastic injection mold designs are, we have the machinery and the experience to manufacture molds to your exact specifications.
Precision Plastic Injection Molding
Our engineers have helped produce plastic injection molds for numerous industries, some of which include:
- Automotive
- Aerospace
- Medical
- Appliance
- Robotics
- And more
Parts that are very small with many tiny details require a level of accuracy that only CNC machining can deliver.
How We Work
Our EDM CNC machining services are highly versatile, allowing us to provide the perfect process for the mold engineering project at hand. We can work directly with your electronic design files to provide engineering assistance to help you refine your designs for better fit, form, and function, as well as for faster, more economical production.
Call Us Today
Request a quote for wire EDM or EDM hole drilling service for your plastic injection molding application, or contact American Wire EDM to learn more.
Contact our headquarters in Orange, California, at (714) 524-3360 or fill out our online form.
