The Benefits of Using Injection Molded Components Throughout Multiple Industries
Injection molded components are commonly used in many industries. Between the cost-effectiveness of manufacturing high volumes, a relatively easy production process, and vetted value-added operations to enhance parts, the benefits of using injection molded components are what make the manufacturing service an attractive option for numerous industries.
Metro Plastics details some of these benefits here.
Technical Benefits of Injection Molded Components
You can’t talk about the benefits of utilizing injection molded components without starting with the essential advantages that are inherent in any injection molding project.
Allowance for Tight Tolerances
Injection molding allows for tight tolerances, particularly in high-volume production runs, because of modern tooling practices, better control and automation during manufacturing, and the use of materials that offer minimal shrinkage during production. Injection molded processes are easily repeatable, which addresses supply chain issues, and set-up times are quicker.
Complex Geometries
Essential aspects of injection molding design principles allow for complex shapes, including wall thickness, undercuts, ribs, snaps, and hinges. When mold shapes are finalized and have been vetted thoroughly by DFM practices, these complex geometries are repeatable.
Robust Material Selection
Injection molding supports a wide range of materials, but is commonly performed with thermoplastics such as polyethylene, polypropylene, polycarbonate, and nylon. While thermoplastics are a popular option, other material families can be used, including elastomers, bioresins, and filled compounds.
Value-Added Operations Minimized
While value-added operations can be performed on injection molded components, it is dependent upon the final product’s intended application. However, injection molding often minimizes the need for expensive secondary operations like assembly, painting, or machining through high precision, advanced tooling, and material-specific molding.
Economics and Cost-Effectiveness
One of the biggest reasons injection molded components are so sought after is that high-volume manufacturing achieves a lower cost per part. This only happens once initial tooling costs have been offset. Additionally, cost per part is lower in multi-cavity molding projects because the manufacturer can create complex parts in a single shot at a high rate with quality results.
Beyond cost per part considerations, injection molding services have quick cycle times, and with the rise of automation in services, there’s better support for quick turnaround times.
Industry-Specific Benefits
There are universal benefits of injection molded components that are applicable across applications, particularly throughout these industries:
Automotive
The automotive industry frequently uses injection molded components for various applications, such as interior trim, housings, and under-hood components that replace metal parts. Injection molding drastically reduces the overall weight, provides cost savings compared to metal stamping or fabrication, and offers a consistent fit, finish, and quality.
Consumer Goods
Packaging components, small components for appliances and tools, and housings are just a few examples of injection molded products that are seen in the consumer goods industry. These components are so prevalent because of the standard, high-quality finishes and the scalability that comes with injection molding services.
Industrial
Industrial uses of injection molded components are largely seen in structural and functional parts, handles, protective covers, and more. Injection molding is used for these parts as opposed to other manufacturing services because components will be more lightweight, can contain integrated features as a result of complex geometries, and allow for consistent performance in tough environments.
Environmental Considerations
The preconceived notion about plastic manufacturing is that it creates more waste than value. However, because of how efficient and precise injection molding services are, waste is minimized. Additionally, runners and sprues can often be regrounded and even reused, depending on condition.
With the inclusion of bioresins and biodegradable polymers as a material source, cleaner products can be made as well — limiting a manufacturing company’s carbon footprint.
Contact Metro Plastics for Manufacturing of Your Injection Molded Components Today
Metro Plastics has served numerous industries throughout our 50-plus years as an injection molding manufacturing company. Our honed process starts with our experienced and dedicated engineers working with you to iron out the design and material selection based on your product’s intended application.
From there, one of our 30 injection molding machines takes over the project and creates the injection molded components your team needs to succeed. We don’t skip over quality assurances either. Each component is vetted through an extensive testing and inspection process.
Contact Metro Plastics today, and let’s get started on manufacturing the injection molded products you need.