Injection Molding Tips
Practical lessons from decades of solving real manufacturing challenges
Every project teaches us something. Over more than 30 years and across 15+ industries, R&D Plastics has built deep experience with the design and manufacturing challenges that come with producing precision injection-molded parts. Here are some of the areas where that experience makes the biggest difference.
Plastic Part Design Considerations
SNAPS
Material selection and part design both affect snap performance. In many cases, snap features are designed to be “steel safe” so they can be adjusted after initial mold testing to achieve the right stiffness.
INSERT MOLDING
We mold inserts and components into parts using both vertical and horizontal machines. This approach eliminates secondary operations and secures the insert reliably within the part.
HINGES
Polypropylene is one of the best materials for living hinge features. Both hinge geometry and mold design play a significant role in long-term hinge performance.
STRUCTURING FOAM MOLDING
Using a blowing agent to create a cellular structure inside thicker part sections is one method for addressing design challenges like sink marks in heavy-wall areas.
LIGHT PIPES
We have extensive experience with light pipes, where material selection and mold design are especially critical to achieving consistent light transmission and appearance.
THIN-WALLED MOLDING
We have experience with thin-walled molding on both standard and high-pressure machines. Material selection and mold construction are both critical factors for success.
OVERMOLDING
Every overmolding project we’ve encountered has been unique, giving us a wide range of experience. Material compatibility between the substrate and overmold is critical, and part design, mold design and gating all play important roles.
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