3D-CAM Injection Molded Parts

The injection molding process requires special machinery that accepts resin and colorants. Resin is fed into an extruder and heated to its melting point, at which point it is injected into the mold.

The mold defines the shape of the plastic part. Any one of several processes can be used to produce the mold tooling. The life of the mold depends on the material used in the tooling, the geometry of the part and the type of resin used. Output speed is limited by cycle time (injection and cooling) but efficient mold design can improve this. Molds can be designed and fabricated for a single part or multiple parts per cycle (called multiple cavity molds) depending on the size of the part. Similarly, different parts made of the same material can be produced together within the same mold.

After the resin has been injected into the mold, the mold is allowed to cool and the resin solidifies. The finished part is then ejected and trimmed if necessary.

Injection Molding Highlights

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Injection Molding is the ideal choice for:

Light to full scale production runs
High quality parts from a wide range of materials
Most economical per-part cost for high volumes

Material Choices Include:

Dimensional tolerances:

Can be +/- 0.002”. Typical requirement is +/- 0.005”

Turn-around:

CAD model to finished part – typically 2 to 3 weeks for simpler parts. 4 to 6 weeks for more complex parts.
Production parts in as little as two or three days after approval of first article

Finishing types:

Tools are polished or textured depending on the end product cosmetic requirement. SPI defined mold textures are applied to designated surfaces of the mold to provide the specified external textured surfaces.

More information on Mold Texture:

At 3D-CAM, we can apply texturing to mold surfaces that can greatly enhance the appearance of parts. Texturing is a photographic etching process that permits great flexibility with regard to patterns and designs. When texturing is desired, considerations in the design process are necessary. Our staff of experts can assist you throughout this process. There are literally thousands of existing patterns to choose from. By adjusting existing pattern size and depth, more personalized textures may be achieved. We can also make custom patterns on request.

MOLD PREPARATION for Texturing:

Mold surfaces are prepared to a 240-320 emery finish for most texture applications. For textures and fine patterns with less depth 400-600 emery is used. Click here for more tips

Texturing requires that draft angles to allow the mold to be removed cleanly without destroying the textured finish. We leave about 1.5° of draft for each .001” of pattern depth. Certain textures have minimum draft angles that work best although adjustments in the depth of the pattern can reduce these if necessary. Prior to the texturing process, sprues, fittings, inserts, and other mold components are removed.