Injection moulding is the process in which thermoplastics are heated to a very high temperature, liquefying the plastic so it can then be poured into the mould. The cost of the moulds and machinery are very high, but when creating a very large quantity of moulded plastic items, the cost per unit can be very low. The machines, although very expensive initially, are able to accept many types of mould, meaning that the machine can produce many different types of moulds, resulting in a greater amount of work that can be completed.

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Rubber Injection Moulding

This is the process in which the rubber is heated to above boiling point and then injected into the chosen mould. The machine must use the correct pressure for the particular type of thermoplastic which is being used and then apply the correct pressure into the mould.

When using a machine for rubber injection moulding, the molten plastic is forced into a closed mould. This material will then harden within the shape to create the item desired.

Once the liquefied material is within the mould, sometimes called a ‘die’, it is then cooled to temperatures below freezing point to ensure that the plastic hardens. Once the mould is cooled enough and has reached the desired temperature, the finished product is ejected from the die.

When we consider the question, what is rubber injection moulding? the answer can be summarised as this: thermoplastic material is heated to above boiling point and poured into a closed mould. This mould is then cooled to below freezing point, hardening the plastic shape within. Once the die is cooled enough, the finished product is then ejected from the mould.

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Creating Everyday Items

A look on the British Plastics Federation page details just some of the many products that can be produced using this method. This includes many everyday household items such as disposable razors and washing-up bowls, as well as medical items such as syringes.

Injection moulding is a process in which many everyday essential household items are made. The diversity of products this method is able to create is colossal. The initial outlay to cover the cost of the machinery is high, but the cost of bulk orders can be very low in some cases.