Core fundamentals of the injection molding process
Injection molding is a manufacturing process where molten plastic is injected into a mold cavity, cooled, and ejected as a solid part. It is the most common method for producing plastic parts in high volumes.
| Stage | Duration | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Clamp | 1-5 sec | Mold closes and clamps shut |
| Injection | 0.5-5 sec | Melt injected into cavity |
| Packing | 1-10 sec | Additional material packed to compensate shrinkage |
| Cooling | 5-60 sec | Part cools below ejection temperature |
| Ejection | 0.5-2 sec | Part ejected from mold |