What is injection molding? A complete guide with 20 years of experience

What is injection molding? A complete guide with 20 years of experience

Injection molding is a manufacturing process that has changed significantly since its inception. Previously, machines were manual and could only produce simple plastic products. Today's machines are automated and can create complex components with high precision. Thanks to the use of modern materials such as PEEK, PFA, и PPSU, injection molding is used in the automotive, aerospace and medical industries.

How has injection molding changed over time?

Historically, injection molding was a labor-intensive and less precise process. The machines created in the late 19th century were based on primitive piston mechanisms. They were limited in production capabilities and were mainly used to create simple goods such as buttons or toys. Temperature and pressure were often controlled manually, resulting in inconsistent product quality.

Modern technology has changed the process: CAD (computer-aided design system), CNC (numerical control) and automation have made it significantly more accurate and faster. Process automation enables the production of complex parts for the automotive, medical and aerospace industries with consistent quality.

High-tech plastics and modern molding techniques

The transition from traditional plastics such as PE и PPThe shift to high-performance materials has changed the possibilities of injection molding. Materials such as PEEK, PPS, LCP, и PFA. These materials are used in industries that require high precision, chemical resistance and temperature stability. They enable manufacturers to create parts that can withstand high loads, temperatures and aggressive chemicals, making them indispensable in aerospace, medical and electronics applications.

Material	Restrictions in the past	Current applications
Polyethylene (PE)	Used for simple packaging and inexpensive items.	Still widely used, but being replaced in high-tech fields.
PEEK (Polyetheretherketone)	Was inaccessible until the late 20th century.	Important for aerospace and medical applications, withstands high temperatures.
PPS (Polyphenylene Sulfide)	Previously, plastics had limited chemical resistance.	Now used in automotive, electronic and industrial applications.
PFA (Perfluoroalkoxyalkane)	Early materials could not withstand corrosive environments.	It is used in the chemical industry and semiconductors due to its resistance.

Evolution of injection molding machines

• Early cars: The first machines for injection molding were mechanical and manually operated, which limited their accuracy. They used primitive piston mechanisms, which often resulted in variability in product quality.
• Modern machines: Modern machines use automation, robotics и real-time monitoring. This allows complex parts to be produced with high precision and reduces production time. These machines are capable of machining high-performance materials to tight tolerances, which is essential for industries such as aerospace and medical devices.

Injection molding applications: then and now

The application of injection molding has expanded greatly since its invention:

• Then.: In the past, molding was used to produce simple goods such as buttons, toys and packaging.
• Now.: Modern injection molding plays a key role in the production of complex, high-precision parts such as automotive components, medical implants and aerospace parts.

Future trends in injection molding

Technological innovation and sustainable production are shaping the future of injection molding:

• Sustainable practices: Manufacturers are switching to the use of bioplastics and implement recycling technologies to reduce waste and environmental impact.
• Automation and smart manufacturing: In the age of Industry 4.0. implementation artificial intelligence и real-time monitoring improves quality and production efficiency, reducing scrap and lowering costs.
• Microforming: The need for micro parts is growing in industries such as electronics and medical devices. Microforming technologies enable the creation of miniaturized components with high precision.

Conclusion

Injection molding has come a long way since its invention. Previously a manual process for creating simple products, it is now a sophisticated automated technology capable of producing precision parts for the most demanding industries. Through the use of high-performance materials such as PEEK, PFA и PPSUInjection molding has become a mainstay of modern manufacturing.

Company YIZE Mould has more than 20 years of experience in this field and provides innovative solutions for the most complex tasks. We use advanced technologies and high-precision materials to meet all the requirements of our customers.

For more information and to discuss your project, contact us.