Thursday, March 27, 2014

How Structural Foam Molding Is Done

By Gwen Lowe


Plastic was introduced in the 1800s and has since been used to replace metal, concrete, fiberglass and wood in the manufacture of most appliances. For instance, a big number of utensils are no longer made of aluminum or iron but plastic. In other cases, the use of concrete on floors is slowly being replaced by plastic products. People are not surprised anymore to see artistically designed plastic seats in furniture stores. What many do not know is how these chairs (for example) are made. Well, a little introduction to structural foam molding can clear the air.

Briefly, this type of molding refers to the use of an inert gas to produce foam. Once the foaming action is started, molten polymer then flows through the mold to form the required shape. It is an injection molding procedure usually carried out in low-pressure environment to produce high-density polyethylene.

While the technique can use dozens of materials, Polycarbonate (PC), Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) and Polystyrene (PS) are among the most common. Examples of products produced from this method include Point of Sale Display, Components, and Containers Pallets. Other products include Business Machine Housings among others.

To appreciate the benefits of this technique, a mention of the other methods is in necessary. Well, there the main procedures include Injection, Compression, Blow (i. E. A combination of extrusion and injection methods), Rotational and Gas Assist molding methods. The other techniques include Film Insert and thermoforming. Now, each of the listed methods is good for the production of a particular product. However, foaming is considered the best in cases where the production requires no force to distribute the molten plastic.

That the technique has its positives and negatives is non-debatable. On the merits, it is not expensive to set up. In fact, it uses inexpensive molds (e. G. The aluminum molds). On the other hand, the process has the least internal stresses as opposed to Compression. It also allows the production of bigger products.

It is true that the foam method is considerably cheaper to set up than most molding techniques. However, it can never beat Compression molding when it comes to the ease of setting up the process and the amount required to do so. Consequently, the former might not be the outright choice for those running on low budget. On the other hand, it is time consuming as it has slow production rate. When compared to injection techniques that employ high pressure, it turns out to be very slow.

After defining structural foam and looking at its application and benefits, the focus should be on how to contract a plastic molding firm. Examining some of the qualities of a credible company is of great benefit considering the fact that the market has counterfeit goods. In worst cases, even manufactures may turn out to be unscrupulous thus underscoring the need for caution.

There are several characteristics that define a credible manufacturer; however, you should need to read what other customers are saying. Also, check if they are legally operating and that they are in conformity with environmental laws in your state. They should also be affordable.




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