FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions
What is plastic injection moulding?
Plastic injection moulding is a manufacturing process used to produce plastic products. Plastic granules are fed into the injection moulding machine via the material feeder, called a ‘hopper, they are then sent to a heated barrel that melts the granules. A rotating screw mixes the molten plastic and creates the pressure required for injection into the mould. The plastic quickly cools and hardens into the shape of the mould cavity, then the finished plastic product pops out the end of the production line.
How do you produce a mould?
1. An industrial designer or engineer creates the product design and mould design using CAD (computer-aided design).
2. The moulds are then made by a mould-maker (or toolmaker) out of metal, usually aluminium or steel.
3. The mould is then precision-machined to form the detailed features of the desired end product.
Designing and manufacturing a quality mould, that will result in seamless product manufacturing is a complex process with a large up-front investment. You want to get the mould exactly right. We have a trusted network of CAD designers, engineers, mould-makers in Australia and overseas. We will help you source the best solutions for your unique needs.
Why choose injection moulding vs other plastic manufacturing techniques?
Plastic injection moulding is the most popular mass manufacturing process used to create plastic products, and for good reason as plastic injection moulding is simpler and more reliable than other methods, as well as being extremely efficient. Injection moulding benefits include:
1. It’s cost effective – for mass production, can make millions of virtually identical products with a high output rate making it cost effective
2. It’s automated – which results in relatively low labour costs in comparison with other plastic product manufacturing processes
3. It’s fast – it takes around 15 to 30 seconds to create each product, which is much faster than other plastic manufacturing methods
4. It’s reliable – producing consistent quality products
5. It’s a sustainable form of plastic manufacturing – you can use recycled plastic and it only uses as much plastic as is necessary to create the part, plus the products created are recyclable after use.
6. It’s adaptable – you can combine plastics and select from a wide range of plastic polymers and colours
7. Can create extremely complex parts – achieving uniformity
8. Can create enhanced product strength – the only moulding process that allows filler to be added – increasing product durability and strength.
What kind of plastic products can Moreton Corporation make?
We offer all grades of plastic polymers including Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC), Polypropylene (PP), Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), High-density Polyethylene (HDPE), Styrene acrylonitrile resin (SAN) and more. We also offer the option of using recycled plastics to create your product. We will help you determine the best material for your product design and specific needs.
Who owns the mould and the products produced?
You retain ownership of the moulds, all intellectual and property rights as well as the products manufactured. We guarantee your moulds will only ever be used to manufacture products for YOU.
What does it cost to bring an idea to reality?
Every plastic product commercialisation journey is unique. We have developed ways to keep overheads low that allow us to specialise in working with inventors, innovators and entrepreneurs to bring new ideas to fruition.
Have a chat with us, we will give you a clear indication of what your unique product development journey will cost.