Plastics contract manufacturers often use precision injection molding techniques to create their specialty: precisely, molded parts. The process for precision injection molding is done by machines that are designed for that specific process. First, material is fed through a heated barrel and then forced into a molding cavity. It is stored in this cavity until it cools and hardens. Then, the hardened material is precision-machined to add the specified features for that product. The product is then shipped out to customers across the globe for further assembly or use. Plastics manufacturers using this technique often specialize in the use of thermosetting and thermoplastic polymers, resins, and other materials, that are formed to develop a high-quality, sturdy part. Plastic manufacturing companies offer services to many different areas. They often specialize in the research, development, and troubleshooting of niche areas. These areas may include medical and surgical, fiber optics/optoelectronics, transportation, consumer/industrial and more.
Medical and Surgical
Precision injection molding created for medical and surgical purposes must always meet rigorous quality guidelines. Some of the products manufactured include bioresorbable implants, catheter components, surgical instruments, tracheotomy tubes, and dental implants. These types of products are manufactured in a precision injection molding cleanroom, to ensure sterility. They can make features as small as two microns with a weight as low as .0001 grams to allow medical professionals to perform precise, accurate procedures.
Fiber Optics/Optoelectronics
Precision injection molding companies will sometimes specialize in the development of fiber optics, or optoelectronics. Some of the items developed in this line include high-volume barrels, microlens array moldings, and integrated lenses. These companies may also develop bulkhead housings, receptacles, build-out barrels, and other critical single-mode connector components.
Transportation
The automobile industry is one that requires precise, accurate precision injection molding processes. Automobiles come with a variety of features, engines, doors, and internal parts. Because each car type is a specialized model, it is essential that repairs are made with parts specifically tailored to that vehicle. Plastics contract manufacturing companies work closely with automobile manufacturers to develop automated systems that mold their parts to perfection. These robotic systems include rigorous testing features and a camera, to ensure each part is built to its specifications. Some of the automobile parts made using this process include bearing retainer cages and seals, encapsulated sensor components, connectors, and stators and stator bobbins.
Consumer/Industrial
Precision injection molding companies involved in the consumer or industrial industries often specialize in the manufacturing of filtration and other mechanical components. These often include products such as filtration components with leak protection and critical O-ring grooves, impeller houses, insert molded impellers, and micro molded components.
