DIY Guide for molding plastic at home in 2021: 3 Simple Steps

Sep 12, 2021

Three factors influencing molding plastic at home

We can say that three main factors directly influence the quality of the molding plastic at home: the mold, the material (raw material), and the process. We'll talk about them in this article. Also, get to know some points of attention that are needed during the injection process

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1-Molding plastic at home

The plastic injection molding machine is easy to influence by items such as distribution channels, cold wells, and temperature uniformity. Composed of steel, the mold tool can contain mobile or stationary plates, which define the shape of the produced part.

 The final material is then pushed out of the mold via ejector pins. A coolant (usually water) passes through the material to remove some of the heat and prevent overheating. For molding plastic at home not to impair the proper functioning of the mold, it is important to consider the following items:

Distribution channels of molding plastic at home:

These are responsible for transferring the molten material from the nozzle to the cavity inlets. 

Cold well in molding plastic at home: 

It serves to absorb the colder flow in front of the material. The machinery is usually composed of a primary cold well and a secondary one. See below for an example of a cold well distribution channel. This links to molding plastic at home

  1. it is also necessary to be aware and check for stains on the piece.
  2. Second, when it happens, part of the cold material goes towards it. 
  3. Above all, if there are no stains, this content will go directly to the cold well.

Temperature uniformity in molding plastic at home:

 

It is in the mold that the final part is created; that is, it is necessary to pay attention to quality throughout the injection process. The temperature has a great influence in this sense, as it can interfere with the part's finishing, internal tensions, dimensional stability.

Other items of attention regarding the mold common in the injection:

  • Internal pressure sensors: can be common in the mold to control the variables of the plastic injection process.
  • Design review: it is important that it is validated with the departments involved before releasing the mold for construction. It should be considered:
    • First, product geometry and exit angles
    • Second, distribution channels / hot runner
    • Third, the temperature control system of molding plastic at home
    • Moreover, the mechanical reliability of moving parts
    • Above all, define the preventive maintenance plan.

How can you ensure molding plastic at home protection?

Mold protection is worth mentioning that all injection molding machines include mold protection from the oldest to the newest. When done properly, it helps to ensure efficient injection of thermoplastics. 

It basically requires the operator to check the position of the mold and adjust its pressure and speed.  reduced.

2. Raw material common in plastic injection

Initially, it is necessary to carry out a previous and detailed study of the thermoplastic resin to be common, according to what you want to obtain as a final product. In molding plastic at home remember that each resin belongs to a family, which in turn counts certain amounts of grades.

3. Process of molding plastic at home

First, it is important to know that the drying time of the molded material directly affects its final strength. Thus, once the ideal drying time is respected, the greater the resistance of the piece. Another highlight of molding plastic at home is the temperature and pressure common in the injection process. 

Each step requires a certain temperature to work well. As we can see, the higher the temperature, the more there is contraction and degradation of the material. Likewise, the holding pressure influences the filling and burr creation of the parts. Pay attention to the ideal balance for safe, quality plastic injection.

Variables in molding plastic at home

As you can see, there are many more variables involved in the injection process than mold and raw material/material variables. Therefore, it is necessary to be extra careful with the process to guarantee the quality and performance of the final product.
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In addition to drying time and material temperature, pay attention to mold temperature control, rework after injection. Apart from these in molding plastic, temperature control and cavity filling, in the case of molds with hot runners, also link.

What are the characteristics of the best molding plastic at home

A good, molded part requires basic principles such as knowledge of the physical properties and processing characteristics of the material, in addition to adjusting the equipment at the appropriate temperatures for the cylinder and mold.

For example

A fast-cycle part calls for lower temperatures, especially in the mold.

Considerations for molding plastic

Listed ahead are 4 considerations for molding plastic at home

1-Dosage profile

To achieve greater precision in the positioning of the spindle and repeatability in the metering volume, it is generally advisable to adjust the metering profile with higher initial speeds. This number decreases as the cylinder is loaded and during cooling to increase cylinder life and prevent raw material degradation.

2-Back pressure

It is also necessary to control the backpressure, which allows for greater homogenization and gas elimination. Its poor management can lead to degradation, breakage of the molecular chain, detachment of fibers, or even a reduction in the useful life of the cylinders.

3-Repression

Generally, molding plastic at home's pressure must be scaled down. In this way, when the injected solidifies, internal tensions avoid. However, this must come with caution because sudden drops before the gate freezes can cause the material to return to the cylinder, which causes material reorientation.

4-Plastic injection safety

Good results also involve the safety of plastic injection molding operators. Therefore, it is important that your company is aware of and adequate to the security requirements.

Final considerations on molding plastic at home

By being careful with all these variables of molding plastic at home (involving a plastic injection process), it is possible to achieve excellent results in the parts produced. In this sense, the search for knowledge, constant updating, and security are essential points that make the difference in positioning your company in the market.