The Respective Characteristics of Compression Injection Molding

Molding is one of the most common manufacturing processes, involving materials such as plastics, rubber and similar polymers. It is important to note, however, that not all molding processes are the same. For example, injection molding and compression molding involve contrasting methods. Both techniques have their unique features and benefits.

 

Plastics continue to be one of the most popular materials used in the manufacture of a large number of consumer products. The potential uses of this material continue to expand into a variety of industries. Molding is one of the most common manufacturing processes, involving materials such as plastics, rubber and similar polymers. It is important to note, however, that not all molding processes are the same. For example, injection molding and compression molding involve contrasting methods. Both techniques have their unique features and benefits.
In most cases, the specifications of the application usually determine which process is best for the product. So, what is the difference between compression molding and injection molding? Let Injection Molding Machine Concrete pump reducertake you deeper!

 

 

Injection Molding

Injection molding is a process that involves the use of an "injection" technique. The term "injection molding" is due to the process that usually involves injecting raw materials into the mold cavity.
This method offers many benefits in terms of production. It is the best choice for creating complex and intricate parts, and is also suitable for high volume production. If you want consistency, accuracy and versatility in your work, then injection molding is the best choice for you.

Benefits

Efficient and fast production of uniform parts;
Ability to shape tamper-resistant features;
Enhanced versatility and customization;
Low production costs;
Robust and durable end products;
Supports complex mold designs;
Resistant to a wide range of materials;

Disadvantages

High tooling costs;
Low volume production is usually costly;

 

 

Applications

Injection molding is suitable for a wide range of applications because of its versatility. It helps create everything from complex components to equipment. The application of injection molding in the production of automotive parts is now also common.
Some of its applications include
Medical and dental parts;
Automotive and aerospace parts;
Food and beverage packaging;
Avionics components;
Engineering prototypes;
Cable assemblies;
Window and door assemblies;

 

bakelite injection molding machine DK-400

 

Compression Molding

Typically, compression molding is defined by the application of heat and pressure. While this is similar to injection molding, the process is quite different.
In compression molding, the manufacturer places the raw material into the mold cavity for heating. Thereafter, the operator inserts a plug into the top of the cavity to seal it. The plug also helps apply further pressure to the mold cavity. The heat and pressure work together to cure the raw material in the mold cavity, resulting in a new part.

Advantages

Easy mold mainteance;
Low initial mold cost and investment;
Enables more efficient color conversion;
It retains the mechanical and chemical properties of the material;
Ensures better visual appearance;

Disadvantages

It has poor consistency;
Not suitable for complex parts or high volume production;
May require secondary processing after compression molding;

Applications

Compression molding provides robust and durable products. As a result, many industries tend to use this technology in their applications. Some typical applications for compression molding include
Automotive components;
Body armor;
Circuit breakers;
Plastic tableware;
Electrical and electronic components;

 

Materials

The first point of action in every manufacturing process is deciding on the materials to be used for production. Again, material selection is an important consideration when deciding between compression molding or injection molding.

While both processes support a wide range of plastics, they also have some characteristics. The following materials are often the best choices for compression molding: Diallyl Phthalate (DAP), thermoset polyesters, epoxy resins, Sheet Molding Compounds (SMC), vinyl esters, phenolic resins, and silicones.

On the other hand, material options for injection molding include: Polyethylene, polystyrene, nylon, polypropylene, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polycarbonate.

 

Conclusion

You may have gotten the answer from our comparison above. However, injection molding has more advantages than compression molding.
With injection molding, you can create complex parts and test them in a short period of time. Injection molding has a shorter lead time, which is an added advantage for designers and manufacturers alike.

 

If you need to purchase an injection molding machine, or if you have any questions about the production process, feel free to contact our experts for advice and a quote.