Plastic mold is a tool that is used in the mold processing industry to match with the plastic mold forming machine, giving plastic mold products a complete configuration and accurate size. In order to improve the performance of the mold, various auxiliary materials such as fillers, plasticizers, lubricants, stabilizers, colorants, etc. should be added to the polymer to become a plastic mold with good performance. Now let’s follow us to carefully understand some auxiliary materials of the plastic mold.
- Synthetic resin is the main component of plastic mold, and its content in plastic mold is generally 40%~100%. Because of the large content and the nature of the resin often determines the nature of the plastic mold, people often regard the resin as a synonym of the plastic mold. For example, PVC resin and PVC plastic mold, phenolic resin and phenolic plastic mold are confused. In fact, resin and plastic mold are two different concepts. Resin is a kind of raw polymer, which is not only used to make plastic molds, but also raw materials for coatings, adhesives and synthetic fibers. In addition to a few plastic molds containing 100% resin, the vast majority of molds need to add other substances in addition to the main component resin.
- Filler, also known as filler, can improve the strength and heat resistance of plastic mold, and reduce the cost. For example, the cost can be greatly reduced by adding wood powder to phenolic resin, making phenolic plastic mold one of the cheapest plastic molds, and at the same time, the mechanical strength can be significantly improved. Fillers can be divided into organic fillers and inorganic fillers. The former includes wood powder, rags, paper and various fabric fibers, while the latter includes glass fiber, diatomite, asbestos, carbon black, etc.
- Plasticizer can increase the plasticity and softness of plastic mold, reduce brittleness, and make plastic mold easy to process. Plasticizers are generally high boiling point organic compounds that are miscible with resins, non-toxic, odorless, light and heat stable, and the most commonly used are phthalates. For example, when producing PVC plastic molds, if more plasticizers are added, soft PVC plastic molds can be obtained; if no or less plasticizers are added (dosage<10%), hard PVC plastic molds can be obtained.
- Stabilizer In order to prevent the synthetic resin from being decomposed and destroyed by light and heat during processing and use, and to extend the service life, the stabilizer shall be added into the plastic mold. Stearate and epoxy resin are commonly used.
- Colorants can make plastic molds have various bright and beautiful colors. Organic dyes and inorganic pigments are commonly used as colorants.
- The function of the lubricant is to prevent the plastic mold from sticking to the metal mold during molding, and to make the surface of the plastic mold smooth and beautiful. Common lubricants include stearic acid and its calcium magnesium salts. In addition to the above additives, flame retardant, foaming agent, antistatic agent, etc. can also be added into the plastic mold.
Plastic mold processing is a complex and delicate process that requires the use of various auxiliary materials to ensure that the final product meets the required specifications. These auxiliary materials play a vital role in the plastic molding process, providing the necessary support, stability and functionality to the mold.
First of all, auxiliary materials play a supporting role in plastic mold processing. The mold is the tool for making plastic products, and the auxiliary materials provide the support structure required by the mold. For example, in the injection molding process, the mold needs to withstand the high temperature and pressure of the plastic melt, so high-strength steel or alloys need to be used as support materials. These materials can withstand huge pressure and temperature changes, ensuring that the mold will not deform or crack during use.
Secondly, auxiliary materials provide stability in plastic mold processing. Mold stability is crucial to manufacturing high-quality plastic products. Some auxiliary materials, such as lubricants and release agents, can reduce the friction between the mold and the plastic and improve the service life and stability of the mold. In addition, some special auxiliary materials, such as heat stabilizers and antioxidants, can prevent plastics from degradation or oxidation during processing, thereby maintaining the stability and quality of products.
Finally, auxiliary materials also provide functionality for plastic mold processing. Different plastic products may require different functional properties, and auxiliary materials can help achieve these functions. For example, some special additives can improve the wear resistance, weather resistance or flame retardant properties of plastics, thereby improving the quality and safety of products. In addition, some auxiliary materials can also change the fluidity and plasticity of plastics, making it easier to fill molds and form complex shapes.
In short, auxiliary materials play a vital role in plastic mold processing. Not only do they provide the support, stability and functionality required by the mold, they also ensure the quality and performance of the final product. Therefore, when processing plastic molds, it is crucial to choose appropriate auxiliary materials.
Here are some of the most commonly used auxiliary materials in plastic mold processing:
- Mold Release Agents: Mold release agents are used to prevent the molded part from sticking to the mold. These agents act as a barrier between the mold and the part, preventing them from sticking together. Commonly used mold release agents include silicone sprays, wax, and oil-based products.
- Mold Cleaners: Mold cleaners are used to remove any residue or contaminants that may be present on the mold surface. These cleaners help to maintain the integrity of the mold and prevent any defects from appearing on the molded part. Some of the commonly used mold cleaners include alcohol, acetone, and specialized cleaning agents.
- Mold Cooling Agents: Mold cooling agents are used to regulate the temperature of the mold during the molding process. These agents ensure that the mold does not overheat and that the molded part is cooled down quickly and evenly. Commonly used mold cooling agents include water, air, and specialized cooling fluids.
- Mold Lubricants: Mold lubricants are used to reduce the friction between the mold and the molded part. These lubricants help to prevent wear and tear on the mold and ensure that the part is released smoothly. Commonly used mold lubricants include silicone and graphite-based products.
- Mold Venting Systems: Mold venting systems are used to allow air and gases to escape from the mold during the molding process. These systems prevent air pockets and voids from forming in the molded part, ensuring that it is uniform and free of defects. Commonly used mold venting systems include vents, gas pins, and vacuum vents.
In conclusion, plastic mold processing requires the use of various auxiliary materials to ensure the success of the molding process. The right combination of mold release agents, mold cleaners, mold cooling agents, mold lubricants, and mold venting systems can make all the difference in the quality and consistency of the final product. By understanding the role of these auxiliary materials, manufacturers can improve their plastic molding process and produce high-quality parts with greater efficiency.
Plastic mold processing is a complex process that involves several stages and components. Apart from the primary equipment and materials, various auxiliary materials and devices facilitate effective plastic mold processing. These auxiliary materials help to improve efficiency, productivity, and the quality of the finished product.
What are the Auxiliary Equipment Used in Plastic Processing?
The auxiliary equipment used in plastic processing includes devices such as drying machines, mixers, grinders, chillers, and robots. These machines and devices play a crucial role in pre-processing, mixing, and shaping the plastic material into the desired shape.
What are the Auxiliary Equipment Used in Injection Molding?
Injection molding requires specific auxiliary equipment to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the process. These auxiliary devices include mold temperature controllers, hopper dryers, feeders, and air compressors. The mold temperature controller ensures that the mold temperature is maintained at the optimal level for efficient and effective cooling. The hopper dryer, feeder, and air compressor help in pre-processing the raw material before injection molding.
What Material Can You Use to Mold Plastic?
Several materials can be used to mold plastic, each with its unique characteristics and properties. Some of the most common materials used for plastic mold processing include acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polystyrene (PS), polypropylene (PP), and polycarbonate (PC).
What are the Components of Plastic Injection Molding Machine?
The plastic injection molding machine comprises several components, such as the injection unit, clamping unit, hydraulic system, electrical controls, and the mold. The injection unit melts and injects the plastic material into the mold, while the clamping unit holds the mold securely in place. The hydraulic system powers the clamping and injection unit, while the electrical controls monitor and control the process parameters such as temperature, pressure, and time.
Conclusion
Effective plastic mold processing involves the use of primary equipment and auxiliary materials and devices. Various auxiliary materials, such as drying machines, mixers, grinders, chillers, and robots, help to improve efficiency, productivity, and the quality of the finished product. Specific auxiliary equipment such as mold temperature controllers, hopper dryers, feeders, and air compressors facilitate effective injection molding processes. Different materials, such as ABS, PET, PS, PP, and PC, can be used for plastic mold processing, each with unique characteristics and properties. The plastic injection molding machine comprises several components that each play a crucial role in the efficiency and effectiveness of the mold processing process.
The auxiliary materials and devices used in plastic mold processing play a crucial role in determining the efficiency and quality of the finished product. Different auxiliary equipment such as drying machines, mixers, grinders, chillers, and robots, improve productivity and efficiency. Effective injection molding processes require auxiliary equipment such as mold temperature controllers, hopper dryers, feeders, and air compressors. Multiple materials can be used to mold plastic with ABS, PET, PS, PP, and PC being the most common. The plastic injection molding machine comprises several interconnected components, such as the injection unit, clamping unit, hydraulic system, electrical controls, and the mold, for efficient plastic mold processing.
