There are various processing methods for high-molecular polymers such as plastics. Each method has its advantages and disadvantages and is more suitable for specific applications. Next, let's see how they are processed through related interesting animations!
1. Injection molding
Injection molding is a manufacturing method that creates parts by injecting material into a mold. The main method of processing plastics is injection molding. In this process, plastic is placed into a hopper, which then injects heated plastic, which is pushed through a long chamber with a reciprocating screw. Afterwards, it is softened into a fluid state.
Nozzles are located at the end of the chamber through which the fluid plastic is forced to cool and close the mold. While the plastic cools and solidifies, the semi-finished product exits the press.
2. Extrusion
Plastic extrusion is a high-volume manufacturing method in which raw plastic is melted to form a continuous profile. The extrusion process is commonly used to manufacture materials such as films, continuous sheets, tubes, profiles, rods, sheaths, filaments, wires, and cables.
Together with the injection molding machine, the dry plastic is placed into a hopper and fed into a long heating chamber. At the end of the chamber, the material is pressed out of a small opening, or mold, in the shape of the desired end product.
After the plastic leaves the mold, it is placed on a conveyor belt to cool. A blower is sometimes used during this process to help cool it down.
3. Blow molding
Blow molding is a molding method for manufacturing hollow plastic products. It is a secondary molding technology that uses gas pressure to inflate the rubber-like parison closed in the mold cavity into a hollow product.
4. Thermoforming
A relatively special plastic processing method for processing thermoplastic sheets into various products. The sheet is clamped on the frame and heated to a softened state. Under the action of external force, it is pressed against the surface of the mold to obtain a shape similar to the surface.
After cooling and shaping, it is trimmed and finished. This process is also used in rubber processing. In recent years, thermoforming has made new progress, such as continuous production technology from extruded sheet to thermoforming.
5. Compression molding
Compression molding is the most common method used in thermoset materials and is not usually used in thermoplastics. During this process, the material is extruded into the desired shape. Plastic molding powder and other materials are added to the mix to create special qualities.
When the mold is closed and heated, the material hardens and takes its desired shape. The temperature, pressure and length of time used in the process depend on the desired results.
6. Extrusion
Extrusion molding, the blank is extruded from the orifice or gap of the mold under the action of three-dimensional uneven compressive stress to reduce the cross-sectional area and increase the length, and the processing method to become the desired product is called extrusion. This processing of the blank It's called extrusion.
7. Vacuum forming
Vacuum Forming (Vacuum Forming), often called blister, is a plastic processing technology. The main principle is to heat and soften the flat plastic hard sheet, then vacuum absorb it on the surface of the mold, and form it after cooling. It is widely used in plastic packaging. , lighting, advertising, decoration and other industries.
8. Rotational Molding
Rotational molding is also known as rotational molding, rotational molding, rotational molding, rotational casting, rotary molding, etc. The rotational molding process is to add plastic raw materials into the mold first, and then the mold is continuously rotated along two vertical axes and heated, so that the plastic raw materials in the mold are gradually and evenly coated, melted and adhered to the mold under the action of gravity and heat energy.
The entire surface of the mold cavity is molded into the desired shape, then cooled and shaped, demoulded, and finally the product is obtained.