When a new product is developed, it will usually have to be custom made. Even for products that can mostly be made from existing, sourceable parts, there is often a need for at least one custom part. So, what is the best way to manufacture the custom product or part that you need? The answer is often custom molded plastics.
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What Are Custom Molded Plastics?
Custom molded plastics refers to products or parts which are custom designed and manufactured quickly and at a lower cost than other forms of manufacturing. The most popular process for this is injection molding. This is when molten polymer is injected into a custom cavity, often referred to as a mold. When the polymer is cooled, it becomes solid, creating a completely custom product or part. However, injection molding is not the only option when it comes to creating custom molded plastics. Other processes include:
- Blow molding
- Co-molding/Overmolding
- Compression molding
- Die-cutting
- Extrusion molding
- Rotational molding
- Thermoforming
Which process is right for your needs will depend on the specifics of the product or part you would like to have made. A company specializing in custom molded plastics can help you decide which one is ideal for you.
The Benefits of Using Custom Molded Plastics
So, why would a business be interested in using custom molded plastics? Well the use of this type of manufacturing comes with a number of benefits, including but not limited to:
- Versatility
- Efficiency
- Ease of making complex designs
- Low labor costs
- Reduced waste
- Enhanced strength
- Flexibility
With all of these useful benefits, it’s easy to see why a business would want to make use of custom molded plastics, but is it right for your business? Let’s find out.
Types of Businesses That Can Benefit from Custom Molded Plastics
Custom molded plastics are so versatile that almost any business that needs a product or part manufactured can benefit from their use. Here are just a few examples of industries where custom molded plastics can be extremely useful.
Automotive
Automotive components often consist of a number of small, precise parts. Custom molded plastics are perfect for this as they allow for the manufacturing of parts that are extremely lightweight, while also being very durable. This allows for easy and cheap shipping, while also meeting the strength requirements of stringent automotive regulations.
Pharmaceutical
A part made for medical use that is not crafted to exact specifications can lead to dire complications. Custom molded plastics allow for a high level of precision, ensuring that these parts are the exact right shape and size needed, reducing risk to patients. Custom molded plastics are often used for test kits, pharmaceutical components, and X-ray components.
Beverage and Food
Beverage overcaps, food containers, filtering components, conveyor system components, and other food and beverage components are all made from custom molded plastics, often using injection molding. As this industry is heavily regulated by the FDA, the use of custom molded plastics helps to ensure that all parts are made from FDA approved plastics.
Household Goods
Custom molded plastics are used in a multitude of items that can be found around the house. This includes:
- Pot/pan handles
- Combs and brushes
- Cleaning product containers
- Cosmetics and toiletries
- Drawers, handles, and shelves
- High chairs
- Playpens
- Toys
- Clothes hangers
- Containers, vessels, and jars
- Decorations
- Gardening tools and landscaping supplies
- Tool components
As you can see, looking around any house you’ll find custom molded plastics almost everywhere. The versatility and durability of custom molded plastics makes them ideal for use in household goods.
Unlimited Potential
The industries listed above are just a few examples of the types of businesses that can benefit from the use of custom molded plastics. In reality, almost any business that wants to produce a custom part or product will find value in using custom molded plastics. The durability, versatility, manufacturing speed, and customizability experienced when using this manufacturing process means that it can be utilized for any industry.
