Why Does a Plastic Mold Fail?

December 02, 2024 by Andy Wirth


A plastic mold is a tool that gives plastic products their complete configuration and precise size. It is filled with molten plastic and then formed to shape it once the material has cooled and solidified. There are different kinds of plastic molds, each used for a specific process:

Injection Molds: Used to inject molten plastic into the cavity and create three-dimensional shapes. Injection molds can be single- or multi-cavity.

Blow Molds: Used to form hollow plastic parts like bottles by blowing air into the heated mold. This is usually used for high-pressure applications. Blow moulds can be single- or multi-cavity.

Compression Moulds: Used to shape plastic by compressing it into a heated mold. Compression molds can be single- or multi-cavity.

There are many reasons for a plastic mold to fail, which can be broken down into a number of categories:

Wear loss failure: A common cause for this is that the injected plastic has a softer surface than the injection nozzle and this can lead to friction between them, causing wear.

Localized deformation failure: This can be caused by a number of things, such as thermal stress and structural stresses within the product itself. This can also occur due to the use of poor quality plastics, or incorrect injection pressure settings.

Fracture failure: This is usually the Plastic mold result of improper mold design or fabrication, but it can also be caused by a variety of things. It can also be caused by the injection of materials that are too hot, or by using a nozzle with a smaller diameter than that specified for the mold.

A plastic mold is an expensive piece of equipment and one that needs to be well-maintained to ensure optimal performance. Some of the most important aspects of maintaining a plastic mold include cleaning and lubricating it. This will help prevent corrosion and wear, and also reduce the risk of contamination from dirt or rust. In addition to cleaning and lubricating, it is important to protect the mold from water leaks and condensation, and not expose it to rain or fingerprints.

An engineer responsible for designing plastic molds should have a minimum of five years of experience and be passionate about their work. They should be able to produce high-quality drawings using software such as CAD, UG and CATIA. They should be able to collaborate effectively with team members and understand the product development process. In addition, they should be able to manage multiple projects at once and demonstrate strong leadership skills. Finally, they should be able to identify problems and solve them effectively. Plastic molds are used to create a wide variety of products, from car components to toothbrushes. In general, they are designed for low-to-medium production volumes and can be made of a range of materials, including metal. The type of plastic that is molded in a plastic mold depends on the design and specifications of the final product. For example, if a product requires a rigid handle, the design may require a steel core pin that is strong enough to resist the forces of ejection. Similarly, a plastic mold that is designed to hold liquid should be made of a strong and durable material.


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