Plastic injection molding is a useful manufacturing process, especially for medical devices and packaging. If you're planning to manufacture parts, learn more about this process and what it offers. 

The Process

A mold for the part or device is manufactured out of metal. Plastic pellets are then fed into a barrel, which has a screw-shaped auger inside. The auger rotates, pressing the pellets against heating bands around the barrel. The auger's rotation distributes the heat evenly. Once the plastic is melted, the auger plunges down into the mold, injecting the molten plastic into the metal mold's cavity. 

Channels around the mold flow a coolant, such as water, around the metal to rapidly cool the plastic. As it cools, it hardens into the desired shape. 

Uses in Medical Device Manufacturing

Medical-grade plastics, such as polycarbonates or PEEK, are used to create medical devices, as they're extremely durable. Molds can be made for highly intricate devices and produce one seamless object rather than multiple parts that need to be assembled. 

The medical-grade plastic resins can withstand high heat exposure for sterilization, and the lack of seams reduces the likelihood of infection. Once a mold is made, it can be used to mass-produce new parts quickly and affordably with consistent quality and minimal waste. This also reduces the cost of medical supplies. The process is often used for medical enclosures, needles, surgical instruments, tubes, dental instruments, prosthetics, and medical equipment components. 

For high-quality and cost-effective manufacturing, rely on plastic injection molding from Pacific Integrated Manufacturing in Bonita, CA. This 50,000-square-foot plant has used precision injection molding for more than 15 years to create all types of medical devices and assembly packaging. Their "quality first" policy ensures you'll always receive the best. Find out more about their capabilities on their website, or call (619) 921-3464 to request a free quote.