How to plastic-injection mold microscopic parts

Dec. 16, 2008
The fundamental best practices of plastic design still apply for micromolding, just at a smaller scale.
See James Conkey from Accumold, a micromolding firm, describe the firm's Micro-Mold process as well as the tiny parts it makes. The company, in business for 25 years, makes its own presses and the tooling for micro parts. One part is so small, the firm produces 56,000 pieces out of out of one ounce of material. Molding these entails using the special presses which can control exceedingly small shot sizes. Conkey explains how all the fundamental best practices of plastic design still apply for micromolding, just at a smaller scale. For example, consider that parting lines, which can create flash, are still necessary. Locating the lines on non-critical surfaces thus becomes an important design-for-manufacturability consideration. Micromolded parts are usually made in one to four-cavity molds because they reproduce features better than high-cavitation molds. Running time: 5 min.www.accu-mold.com

Sponsored Recommendations

From concept to consumption: Optimizing success in food and beverage

April 9, 2024
Identifying opportunities and solutions for plant floor optimization has never been easier. Download our visual guide to quickly and efficiently pinpoint areas for operational...

A closer look at modern design considerations for food and beverage

April 9, 2024
With new and changing safety and hygiene regulations at top of mind, its easy to understand how other crucial aspects of machine design can get pushed aside. Our whitepaper explores...

Cybersecurity and the Medical Manufacturing Industry

April 9, 2024
Learn about medical manufacturing cybersecurity risks, costs, and threats as well as effective cybersecurity strategies and essential solutions.

Condition Monitoring for Energy and Utilities Assets

April 9, 2024
Condition monitoring is an essential element of asset management in the energy and utilities industry. The American oil and gas, water and wastewater, and electrical grid sectors...

Voice your opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of Machine Design, create an account today!