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

June 27, 2025
Ensure workplace safety and compliance with our comprehensive Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) Safety Training course. Learn critical procedures to prevent serious injuries.
June 27, 2025
Join our expert webinar to discover essential safety control measures and best practices for engineering a truly safe and compliant industrial environment.
June 25, 2025
An innovative aircraft with electric drives combines the best of both worlds. The cross between drone and helicopter could mean significantly faster and more efficient air emergency...
June 25, 2025
Effective when other materials fail, ceramics are particularly suitable for applications requiring wear and chemical resistance, sliding characteristics or biocompatibility. Discover...

Voice your opinion!

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