Medical injection molding (MIM) is a versatile process that forces medical-grade plastics into a mold to create the desired shape and function. Medical plastic injection molding is used in the creation of prototypes, as well as market-ready medical devices. The FDA requires that only medical-grade plastics can be used in medical implants and devices, but there are several other key restrictions: Parts and devices must be durable Parts and devices must be reliable Parts and devices must offer increased versatility Prototypes, parts, and devices must meet all FDA regulations. To the final poin ..read more

Plastic molding is a manufacturing process used to produce large quantities of plastic parts and products. It involves shaping the material using a rigid hollow frame—i.e., mold. Once fully solidified, the material retains the shape of the mold after removal. Industry professionals employ a wide range of plastic molding methods, depending on the part and production specifications. Each method offers its own advantages that make it suitable for different applications. Some of the most commonly employed include: Blow molding Compression molding Extrusion molding Injection molding Rotational mol ..read more

Blow molding has the capacity to create an expansive variety of hollow plastic objects. Similar to glass blowing in methodology, the blow molding process heats plastic to a molten or liquid state while pressure within forces the molten material into the desired shape using a die or a mold cavity.  The most common types of blow molding include extrusion blow molding (EBM) and injection stretch blow molding (ISBM), each of which produce slightly different products. Production using EBM usually includes mass-producing a large volume of objects in the same size and shape, while ISBM is most c ..read more

Plastic provides a cost-effective and reliable form of packaging for products in a variety of industries, including the pharmaceutical sector. There are two types of polymers commonly used in pharmaceutical packaging: thermoplastics and thermosets. There is a distinct difference between these two material categories—thermoplastics can be reheated and remolded, while thermosets cannot.  Thermosets are often preferred for sealed products because they offer structural integrity and superior heat resistance. They are often used to create protective layering for other packaging materials, as ..read more

The Basics of Injection Molding: 2020 Guide Injection molding is a manufacturing process used to produce high volumes of molded parts. The process involves heating material—typically plastic or metal—to a fluid state and injecting it into pre-made molds. The high pressure of the injection operation forces the material to fill every cavity of the molds. Once the material cools and hardens, it retains the shape of the molds even when removed. The molded pieces can then proceed to further processing operations if needed.   The injection molding process offers many manufacturing advantages that ma ..read more

Blow Molding vs. Injection Molding Blow molding and injection molding are plastic manufacturing methods commonly employed by industry professionals to produce products ranging from plastic containers to mechanical components. Both processes offer unique advantages that make them suitable for different uses cases. If you’re comparing injection vs. blow molding, the following blog post outlines the differences. Our overview of the benefits and final products will help customers determine which process is right for their next project. Typical Products Produced by Blow Molding and Injection Moldin ..read more

Rotational molding and blow molding are both common methods of creating hollow plastic goods, but the processes differ substantially. Though they may produce similar results in many instances, variations in the techniques often make blow molding a better choice. Roto-Molding vs. Blow Molding There are multiple key advantages to blow molding that lead us to recommend it over rotational molding for most products, especially in high-volume runs. These include: Cost: The molds used in blow molding hold up over time, whereas rotational molds require frequent replacement. Over several years, rota ..read more

Materials Used in Injection Molding and Blow Molding Valencia Plastics draws on decades of manufacturing experience to provide premium molded plastic products for a diverse set of industry clients. As a full-service provider, we work closely with your team from the moment you request a quote to ensure that your needs are met and questions answered. Materials Used in Blow Molding Our blow molding capabilities extend to small and large parts using single or multi-part molds, including both air needle and blow pin models. The exact techniques used for a given project depend largely on the compl ..read more

Four Signs It’s Time to Replace Your Tools Injection molding tools should be cleaned and repaired regularly to keep them in their best condition. Without tool maintenance, the quality of plastic components can be affected as well as the project’s budget. Even though molds are made to withstand the tear and wear that occurs, they still undergo a lot of stress, and over time, tool repair and replacement will be needed to ensure your finished product’s quality is not affected. How do you know the right time to replace your tool? The best way to find out is by examining the following factors tha ..read more

Five Most Frequently Asked Questions about Injection Molding Plastic injection molding is an extremely versatile method of producing plastic parts. Due to its multiple advantages, it is preferred over other methods of plastic molding. It is an efficient, more reliable method of production and has been a standard process for high-volume components. As one of the many individuals looking to use plastic injection molding for different projects, you may wonder if there are plastic injection molders near you? Outlined below are some of the most common questions asked about injection molding. 1. Ho ..read more