The plastic injection molding market has been steadily evolving and expanding in recent years. Since its inception, it has become one of the most commonly-used plastic formation techniques utilized across a variety of industrial applications today, including automotive, consumer goods, electronics, construction, packaging, medical applications, and more.
Several growth drivers are resulting in a rise in the demand for injection-molded plastic items. In the first part of this blog, we’ll take a look at a few of the top trends propelling the progress and innovation of the plastic injection molding industry.
Automation
Automation has created a groundbreaking influence on practically all industries worldwide. Robotics has long since been a disrupting innovation in the manufacturing sector, and if surveys are any reliable indication, its impact in the injection-molded plastic industry is expected to be immense. Automated tools and robotics have transformed the dynamics of the manufacturing sector, as they are quick, accurate, and adaptable, ultimately translating into efficient production.
In 2019, designing software like SolidWorks and MoldFlow from Autodesk included updates that improved plastic part and injection mold designs, as well as facilitated the overall manufacturing process. Improving upon the design quality and accuracy ensures lower costs and future savings in rework undertakings. Other developments in these programs include the ability to simulate melted plastic flows during the molding process to better predict manufacturing defects. This simulation allows designers to evaluate and modify component manufacturability and make necessary adjustments early on in the design stage, resulting in cost-savings along the way.
Renewability
Following noble trends of eco-friendliness and sustainability, injection-mold industry players are always striving to develop bio-based, recyclable products. Lots of companies have implemented a prototype of such products, from soybeans, flax, corn, etc. which are gathering industry acclaim. China’s new National Sword policy banned plastic waste from being imported. As a result, plastic mold manufacturers and their contemporaries are now generating a responsible plan for the proper handling and disposing of plastic scrap in an environmentally-conscious way.
In the next part of this blog, we’ll explore two more significant trends driving the plastic injection molding industry. For more information about our products, contact us today!