Exploring the Types of Plastic Injection Molds

The Injection molding process begins with creating a mold that, when filled with molten plastic, makes the desired part. The type of injection mold you need for your project is determined by the mold’s production rate and product quality. Molds are classified by the number of parts they produce per injection cycle. 

The most complex component of injection molding is making the mold, but it only needs to be made once. Mold cavities can be designed to mold one part or multiple parts per cycle. The most common number of cavities in injection molds is between one and eight. Once the mold is made, parts are easily replicated. There are three basic injection mold types.

Single injection molds are less complex, cost-effective, and produce one part per cycle. This mold is cost-effective when producing lower volumes.

Multi-injection molds produce the same part multiple times per cycle and allow components to be made faster, in high volume, and on a short deadline. Multi cavity molds require more up-front costs since they require more material, labor, and energy resources. The initial investment cost is high, but the unit part cost is low.

Family injection molds have fast production times and produce two or more different parts within the same mold. Family molds have higher upfront costs but are cost-efficient because only one mold needs to be designed instead of several. Family injection molds should be used when the form, material, and color of the parts are unlikely to change soon.

The plastic injection molding process produces small components and large complex shapes with consistent quality. Universal Plastic Mold offers plastic injection molding services in California and an experienced team to assist you with mold design and development.