Forming plastics, injection moulding and other plastic processes?

Question 1

What is injection moulding?

Answer 1

This the process where melted thermoplastics plastic is injected into a mould where it is then cooled and released.
Complex shapes can be produced in large quantities.
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Question 2

What are the advantages and disadvantages of injection moulding?

Answer 2

Advantages
- Can produce a high volume of products very quickly
- You can create complex shapes
- High volume = lower cost per unit
- Efficient use of materials (less wastage)
Disadvantages
- Expensive and time consuming to set up initially
- You can only produce one type of product as it’s difficult to change the moulds
- Very technical so needs skilled workers to manage

Question 3

What are the advantages and disadvantages of blow moulding?

Answer 3

Advantages
- Inexpensive compared to other methods of moulding
- Scalable and customizable to the manufacturers needs
- Can produce a high volume of products very quickly
Disadvantages
- Only produces products that are hollow
- They also use a thinner layer of plastic

Question 4

What are the different parts of an injection moulding machine?

Answer 4

Archimedean screw
Heating element 
Hopper
Plunger 
Cavity 
Mould
cooling pipes

Question 5

What are the advantages and disadvantages of vacuum forming?

Answer 5

Advantages

• Moulds are cost effective
• Moulds are quick to make

Disadvantages

• You need a draft angle
• Complex shapes cant be produced