Identifying Plastic Processes

Question 1

How do you identify something has been injection moulded?

Answer 1

• complex 3D shapes
• curves
• ejector pin marks

Question 2

How do you identify something has been blow moulded?

Answer 2

• hollow shapes with one end sealed, and one remained open.
• the neck of the product is usually smaller than the outside measurement of the measurement of the main body
• surface decoration can be applied
• usually have a sprue at the bottom of the product
• mould seam lines around the outside of the product showing where the mould halves have been joined together

Question 3

How do you identify something has been rotational moulded?

Answer 3

• hollow
• no sprue-seam lines where mould have been joined together
• embossing may be included

Question 4

How do you identify something has been thermoformed (vacuum formed)?

Answer 4

• made from sheet materials
• stretching occurs
• sides are thinner than the base
• marks showing where the product has been cut and removed from the sheet
• detail