What is the Typical Temperature for Injection Molding?
The temperature for injection molding is a broad concept, as it is influenced by various factors, such as:
Type of plastic: Different plastics have different melting points and processing temperatures. For example, the processing temperature of ABS is generally between 190-260°C, while that of PC is between 240-300°C.
Mold design: The cooling system, cavity structure, and other factors of the mold can affect the cooling rate of the plastic in the mold, thereby affecting the required processing temperature.
Product requirements: Different products have different requirements for surface finish, dimensional accuracy, and other aspects, which also affect the setting of the processing temperature.
Generally speaking, the temperature range for injection molding is between 150°C and 350°C.
Factors Affecting Injection Molding Temperature
Melting temperature: Plastics must be heated to a molten state to flow and fill the mold cavity, so the melting temperature is the lowest temperature limit.
Viscosity: The higher the temperature, the lower the viscosity of the plastic and the better the fluidity, but too high a temperature can also cause the plastic to decompose.
Crystallinity: The crystallization rate of crystalline plastics affects product performance. Too low a temperature can lead to incomplete crystallization and affect product strength.
Decomposition temperature: Plastics will decompose at high temperatures, so the processing temperature cannot exceed the decomposition temperature of the plastic.
How to Determine the Appropriate Injection Molding Temperature
Consult plastic property tables: Different plastics have different recommended processing temperature ranges.
Conduct trial molding: Observe product quality through small-batch trial molding and gradually adjust the processing temperature.
Refer to experience: Experienced injection molding engineers can provide appropriate processing temperature recommendations for new products based on their experience.
