Clean Up Event 2023

The Action Plastics Team were proud to take part in the Plastics New Zealand Operation Clean Sweep community clean up event in November. We headed out to our local Heathcote River and spent the afternoon along with other plastics companies to clean up!

A very successful afternoon, picking up 260 kgs of general rubbish and on top of that, there were 3 tyres and approximately 90 kg of metal that we kept out of land fill.

A great example of how Action Plastics takes ACTION to get out into our community and keeping NZ beautiful.

product design for injection moulding

The Significance of Designing Products for Plastic Injection Moulding

Plastic injection moulding is a widely adopted manufacturing process that revolutionised the production of various consumer and industrial products. The process involves injecting molten plastic into a mould cavity, where it cools and solidifies to form the desired product. Properly designing products for plastic injection moulding is paramount to ensure cost-efficiency, improved quality, and faster time-to-market. This article explores the importance of designing products with this manufacturing process in mind and highlights the benefits it offers to both manufacturers and end-users.

Cost-Efficiency

Designing products with plastic injection moulding in mind can significantly reduce production costs. The process allows for high-volume production, which lowers the per-unit cost of manufacturing. By optimising the design to minimise material waste and decrease the number of required components, manufacturers can further reduce material costs. Additionally, injection moulding machines are automated, which streamlines the production process, resulting in reduced labour expenses.

Enhanced Quality and Precision

The injection moulding process ensures high precision and consistent product quality. When the product is designed with this process in mind, it allows for tight tolerances, intricate details, and complex shapes to be accurately reproduced. Designing with draft angles, fillets, and proper wall thickness ensures uniform cooling, minimises defects, and eliminates potential weak points, enhancing the overall product quality.

Faster Time-to-Market

In today’s fast-paced market, speed is of the essence. Designing products tailored for plastic injection moulding expedites the manufacturing process. Mould fabrication is relatively quick, especially for simple designs, enabling manufacturers to bring products to market faster. Reducing time-to-market is critical for staying competitive, meeting consumer demands, and gaining a first-mover advantage.

Material Versatility

Plastic injection moulding supports a wide range of thermoplastics, including polypropylene, ABS, polycarbonate, and more. Each material offers unique properties, such as strength, flexibility, and heat resistance. Designers can choose the most suitable material for the product’s intended application, ensuring optimal performance and durability.

Sustainability and Environmental Impact

With growing concerns about environmental sustainability, plastic injection moulding offers opportunities for eco-friendly design. By creating products with recyclable or biodegradable materials, manufacturers can contribute to reducing plastic waste and its impact on the environment. Additionally, the process itself is relatively energy-efficient, further minimising the carbon footprint of the manufacturing process.

Design for Manufacturability

Designing products for plastic injection moulding involves considering “design for manufacturability” principles from the outset. This approach focuses on creating products that are easy and cost-effective to manufacture. By taking into account factors such as tooling complexity, mouldability, and undercuts, designers can avoid costly redesigns and potential production issues down the line.

Scalability and Mass Production

Plastic injection moulding enables scalable production, making it ideal for high-volume manufacturing. Once the initial mould is created, replicating the product becomes highly economical. This scalability is especially crucial for industries with large demand fluctuations or products intended for mass-market consumption.

Designing products with plastic injection moulding in mind offers numerous advantages to manufacturers and end-users alike. From cost-efficiency and enhanced quality to faster time-to-market and environmental benefits, this manufacturing process continues to be a preferred choice for a wide range of industries. Embracing the principles of design for manufacturability and leveraging the versatility of plastics empowers designers to create innovative, high-quality products that meet the demands of a rapidly evolving market. By prioritising the design process, businesses can pave the way for successful and sustainable product development in the plastic injection moulding realm.

Contact us today to find out how we can help.

Why Choose Plastic Injection Moulding

Unveiling the Marvels of Plastic Injection Moulding

So why choose plastic injection moulding for your products?

In the realm of manufacturing and production, plastic injection moulding stands out as an innovative and versatile process that has revolutionised the way countless industries create their products. At Action Plastics, we are a leading force in New Zealand’s plastic injection moulding industry. In this blog, we will explore the many benefits of plastic injection moulding and we’ll shed light on why it has become the preferred choice for businesses worldwide.

Precision and Complexity

Plastic injection moulding allows for unmatched precision and intricate designs that other manufacturing methods often struggle to achieve. The process involves injecting molten plastic material into a precisely crafted mould, resulting in products with exceptional dimensional accuracy and consistency. This level of precision enables the creation of complex shapes, fine details, and intricate features that can elevate the aesthetics and functionality of the final product.

Cost-Effectiveness

Cost-effectiveness is a driving force behind the popularity of plastic injection moulding. The ability to produce large quantities of parts with minimal material waste makes it an economical choice for mass production. Additionally, the automated nature of the process reduces labour costs, leading to overall savings in the manufacturing process.

Fast Production Cycles

In today’s fast-paced world, time-to-market is a crucial factor for any business. Plastic injection moulding shines in this aspect as it enables rapid production cycles. Once the mould is created, the actual production process becomes swift, allowing businesses to respond quickly to market demands and keep up with ever-changing customer preferences.

Versatility of Materials

Plastic injection moulding can accommodate a vast array of materials, each offering unique properties suitable for different applications. From conventional polymers to advanced engineering plastics, the versatility of materials opens up a world of possibilities for manufacturers. Whether it’s producing durable consumer goods or specialised components for complex industries like automotive and aerospace, plastic injection moulding can handle the challenge.

Enhanced Product Strength and Durability

Products manufactured using plastic injection moulding exhibit exceptional strength and durability. By adjusting the moulding parameters, manufacturers can control the material’s density, strength, and flexibility, resulting in products that can withstand harsh environmental conditions and heavy usage without compromising performance.

Consistency and Quality Control

Quality control is of paramount importance in any manufacturing process, and plastic injection moulding excels in this area. The automated and repeatable nature of the process ensures consistent product quality throughout the production run. Furthermore, modern moulding technologies incorporate sensors and monitoring systems that detect defects early on, reducing waste and enhancing overall quality.

Sustainable Manufacturing

In recent times, sustainability has emerged as a critical concern for businesses and consumers alike. Plastic injection moulding aligns with sustainable practices in several ways. Firstly, the process’s efficiency reduces material waste and energy consumption. Secondly, recyclable and biodegradable plastics can be used, promoting a more environmentally friendly approach to production.

Why we think it’s the way to go

Plastic injection moulding, with its precision, cost-effectiveness, speed, and versatility, has undoubtedly changed the face of manufacturing. The benefits it offers, from producing complex designs, to sustainable manufacturing, make it the go-to choice for businesses seeking excellence in their products.

As technology advances and environmental awareness grows, plastic injection moulding will continue to shape a world of possibilities for innovative and sustainable production.

If you would like to know about how we can help, please contact our team.