As described on Wikipedia, the injection moulding process involves shaping plastic materials in the form of pellets or granules, which are then fed into a heated barrel using a forced ram. The plastic is melted in the heated chamber and pushed through a nozzle into the mould cavity via a gate and runner system. The mould, remaining cold, allows the plastic to solidify quickly upon filling.
The injection moulding cycle consists of several steps, starting with the closure of the mould, followed by the injection of polymer into the cavity. Holding pressure is maintained to compensate for material shrinkage. After the part cools sufficiently, the mould opens, and the part is ejected.
Scientific or decoupled moulding, pioneered by RJG Inc., has become more prevalent, providing better control of part dimensions and improved cycle-to-cycle consistency. This method allows workers to achieve precise part dimensions within thousandths of an inch or better.
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