Injection and moulding

In injection moulding, special machines (injection presses) are used to bring a thermoplastic polymer to the molten state. The fluid is dosed and then pressure is used to push or “inject” it inside a mould, where the material cools down and hardens to a solid state, taking on the desired shape. The process takes place entirely inside a machine-mould system with no contact with the outside environment.

There are literally thousands of variables at play. Some are associated with the type of raw material, its behaviour in the working temperature range or when it comes into contact with the chemical and/or atmospheric agents, or the polymer’s mechanical characteristics. Mould design is another crucial factor. The composition and production capacity of the mould and determining the right balance between the cost of the mould and that of the finished piece are very important.

What’s more, since it is an industrial process where a shorter production time translates into an economic benefit, the conditioning of the moulded pieces has to be considered carefully to allow them to cool down in the shortest amount of time yet consistent with the need for the material to return to its original structure, therefore, reducing internal strains that could cause deformation such as twisting and warping.

Extrusion is the technology used for plastic products with a uniform cross-sectional profile. While moulding machines work in cycles, extrusion is a continuous production process. With extrusion, the molten mass is allowed to flow into a matrix in the shape of the finished piece. The next stages are calibration and cooling. The profile can also be drawn for further shaping after the extrusion. This technology, too, presents countless variables; the most critical is finding the right balance between the following elements: temperature of the molten mass, the material’s output speed, matrix workmanship and cooling, pulling force, etc., etc… a real brain teaser. Components like the can handles we produce are applied through an automatic mechanical feeding process and this requires perfect dimensional stability.

We only use polymers that are recyclable, non-toxic with contact, and easy to colour.