Acrylic Injection Molding

Injection molding is widely used nowadays for mass production of identical parts with utmost precision and tolerances. This manufacturing technique has gained immense popularity owing to high repeatability and design flexibility. This process can be performed with several materials possessing different features and properties. However, which material to choose highly depends on the parts to be manufactured, their required properties, and applications. Some popular types of injection molding materials include Polyether Ether Ketone (PEEK), Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS), ZENITE, and Nylon. Acrylic injection molding is one preferred method for producing several identical parts using acrylic molding material. At Veejay Plastic, we manufacture different parts using this technique. 

What is Acrylic injection Molding?

Acrylic injection molding is also known as polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) injection molding. In this process, acrylic thermoplastic polymer/organic glass is heated to liquefy the material. Afterwards, it is injected into a customized mold using a high-pressure injection tool. This is because designing and creating demands more time, especially for heavy-duty, expensive materials. The initial lead time and tooling costs required for this method are greater than thermoforming. However, tooling is a one-time cost. So, for mass production and reiteration of orders, acrylic injection molding can offer a lower unit cost. The molds produced by this method are used to make aquariums, mobile screens, car windows, and more. Acrylic as a molding material is preferred as it has superior abrasion resistance

Why Acrylic injection Molding?

With an abundance of other types of injection molding techniques, why do many industries employ acrylic injection molding technique? This is because of the benefits this method offers. The following are some important ones. 

• • Acrylic molding materials are scratch-resistant and thus, produce products that maintain their shiny or glossy appearances for a long time.
• • The molds produced using the injection molding method are a lightweight alternative compared to glass. This is because acrylic has a density of 1.185 grams per cubic centimeters, while glass has a density of approximately 2.4 grams per cubic centimeters.
• • This method can produce complex designs that can’t be made using other injection molding processes. Additionally, this method can reproduce significant products that are identical in terms of size, shape, and weight.
• • This method is faster than other injection molding methods. Thus, more production units can be made within a shorter cycle time. This increases the overall production output of the industry.
• • The products made using acrylic injection molding can be easily mixed with resins to create multiple colored products. This is not possible using metal or glass injection molding.

Product Made Using Acrylic Injection Molding

Undeniably, a large percentage of glass or plastic products that we use in our daily lives are made using methyl methacrylate. This injection molding technique is used to manufacture a wide range of products including

• • Lamp holders
• • Eyeglass lenses
• • Security barriers
• • Plexiglass windows
• • Vehicle windshields
• • Mobile phone casings
• • Medical devices
• • LCD screens and furniture
• • Fashion accessories such as bracelets and artificial nails
• • Computer and electronics casings

Understanding the Features and Benefits of Acrylic Thermoplastic

In the plastic injection molding industry, acrylic refers to acrylic resins. These are thermoplastics derived from acrylic and methacrylic acids. Also, it is a general term given to any plastic, which has been generated using polymerization.

Popular Acrylic Plastics:

The most popular types of acrylic resins are Polymethyl Acrylate, and Polymethyl Methacrylate. The details of these two resins are given below.

Polymethyl Acrylate:

Also known as PMA, polymethyl acrylate is a synthetic hydrophobic polymer. The glass transition temperature of this resin is low, about 50oF. As a resin, PMA feels leathery upon touch, and is known to have immense toughness and flexibility. However, it is sensitive to water, and cannot maintain its stability against alkalis. Polymethyl acrylate is mainly used in the textile industry, and in leather finishing applications.

Advantages of Polymethyl Acrylate:

• It is light in weight.
• It can be sawed and shaped easily.
• Acrylic plastic is clear, transparent, and can be used as a substitute for glass.
• It is safer, and is a better insulator than glass.

Polymethyl Methacrylate:

Also known as PMMA, this is a transparent acrylic plastic, and is often used as a casting resin for industrial coatings. It can also be used as an alternative to glass. This acrylic resin is known for its toughness, and good resistance against weather elements.

Also known as acrylic glass, PMMA is often used as a substitute for polycarbonate in applications where there is no need for immense strength. It is easy to handle and process, and can be cut, molded, drilled, formed, and colored. It is mainly used to create lightweight automobile components. It is also used in the manufacturing of shields and safety equipment. Commercial applications include fixture and decorative components.

Advantages of Polymethyl Methacrylate:

• Excellent clarity
• Good light transmission
• Resistance to UV radiation (sunlight)

The table below provides the technical specifications of acrylic plastics.

Maximum Temperature	Tensile Strength	Impact Strength	Chemical Resistance	Flexural Modulus
183 - 217 °F	2800 - 10,9000 PSI	22 - 1.1 ft-lb./in. Notched Izod	Excellent	221,000 - 534,000 PSI

 

Would you like to know more about the acrylic injection molding services? If yes, then do visit our website to know more about our product offering, and get in touch with our highly-skilled team of experts to solve your queries. We are committed to delivering high-quality products at competitive prices in the shortest turnaround times. Our vast injection molding research investments and experience over the years have helped us in many ways to stay true to this commitment. To know more about acrylic resins and acrylic plastics, get in touch with us on our toll-free number 847-683-2954, or email us at info@veejayplastic.com.