There are a number of steps to take when producing a molding. If you don’t know what a molding is all you really have to do is think of a time when you may have made a mold. Moldings are a final product or design. You may have had a class in school that required you to create a mold. Molds or (moulds) are a hollow container which when liquids like melted wax are poured in create something when it cools. A good example of a mold is a pottery mold which can be used to create a uniform set of plates or bowls. This is an example of a mold in a simpler context.
On the other side of the coin, we also see molds which are created for high end automobiles, spacecraft and aircraft. When molds are used to create a lighter and flexible aircraft wings we a delving into composite molds.
Composite molds as you may know are created with the use of two or more components with an end result being one material. The use of this single material is designed to make a more flexible, lightweight and stronger composite.
The final product of the composite formed from a mold is called a molding. So, now that we have refreshed memories with what molds and moldings are, we can take a look at what are the different types of moldings out there.
There are a wide variety of moldings, in fact too many too list here. While most of these moldings are not the types that are used for building high end flexible parts we would find on race cars, they are still worth mentioning. These are different types of plastic injection moldings and have a wide range of uses.
Blow Molding
This type of molding works best when used in the process of making bottles, vases or other containers. These are commonly designer products used for storing items.
Compression Moldings
Compression moldings are types of moldings which are used for high end race cars, aircraft and aerospace designs. Materials used in this type of molding are plastics and resin. Compression molds are a top pick when a strong lightweight composite is needed.
Injection Moldings
Injection moldings have the ability to provide the most versatility of all other types of moldings. An injection mold can be used in car parts as well as parts as small as surgical instruments. These moldings are perfect for high volume applications.
Rotational Moldings
Rotational moldings are used for larger parts that need to be hollowed out. A tank would be an container that would be created using this process. While it is a slow process, it proves to make environmental sense to use. It is also cost effective as left over material can be reused.
Finally, the manufacturing process of creating moldings depends on what type of part is being produced and at what volume. Since the process can be time consuming and costly depending on the molding , they are commonly mass produced. In factory settings moldings are often made of steel, aluminum or some type of alloy. The manufacturing of injection moldings involves a process where the mold is injected with polymer into the mold cavity itself. Once this is filled with polymer, pressure is applied to keep the shrinkage to a minimum. As the screw turns a new of shot of the material is introduced, the screw retracts and the process is repeated. After the part being produced has cooled it is removed from the mold. The molding created by the mold is now complete.
This brief article is intended for readers to understand the process of creating a molding, preparation and the manufacturing steps to create a final part. While there are more complex ways of creating different moldings, the process of all is relatively similar. Take a look around you. Chances are you will find some excellent examples of moldings!
