Top Uses Of The Plastic Injection Moulding Process
One of the best things about manufacturing industries is that many processes used in this industry are in a constant state of evolution. First, an inventor discovers a process and takes out a patent. Alone or together with other collaborators, this inventor transforms the invention into reality by mass producing items based on the invention. Eventually, another inventor modifies the original invention and adds positive modifications. The process continues like that and the result is convenience, high quality products and great improvements in the manufacturing process. The scenario described above is applicable to plastic injection moulding. This article discusses the origins of this process. The modifications it has gone through over the years and its uses in the modern technological industry of the present era.
Understanding the Process of Plastic Injection Moulding
The actual process of plastic injection moulding is easy to understand. It simply means forcing plastic material into cavity and melting it very high temperatures. Once the material has been melted, the liquid is poured into a mould. At this point, it is malleable and can be used to form different shapes. After it cools, it solidifies and takes the form or shape of the mould. This process is used extensively in the manufacturing of plastic products.
History of the Injection Moulding Machine
In 1872, John Wesley Hyatt and his brother Isaiah took out a patent for the very first injection moulding machine. Compared to the ones used today, this machine is a relatively simple one. However, the principles used by current machines are the same as the ones John Hyatt and his brother used many years ago. During the era of John Hyatt and his brother, manufacturers used the process of injection moulding to produce buttons, hair combs, collar stays and other related materials.
Modification of the Injection Moulding Machine
In 1903, two German chemists, Arthur Eichengrun and Theodore Becker carried out a ground-breaking modification of the injection moulding machine. The duo invented soluble forms of acetate and this material became available in powder form. By 1919, Arthur Eichengrun developed the very first injection moulding press. He also patented the process of using plasticized cellulose acetate for the injection moulding process. This led to a revolution in the process and helped in speeding up the mass production of manufactured products using this method. James W. Henry, the American inventor built the first screw injection machine. This machine assisted greatly in improving the quality of products from injection moulding processes. Today, the injection moulding procedure is used in many industries. It is widely used in plumbing, toys, consumer products and the packaging industry. It is also used in the medical, construction, automotive and aerospace industry.
Plastic Injection Moulding Today
In the present era, this technology is used in many industries. The technology has been applied successfully to metal and it is also widely used in recycling plastic products.
Final WordPlastic injection moulding has come a long way from its early days in 1872. It is a great invention and the modifications along the way have made the invention even more useful to the global society.