Benefits of PMMA Injection Molding

Polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) injection molding is a process that involves injecting organic glass and acrylic into a cavity to form a product after cooling and solidification. These molds can be used in making a variety of things, including aquariums, car windows, and screens for mobile phones. Many plastic injection molding companies prefer acrylic to glass due to its superior abrasion resistance.

The automobile industry is experiencing tremendous growth in products worldwide, especially in Asia. Many countries are investing in manufacturing cars that are efficient and made with environmentally friendly materials. This is good news for PMMA as it is expected to positively impact the injection molding industry.

The importance of acrylic injection molding

Acrylic is a useful plastic for applications where high impact resistance is not an issue. It is an economical substitute for applications where strength is not a key factor. In the acrylic injection molding process, a technician can derive fine shapes using laser cutting technology because the material vaporizes upon impact with the concentrated laser energy. If optical clarity is of high importance, then acrylic is an excellent choice. Typically after machining, the parts need to be polished to remove the tool marks and restore the optical clarity.

If you have any products that require PMMA injection molding, we can offer you quality service and expert advice on PMMA injection molding.  You may not know, but many plastic and glass products we use in our daily lives are manufactured using polymethyl methacrylate. Some of the products made using acrylic injection molding include:
Eyeglass lenses
Fashion accessories
Casings for mobile phones
Lamp holders
Vehicle windshields
Cases for computer and other electronic devices
olded acrylic provides a ton of benefits

Scratch-resistant products

Everyone wants to purchase items that are durable and long-lasting. Acrylic molding materials are more scratch-resistant compared to their glass counterparts. They can maintain their appealing look without any degradation.

Benefits of PMMA injection molding ( acrylic injection molding)

Lightweight products
Acrylic has a light density of 1.185 grams per cubic centimeters and, as a lightweight product.
PMMA injection molding produces complex designs
This process produces complex shapes that other molding processes cannot generate, such as metal injection molding. More so, injection molded acrylic can replicate several identical products in shape, weight, and size.
Efficiency in production
Acrylic injection molding allows a faster molding process. This means more production units can be made at a given time, increasing the overall production output.
A wide range of colors

This process allows products to be mixed with resins to create different colored products. Acrylic injection molding is the only process that provides an enhancement of color flexibility.
Abrasion resistance
Since they make an excellent alternative to glass. They should have a glass-like appearance. They are better when compared with other plastics but do not have the level of resistance as glasses. They have better abrasion resistance than plastics like polyethylene or polypropylene. They maintain a glossy appearance during and after production.
Optical clarity
PMMA injection molding gives excellent optical clarity. Your products appear very clear and have similar clarity to the glass.
Low shrinkage
PMMA has a low shrinkage value between 0.2 and 0.8%. Other plastics can have a 10% shrinkage capacity. The low shrinkage feature allows a more stable product dimension.
Regrind and recycle
PMMA is recyclable since it is thermoplastic. It can be recycled during the production process or after its lifespan as long as it is done below the degradation temperature with limited heating cycles.

What are the different types of PMMA

The acrylic plastic was discovered way back in. 1843 when acrylic acid was first made. In 1933, the trade name plexiglass was patented by a German chemist Otto Rohm nearly a century later. Today it is manufactured by a large number of firms using different production processes and unique formulas.

Is Acrylic toxic

One significant advantage of acrylic is that it does not contain or release Bisphenol A (BPA) during hydrolysis. Although polycarbonate contains BPA, the toxicity of BPA is inconclusive. There have been a few contradictory studies of the health risk of BPA by government funding and industry funding. Notwithstanding the conflicting studies, there has been an invention of certain types of polycarbonate products that are BPA-free.
Acrylic is BPA-free and nontoxic in its solid form. However, fumes from 3D printing with acrylic should not be inhaled. The manufacturing process should be conducted in a well-ventilated environment to avoid the consequences of gaseous polymer.

If the PPMA injection molding is not handled by a professional, some defects can occur. These defects usually involve silver streaks, short shots, sink marks, voids jetting, weld marks, cracking, warpage, black specks, material impurity, etc.

The process features of PMMA

PMMA has poor fluidity due to high viscosity. To combat this, a high material temperature and increased injection pressure must be applied during the injection molding process. The increase of injection pressure will improve product shrinkage.

The optimal injection temperature for PMMA melting pressure is 160 degrees, and the decomposition temperature is as high as 270 degrees. This allows the material temperature to be adjusted within a wide range. It is essential to increase the mold temperature to improve the condensation process. This will prevent breakage, scratches and improve impact and resistant abrasion.

PMMA injection molding takes place in the conventional injection molding machine. It is compatible with both vertical or horizontal injection molding and can be used with inserts. More so, it can be made into complex shapes and designs. The injection molding process requires expertise to avoid some of the challenges.

We have a highly professional team that can deliver the highest quality of products for your business. Visit our website for more information.