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Design & Technology · Manufacturing processes

Plastic moulding

CIE 04451 min read

Plastic moulding

Blow moulding

Used for PVC, thermoplastics and ABS.

  1. Plastic pellets are poured into the mould.
  2. Heat melts the plastic, which is transported by the screw.
  3. The plastic is injected into the mould.
  4. Air is blown in to expand the plastic.
  5. It is cooled and removed.

Injection moulding

Used for PVC and acrylic.

  1. Plastic pellets are placed into the hopper.
  2. The screw carries the pellets along the tube.
  3. Heat melts the plastic into a liquid state.
  4. It is injected into the mould.
  5. Pressure is applied so it fills all the empty spaces.
  6. It is cooled and removed.

Vacuum forming

Used for acrylic.

  1. A thermoplastic sheet is heated until bendy and pliant.
  2. It is placed on top of the mould.
  3. Air is vacuumed out, forcing the plastic into shape.
  4. Trim the excess material.

Compression moulding

Used for acrylic, PVC and other thermoset composites.

  1. A sheet of thermoplastic is heated until pliable.
  2. It is clamped to the mould.
  3. It is compressed into the shape of the mould.
  4. It is cooled and removed.
  5. Trim the excess material.

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