From designing the molds to solidifying the product, plastic manufacturing requires precision and care. Any missteps in the process could result in defective products that are visually or practically unappealing to consumers. Craft high-quality plastic goods on your production line by avoiding these five defects in manufacturing.
1. Sinks and Warps
Several things go into preventing plastic sinks and warps, but doing so ultimately protects the structural integrity of your goods. These defects result from uneven cooling or insufficient packing pressure. Sinks appear as depressions on the surface, while warps cause the part to bend or twist out of shape.
Above all, aim to use quality mold materials and maintain consistent temperatures during production.
2. Flash
Flash occurs when excess material leaks out of the mold cavity and forms thin protrusions along parting lines or ejector pins. This defect deteriorates the functionality and visual appearance of your plastic goods.
Regularly inspect the mold regularly to determine if the parting lines and clamping methods function as they should, and monitor the injection procedure carefully to prevent flash during production.
3. Short Shots
Short shots are plastic defects in manufacturing that occur when the plastic doesn’t fully fill the mold cavity. Inadequate material volume or improper injection speeds could create these incomplete parts.
Reduce the short shots in your products by choosing the correct shot size and checking for any blockages in the nozzle. The best way to avoid these types of defects is by ensuring a smooth flow of material.
4. Burn Marks
Burn marks are discolorations that appear on plastic parts due to trapped air or overheating. While they may seem minor, burn marks can weaken the structure and appearance of the product.
Improve the venting in the mold and reduce injection speeds if you notice burn marks on your plastic goods. Clean out vents and gates to prevent air traps in the production process.
5. Flow Lines
Flow lines are streaks or patterns on the surface of plastic parts caused by varying flow speeds during filling. These defective elements indicate underlying process issues for the materials in manufacturing.
Maintain a uniform appearance in your plastic goods by upgrading your mold’s design. To eliminate flow lines, adjust the injection speed and temperature to promote a smooth, consistent flow.
Every step in plastic molding production could result in a defective product. Addressing these defects early in the redesigning process will cut down on work production and create new and improved products. Search for ways you can improve your production line by incorporating these techniques to avoid mishaps in manufacturing.
