Plastics are among the widely used materials globally. They are found in virtually everything, from packaging bags to product containers. Since plastics boast excellent versatility, they come with a wide range of polymer options, which differ in mechanical properties. As such, many manufacturing processes and machines are used to cover the broad range of part geometries, applications, and types of plastics. You must understand the plastics machinery options available today and their applications in the modern market.

This article provides an overview of various plastics machinery equipment and their application in the modern world.

Types of Plastic Machinery

Plastic machines are primarily classified based on manufacturing methods, and they include:

  • Injection Molding Machines

Injection molding is the most commonly used method for mass manufacturing of plastic parts. During the process, resin pellets are melted with a heated barrel, and an auger is used to move the molten plastic into a metal mold. Once the molten plastic fills the cavity, it solidifies, and plastic parts or products are created.

  • Extrusion Molding Machines

This type of equipment operates using the same principle as the injection molding machines, but instead of filling the mode with plastic, the device pushes the melted plastic via a die and gives the plastic a fixed shape.

  • Blow Molding Machines

Although the blow molding process can take several variations, the basic principle is that the machines used to facilitate the production of hollow plastic products from a pre-shaped length of melted thermoplastics, dubbed a parison. 

During the formation process, a parison is clumped by a mold, and air pressure forces the plastic to expand and assume the shape of the mold. 

  • Rotational Molding Machines

Rotational molding is an alternative method of creating hollowed plastic parts and products. Rotational molding machines operate to allow plastic powder or granules to go into the mold before heating. The closed mold is then passed over a furnace as it rotates, allowing the molten plastics to coat the interior of the mold. The plastic melts into a layer that conforms to the mold cavity, leaving a hollow interior. The mold is then allowed to cool while rotating and this the plastic hardens to the surface of the molds cavity. 

  • Thermoforming Machines

Thermoforming is a process that uses a thermoplastic sheet or film. The thermoplastic machine is loaded with a plastic sheet or film, which is then threaded using the feed rollers. The sheet advances into the oven where it is heated. Then, it moves to the form station where it is pressed onto a molded shape from a mating die. Once cooled it solidifies into the desired parts. Finally, it moves into the trim station, where it is trimmed to perfection.   

  • Vacuum Forming Machines

Vacuum forming is a scaled-down version of thermoforming. It involves a thin sheet of plastic material being heated to malleability and then spread tightly to the mold through suction. Once cooled the plastic retains the molded dimensions. 

  • Granulators

Granulators are machines that are used for crushing plastic parts (such as runners and sprues) and products into smaller sizes during the recycling process. They are sturdy, and they can break anything from drums and crates to bottles and films.

Plastic Machinery Benefits

  • They allow for the manufacturing of products and parts with intricate designs. 
  • Plastic machinery offers excellent flexibility, enabling the creation of plastic products from different materials and a variety of colors.
  • They can be automated for increased efficiency and productivity. 
  • With plastic machinery, manufacturers can create cheaper yet high functioning alternatives of metal parts.
  • The overall cost of production when using plastic machines is low when compared to metal machinery.

Top Plastic Machinery Applications

Injection Molding Machines – Are used in the creation of products such as bottle caps, small tables, wire spools, automotive parts.

Extrusion Molding Machines – They are great for creating pipes, drinking straws, rods, pipes, and curtain tracks.

Blow Molding Machines – Used in the manufacturing of gas can, plastic bottles, and lids.

Rotational Molding Machines – They are often used in the manufacturing of large plastic products such as tanks, toys, large containers, buoys, helmets, and canoe hulls.

Thermoforming Machines – They are used to create large objects such as housings and expansive plastic panels.

Vacuum Forming Machines – Vacuum formed products include packaging products, car door liners, boat hulls, and shower trays. 

Get the Plastics Machinery You Need for Success with SFMS!

The success of any manufacturing company depends on how well they match machines to their intended purpose. At Southern Fabricating Machinery Sales (SFMS), we can help you get the best plastic machinery equipment to handle projects of any magnitude. Our vast experience, expertise, and knowledge of the industry position us as the best partner for all your plastic machinery needs. 

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