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Post-Molding Processes: Essential Steps After Plastic Injection Molding

Views: 0     Author: Site Editor     Publish Time: 2025-06-03      Origin: Site

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1. Post-Processing (Secondary Operations)

A. Trimming & Deburring

  • Flash & Gate Removal: Excess material (flash) and sprue/gate residues must be trimmed using manual cutting, robotic trimming, or cryogenic deflashing (freezing and tumbling).

  • Surface Smoothing: Sanding or tumbling may be required for aesthetic or functional parts.

B. Surface Treatments

  • Polishing/Sandblasting: Enhances appearance and texture.

  • Painting/Coating: Improves UV resistance, color consistency, or chemical resistance.

  • Plating (Electroplating/Vacuum Metallizing): Used for decorative or conductive parts (e.g., automotive trims, electronic housings).

C. Mold Assembly & Joining

  • Ultrasonic Welding: Bonds plastic parts without adhesives.

  • Laser Etching/Engraving: Adds permanent markings (logos, serial numbers).


2. Quality Control & Inspection

A. Dimensional Verification

  • Manual Measurement: Calipers, micrometers.

  • Automated Inspection: CMM (Coordinate Measuring Machine), laser scanning, or vision systems for high-precision parts.

B. Visual & Functional Testing

  • Appearance Checks: Detect sink marks, flow lines, burns, or color inconsistencies.

  • Leak Testing: For fluid containers or medical devices.

  • Mechanical Testing: Tensile strength, impact resistance (per ASTM/ISO standards).

C. Statistical Process Control (SPC)

  • Monitor production trends to ensure consistency across batches.


3. Packaging & Labeling

A. Protective Packaging

  • Anti-Static Bags: For electronic components.

  • Custom Trays/Foam Inserts: Prevent damage during shipping.

  • Vacuum Sealing: Reduces oxidation for sensitive parts.

B. Labeling & Traceability

  • Barcodes/QR Codes: For inventory and batch tracking.

  • Material & Compliance Labels: FDA, RoHS, REACH, or medical-grade certifications.


4. Special Requirements

A. Sterilization (Medical & Food-Grade Products)

  • Ethylene Oxide (EtO): For heat-sensitive plastics.

  • Autoclaving (Steam): Requires high-temperature-resistant materials like PEEK or PC.

  • Gamma Radiation: Used for disposable medical devices.

B. Environmental Stress Testing

  • Thermal Cycling: Simulates extreme temperature conditions.

  • UV Exposure Testing: Ensures outdoor durability.


5. Mold Maintenance & Optimization

  • Cleaning & Lubrication: Prevents corrosion and sticking.

  • Wear Inspection: Check ejector pins, cavities, and slides for damage.

  • Process Documentation: Record cycle times, defects, and maintenance actions.


6. Final Documentation & Shipping

  • Certificates of Analysis (CoA): Include critical test results.

  • Material Certifications: FDA, USP Class VI, ISO 10993 (if applicable).

  • Safe Transportation: Use shock-absorbing packaging for fragile parts.


Common Challenges & Solutions

✅ Warping/Shrinkage? → Use annealing (heat treatment) to relieve internal stresses.
✅ Batch Variations? → Monitor injection parameters (pressure, temperature, cooling time).
✅ Regulatory Compliance? → Ensure materials meet industry standards (e.g., medical, automotive).


Final Thoughts

Post-molding processes are just as critical as the injection molding itself. Proper handling ensures product reliability, safety, and customer satisfaction.



Yixun is the China first generation mold maker, specialize in mold and moulding, provide one-stop plastic manufacturing service, feature in building medical and healthcare device tooling.
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