Design Consideration | Description | Considerations |
Material Selection | Choose materials compatible with the injection molding process to ensure the desired performance of the final product. | Different plastics have varying properties, such as flexibility, strength, and heat resistance. Choose the right material based on the application needs. |
Wall Thickness Design | Maintain uniform wall thickness to prevent warping, uneven cooling, or defects in the final product. | Recommended wall thickness range is 1-4 mm. Consistent thickness ensures stability during molding and higher part quality. |
Draft Angle Design | Include appropriate draft angles in the mold design to facilitate smooth part ejection. | Typically, draft angles of 1-3 degrees are used to ensure easy part ejection and reduce mold and part damage. |
Radii and Fillet Design | Use radii or fillets to avoid stress concentration and enhance the part’s strength and durability. | Sharp corners increase stress concentration, raising the risk of breakage. Rounded corners improve part strength and extend product lifespan. |
Mold Design | Mold design must consider part ejection, cooling efficiency, and complexity. Simplified designs help reduce costs. | The complexity of the mold affects costs. A simplified design is often more cost-effective, while complex parts may require more intricate molds. |
Tolerance and Fit | Define part tolerance requirements to ensure accurate fit and function. | Tight tolerances increase production costs. Balance functional needs with cost-effective tolerances. |
Gate and Runner Design | Properly design gates and runners to ensure uniform filling of the mold, avoiding defects and material waste. | Gate position and size are crucial to prevent air bubbles, voids, or incomplete filling. |
Post-Processing Needs | Consider post-processing steps, such as painting, plating, or assembly, to ensure the design meets final product needs. | Plan for post-processing during the design phase to avoid delays or issues during subsequent manufacturing steps. |
Prototype Testing | Conduct prototype testing to validate the design for functionality, appearance, and tolerance requirements before full production. | Prototype testing helps identify potential issues early, preventing costly rework during large-scale production. |