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How Structural Foam Molding Is Done

By Gwen Lowe


Since its introduction in the mid 19th century, plastic has been used as a substitute of wood, concrete, fiberglass and metals in many instances. For example, hundreds of kitchenware are made of plastic instead of the traditional metals like iron or aluminum. In fact, there are floors made of plastic as opposed to concrete. It is also not strange to see several plastic chair designs in the market today. So, the question is how do they make some of these chair designs? To answer that, you must understand structural foam molding.


In summary, this process involves the mixing of a foaming agent with molten polymer to mold various plastic materials. Once the inert gas (i. E. The foaming agent) has had its effect, the foam slowly takes the shape of the mold without the need of pressure. In other words, structural foam technique allows you to produce high-density polyethylene without using force.

While the technique can use dozens of materials, Polycarbonate (PC), Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) and Polystyrene (PS) are among the most common. Examples of products produced from this method include Point of Sale Display, Components, and Containers Pallets. Other products include Business Machine Housings among others.

To appreciate the benefits of this technique, a mention of the other methods is in necessary. Well, there the main procedures include Injection, Compression, Blow (i. E. A combination of extrusion and injection methods), Rotational and Gas Assist molding methods. The other techniques include Film Insert and thermoforming. Now, each of the listed methods is good for the production of a particular product. However, foaming is considered the best in cases where the production requires no force to distribute the molten plastic.

Obviously, the technique has its own merits and demerits. On the brighter side, the process is cheaper to run. Many also love the method because it uses cheap and light molds (such as the ones made of aluminum). Additionally, it has very low internal stresses compared to Compression molding. Lastly, the technique allows the production of large plastic products.

In most instances, structural foam could go as the cheapest molding option. However, a comparison of the setup costs between this procedure and Compression has shown the latter to be easy to start and finance. For people running on a strict budget, therefore, the former method may not be the best option. Another demerit is that speed of production. It has been found that the technique is slower compared to other Injection methods especially that use force to spread the polymer.

After defining structural foam and looking at its application and benefits, the focus should be on how to contract a plastic molding firm. Examining some of the qualities of a credible company is of great benefit considering the fact that the market has counterfeit goods. In worst cases, even manufactures may turn out to be unscrupulous thus underscoring the need for caution.

There are several characteristics that define a credible manufacturer; however, you should need to read what other customers are saying. Also, check if they are legally operating and that they are in conformity with environmental laws in your state. They should also be affordable.




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