Gas Assist Plastic Injection Molding
EVCO Plastics has employed gas assist molding technology for plastic injection molding in a wide range of applications for over 25 years, providing OEMs with numerous advantages for custom plastic injection molded plastic parts and products. Gas assist injection molded plastics are a great option for companies looking to reduce time and cost without sacrificing quality or design options.
Contact UsGas Assist Molding Process
Gas assist molding is a low-pressure plastic injection molding process where pressurized nitrogen gas is injected into the mold, pushing the plastic into the mold extremities, while hollowing out thicker sections in the part.
In the gas assist molding process, the plastic material is melted and injected into the mold cavities via the conventional plastic injection molding process. Plastic material in contact with the mold walls begins to solidify first. As this happens, nitrogen gas is injected into the mold through strategically designed and placed gas channels, providing pressure that pushes the plastic material into the mold extremities. Once the plastic cures, the nitrogen is vented and the gas assist injection molded plastic parts are removed from the mold.
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Contact UsAdvantages
Gas assist plastic injection molding produces parts without compromising appearance or functional performance. Other benefits include:
- Less plastic material needed (material savings)
- Reduced part weight (in some cases up to 40%)
- Decreased cycle time
- Increased part strength and rigidity
- Reduced warpage and distortion
- Improved part appearance (eliminates sink marks and surface blemishes)
- Reinforces ribbed parts
- Increased design options for complex parts, reducing multiple part assemblies, and metal to plastic conversions
- Enables use of smaller plastic injection molding presses
Applications
Some applications benefiting from gas assist plastic injection molding include:
- Appliance handles
- Medical equipment housings
- Interior and exterior automotive handles
- Large covers and panels for office equipment
- Lawn mower handles
- Steering wheels
- Basketball backboard frames
- Long tubular shapes, such as shovel handles
- Large parts with ribs and bosses