TECHNOLOGICAL INSTITUTE OF THE PHILIPPINES

363 P. CASAL ST., QUIAPO, MANILA

ASSIGNMENT IN
CHE 512
PLASTICS TECHNOLOGY

SUBMITTED BY:
GARCIA, GELLENE O.
CH52FA1

SUBMITTED TO:
ENGR. EFREN B. CHAVES

DATE SUBMITTED:
JULY 31, 2017
n todays manufacturing environment, plastics are being used to make everything from automotive body parts to
human body parts. Each application requires a special manufacturing process that can mold the part based on
specifications. Below aref the different types of molding and their advantages and applications.

1. Blow molding well suited for hollow objects, like bottles

The process follows the basic steps found in glass blowing. A parison (heated plastic mass, generally a
tube) is inflated by air. The air pushes the plastic against the mold to form the desired shape. Once cooled,
the plastic is ejected.

The blow molding process is designed to manufacture high volume, one-piece hollow objects. If you need to
make lots of bottles, this is the process for you. Blow molding creates very uniform, thin walled containers.
And, it can do so very economically.

2. Compression molding well suited for larger objects like auto parts
The name of this molding method says everything. A heated plastic material is placed in a heated mold and
is then compressed into shape. The plastic can be in bulk but often comes in sheets. The heating process,
called curing, insures the final part will maintain its integrity. As with other molding methods, once the part
has been shaped, it is then removed from the mold. If sheeting plastic material is used, the material is first
trimmed in the mold before the part is removed.

This method of molding is very suitable to high-strength compounds like thermosetting resins as well as
fiberglass and reinforced plastics. The superior strength properties of the materials used in compression
molding make it an invaluable process for the automotive industry.

3. Extrusion molding well suited for long hollow formed applications like tubing, pipes and straws
While other forms of molding uses extrusion to get the plastic resins into a mold, this process extrudes the
melted plastic directly into a die. The die shape, not a mold, determines the shape of the final product. The
extruded tubing is cooled and can be cut or rolled for shipment.

4. Injection molding - well suited for high-quality, high-volume part manufacturing

Injection molding is by far the most versatile of all injection molding techniques. The presses used in this
process vary in size and are rated based on pressure or tonnage. Larger machines can injection mold car
parts. Smaller machines can produce very precise plastic parts for surgical applications. In addition, there
are many types of plastic resins and additives that can be used in the injection molding process, increasing
its flexibility for designers and engineers.

The process itself is fairly straightforward; however, there are many enhancements and customization
techniques that can be used to produce the desired finish and structure. Injection molds, which are usually
made from steel, contain cavities that will form the parts. Melted plastic is injected into the mold, filling the
cavities. The mold is cooled, and the parts are ejected by pins. This process is similar to a jello mold which
is filled then cooled to create the final product.
 The mold making costs in this method are relatively high; however, the cost per part is very economical. Low
part cost along with resin and finish options have all contributed to injection moldings popularity in todays
manufacturing landscape.

5. Rotational molding (Rotomolding) well suited for large, hollow, one-piece parts
This process uses high temperatures and rotational movement to coat the inside of the mold and form the
part. The constant rotation of the mold creates centrifugal force forming even-walled products. Because it is
ideally suited to large hollow containers, such as tanks, it is not a fast moving process. However, it is a very
economical process for particular applications and can be cheaper than other types of molding. Very little
material is wasted using this process, and excess material can often be re-used, making it an economical
and environmentally viable manufacturing process.