Micro injection moulding – what is it?

Micro injection molding is a specialized form of injection molding that focuses on producing extremely small and precise plastic components with micro-scale features. This manufacturing process is used to produce parts with dimensions in the micrometer to millimeter range. Micro injection molding is particularly applicable in industries such as medical devices, electronics, telecommunications, and automotive, where miniature components are required. Here are key characteristics and considerations for micro injection molding:

Key Characteristics of Micro Injection Molding:

1. Small Part Size: Micro injection molding is characterized by the production of very small parts, often with dimensions measured in micrometers or millimeters. This includes features such as thin walls, microstructures, and intricate details.
2. High Precision and Tight Tolerances: The process is designed to achieve high precision and tight tolerances, ensuring that the produced parts meet strict dimensional requirements. This is crucial for applications where accuracy and consistency are paramount.
3. Micro Tooling: Micro injection molding often requires specialized tooling with micro-scale features. The molds used in the process must be precisely machined to accommodate the small size and intricate details of the parts.
4. Advanced Materials: The process is compatible with a range of advanced engineering plastics and elastomers. Material selection is critical to meet the specific performance and regulatory requirements of the end-use application.
5. Reduced Shot Sizes: Compared to traditional injection molding, micro injection molding involves significantly reduced shot sizes of melted plastic material. The injection units are adapted to handle these smaller volumes.
6. High-Pressure Molding: Due to the small size of the parts, micro injection molding often requires higher injection pressures to fill the mold cavities accurately. This necessitates precise control of the injection molding machine parameters.
7. Rapid Cooling: The small size of the parts allows for rapid cooling, contributing to shorter cycle times. However, efficient cooling is essential to prevent issues such as warping or uneven shrinkage.
8. Specialized Equipment: Micro injection molding may involve the use of specialized equipment, including micro-injection molding machines and micro-molds. These machines are designed to handle the unique challenges associated with small-scale production.

Applications of Micro Injection Molding:

1. Medical Devices: Micro injection molding is widely used in the production of miniature components for medical devices, including microfluidic devices, catheters, connectors, and implantable devices.
2. Electronics: Applications in the electronics industry include micro-sized connectors, sensors, micro-optics, and components for miniaturized electronic devices.
3. Telecommunications:Micro injection molding is employed for producing small parts used in telecommunications equipment, such as connectors, switches, and housings for microelectronics.
4. Automotive: In the automotive industry, micro injection molding is used for manufacturing small components with tight tolerances, such as sensors, connectors, and microfluidic systems.
5. Microfluidics and Lab-on-a-Chip Devices: Micro injection molding plays a crucial role in the fabrication of microfluidic devices and lab-on-a-chip systems, which are used in various scientific and diagnostic applications.
6. Consumer Electronics: Miniature components for consumer electronics, such as micro gears, connectors, and housings for compact devices, can be produced using micro injection molding.

Micro injection molding enables the cost-effective mass production of small and intricate plastic parts, contributing to advancements in various industries by facilitating the development of miniaturized and high-precision products.

Do you need micro injection moulding? Contact us now!