Injection molding is suitable for producing a low volume of identical parts. With a high-quality and well-designed mold made using reliable materials like steel or aluminum, you can manufacture ready-to-assemble and durable components. Having a fundamental understanding of mold design principles can also help you streamline the process and improve part quality. This article has everything you must know about designing injection molds in China so you can create moldable parts and reduce the risk of production mistakes, cosmetic defects, and other potential problems.

Draft

Incorporating draft angles into the mold design lets you minimize drag and prevent damage to both the part and the mold as the material cools and contracts. Insufficient draft can lead to increased pressure on the ejection system, which may potentially damage both the mold and the part.

Ideally, there should be a 1-degree draft for every inch of cavity depth. However, the optimal draft angle can vary depending on factors such as the mold’s material and capabilities,

so be sure to work with a seasoned manufacturer of injection molds in China.

Radii

Radii aren't strictly necessary for all injection molding designs, but incorporating them can improve part quality and reduce manufacturing challenges. Rounding sharp corners enhances resin flow and reduces stress on both the mold and the material. Additionally, radii can make part ejection smoother and minimize the risk of the part sticking to the mold (and subsequent warping or breakage).

Wall thickness

Controlling wall thickness in mold design can help manage the weight, strength, and cosmetics of the part. Excessively thick walls can lead to warping, internal voids, and surface defects. Reputable manufacturers can provide a wall thickness guideline to help you adjust wall thickness based on the plastic resin you want to use.

Working with the right manufacturer

Once you have worked on your mold design, prioritize finding a reputable injection molding manufacturer with a track record of producing high-quality prototypes and end-use molds. Doing so can reduce your design process and mold production lead times, significantly streamlining your product development. In addition, you could reduce your production costs and speed up your time to market.

HLH Prototypes can help design your injection molds in China. You can get started today with a free project review by their experts. Simply fill out the contact form on their website or email FreeQuote@HLHPrototypes.com. You may also call +86 755 8256 9129 to speak with an injection molding professional.

About the Company:

HLH Prototypes Co. Ltd is a company specializing in delivering tailor-made, fast prototyping and efficient low-volume production solutions. Situated in China, our prototyping firm ensures the speed and quality necessary for your project's success. We extend our rapid part manufacturing services throughout China via our core offerings, which encompass sheet metal fabrication, CNC machining, swift tooling, rapid injection molding, urethane vacuum casting, FDM 3D printing, SLS 3D printing, and SLA rapid prototyping. We cater to a diverse clientele, including Fortune 500 corporations, small enterprises, and everyone in between, guaranteeing top-notch services. For additional details, please explore our website.