How to Properly Store Medical Series Mold
Medical injection molding is the process of using high-pressure to form molten plastic into a precision-machined mold. This results in a precise, robust, and durable part.
Selecting a medical injection molder requires examining their technological capabilities and capacity for handling the requirements of your project. This includes the ability to handle intricate thin wall designs.
Material Selection
When it comes to medical injection molding, material selection is critical. It is necessary to select a plastic that is compatible with industry regulations, and also meets specific requirements for strength, durability, chemical resistance, sterilization compatibility, and more.
The choice between thermoplastics and thermosets is also important. Both have their advantages, but the right choice depends on the type of part you are producing and the specific demands of your product design. For example, thermoplastics are great for lightweight parts that require flexibility and dimensional stability, while thermosets are well-suited for devices with high temperatures and abrasive conditions.
Whether you are designing a handheld device or a complex surgical Medical Series Mold custom instrument, an experienced medical molder can guide you through the material selection process to ensure your final product is safe and effective. They will review your CAD file and provide a quote for the cost of tooling and production. They will also assist you with creating a robust prototype and manage multiple tool trials to ensure your design is ready for the manufacturing stage.
Another option is overmolding, which combines a soft and flexible material with your device to add features such as handles, improved durability, thermal insulation, and more. This method can also reduce the risk of contamination by avoiding exposure to harsh chemicals and cleaning solutions.
Mold Design
Injection molding is a great way to produce smaller, more complex parts that are too small for other methods of manufacturing. It also has the benefit of high repeatability, which allows for consistent production and quality. This is particularly important in medical injection molding, where any deviations from the intended part specifications could compromise patient safety.
A good injection molder will have extensive experience and a deep understanding of medical-grade materials. They will understand how these materials behave in relation to your part design, and they will help you select the best plastic for your needs. The right choice will give you the desired strength, flexibility, chemical stability, wear resistance, and biocompatibility.
When you have selected a plastic for your project, the next step is to select the best possible mold. This requires careful consideration of the design, including wall thickness and tensile strength. It’s also important to make sure the mold is sized to accommodate the maximum amount of plastic for your part.
This means that the injection mold must be sufficiently big to handle the required volume of molded parts, while still being small enough to fit inside your finished product. Depending on your needs, you may require a simple prototype mold, known as a Class V tool. Or you might need a medium production mold, a Class III.
Molding Process
When it comes to Medical Series Mold, every step must be performed under strict standards to guarantee the safety and performance of the final product. This industry demands more rigorous testing and precision than most, and when the results could impact a person’s health and wellbeing, there’s no room for error.
This is what makes working with a full-service, experienced injection molding partner essential to ensure no-fail outcomes. The right partner will help with project specifications, plastic attributes, and molding performance, ensuring the proper resin is used for each part and device.
As medical devices continue to shrink, precision is even more important. This includes a focus on thin wall injection molding, which can save on costs and materials when creating specialized enclosures. Also increasing in popularity are silicone parts, which have a very low viscosity and require careful handling to maintain the highest quality.
Injection molding companies that specialize in medical products and equipment must be ready to meet the complex, stringent requirements imposed by class III medical devices. This requires cleanroom-certified facilities, a strong knowledge of engineering materials, and a robust quality-management system that adheres to ISO 13485 standards. The right partner will also be able to assist with design freedom for injection-molded medical components by leveraging the right technologies and engineering expertise. To learn more, download the free Medical Injection Molding Resource Guide from Fictiv.
Mold Maintenance
When a plastic injection mold is not in use, it needs to be properly stored. It should be completely dry before storing, the halves separated, and all components lubricated. This prevents rust and corrosion. Also, the bolts and plates on the mold need to be inspected for tightness and wear. If there is a problem with any of these parts, they can be replaced before the next production cycle.
A maintenance log should be kept for each mold that is used. Medical Series Mold This makes it easier to document little problems that may arise as well as track progress on any larger issues. Having a regular maintenance program for your molds will keep them in good condition and reduce downtime caused by the need to repair or replace the mold.
Injection molding is a complex process that requires high-quality equipment and precision build. Proper maintenance will help ensure that your medical products are of the highest quality. A regular maintenance schedule will reduce the need for repairs, saving time and money in production.
