Over the last four years, the industry of plastic moulding has faced significant challenges, including a global pandemic, continuous labour shortages, and an unforeseeable economic backdrop, to name just a few. However, the sector has demonstrated resilience and adaptability during these times, which have been due to origination and investment. The outlook for this year looks optimistic, with new trends shaping the development of the industry, and it’s essential to keep an eye on them if you want to stay on top of your competitors.
The global plastic injection moulding market is expected to reach a significant value of 266.1 billion by 2030, with factors like the adoption of new manufacturing technologies and consumer preferences shifting towards high-performance materials contributing to its growth.
What is plastic injection moulding, anyway?
Simply put, plastic injection moulding is a manufacturing technique utilized in the mass production of plastic parts. During the technique, molten plastic material is injected into a pre-designed cavity or mould, which then transforms into the desired product once it is cooled and solidified. Plastic injection moulding can be used in different industries, including electronics, automotive, medical devices, and consumer goods, thanks to its ability to build parts in large quantities and with significant dimensional accuracy. However, since this process isn’t necessarily easy, many brands choose to partner with an injection moulding company that can provide them with the support they need in the development of their plastic products.
The mould is customised during a process named tooling, which provides the shape of the part. It enables the creation of different identical and dimensionally consistent parts, even if they have complex designs or allow low dimensional tolerance. The injection moulding process has many benefits for the plastic manufacturer, such as cost-effective mass production, as a large volume of identical parts can be produced with minimal material waste. Injection moulding also offers high levels of repeatability and precision, allowing intricate parts to be moulded with tight tolerances, which is especially valuable in industries like aerospace, automotive, and medical devices. Another notable benefit of the injection moulding process is that it enables the production of intricate part designs, which can include features like overhangs, undercuts, and varying wall thicknesses. It’s worth noting that these are only some of the benefits that plastic injection moulding offers, but the list continues. If you need support during the production of plastic injection moulded products, be sure to visit https://www.hsv-tmp.com/ to learn more about how a specialist can help you ensure a better quality of your product at a low cost.
Emerging trends in plastic injection moulding
Now that we have clarified the concept of plastic injection moulding let’s further explore the trends that will shape the industry this year.
Sustainable plastics
One of the most noteworthy trends of 2024 is the focus on sustainable plastics in the injection moulding process. With rising environmental concerns among customers, brands have no choice but to choose eco-friendly materials, such as polylactic acid, derived from plant starches like potatoes, and polyhydroxyalkanoates, which are biodegradable polyesters synthesised by microorganisms and that provide properties akin to conventional plastics.
In order to meet environmental regulations, materials must be derived from renewable resources and have a lower environmental impact throughout the entire lifecycle, from the production stage to disposal. Moreover, the trend also focuses on the reduction of waste and increased use of recycled materials in the injection moulding process, helping minimise the carbon footprint. Sustainable materials provide benefits like lightweight and durability, expanding the design possibilities for injection moulded parts. Ultimately, they enable more eco-friendly plastic products while also ensuring they remain functional, thus translating into a win-win for the planet and people alike.
Automation and 3D printing technologies
Materials aren’t the only ones that are set to revolutionise the injection moulding industry this year. New technologies also enhance the capabilities of the plastic manufacturing process, such as automated production, which improves precision, efficiency and consistency and reduces human errors. What’s great about automated systems is that they can operate around the clock, ensuring 24/7 manufacturing. Moreover, they can enhance productivity, and free up employees for higher-value tasks.
Another technology that is shaping injection moulding is 3D printing, which enables rapid prototyping of moulds and complex geometries that enhance venting, cooling and part ejection. Moreover, 3D printing facilitates the incorporation of design changes, speeding up new product development. With this technology, it becomes easier to tailor products based on the needs and preferences of customers, thus meeting them where they are and differentiating your products from competitors.
Micro-moulding and multi-component moulding
The design of injection moulding is also pushing the boundaries of what can be achieved, with two notable trends gaining momentum in the industry: micro-moulding and multi-component moulding. It isn’t surprising that micro-moulding is gaining popularity in 2024, as there is a high demand for smaller components driven by robust growth in the electronics industry, particularly in Asian countries like Japan, India and China. Micro-moulding technology enables plastic parts to be produced with ultra-fine details down to 0.005 inches. As a result, it is possible to fabricate precision parts and miniaturised electronic components and medical devices, therefore expanding the capabilities of injection moulded plastics.
Multi-component moulding is also a technology worth paying attention to, as it eliminates assembly by mixing different colours and plastic materials into a singular part, enabling intricate part designs with over-moulded seals and grips that optimise function. For instance, a product with a hard outer shell that provides durability can have a soft inner layer that is designed to provide comfort. Multi-material moulding can also translate into cost savings and reduced weight through the optimization of material usage, but it’s essential to select the materials carefully and pay attention to design considerations, which will help ensure compatibility and proper adhesion between various materials.
The future of plastic injection moulding is bright
As the trends discussed above highlight, the plastic injection moulding sector is brimming with innovation across all aspects, including technologies, materials, sustainability practices and design techniques. By embracing these developments, plastic injection moulders can ensure high-performing solutions that are also eco-friendly, helping them meet customers’ expectations.
Manufacturers must embrace these trends if they want to stay competitive in this landscape, where customers have plenty of choices when it comes to the businesses they purchase from.
Meeting the demands of modern customers is far from easy, but you can take your business to a new level by prioritising sustainability, leveraging technologies like 3D printing and automation, and tailoring products according to the demands of customers.
