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Plastic Part and Mold Design Guide Plast
Plastic Part and Mold Design Guide Plast
Plastic Part and Mold Design Guide Plast
CONTENTS
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PLASTIC PART AND MOLD DESIGN GUIDE
1. INTRODUCTION
The design guide focuses primarily on Plastic part and Mold design.
It is intended to give the product designer the basic guideline to design
a product that is of high quality and easy to manufacture plastic parts.
It includes chapters on the Plastic materials, Part Design Considerations,
Design for Assembly and some topics on Painting, Plating, and Decorating.
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2. DESIGN PROCESS
When designing and developing parts, focus on defining and maximizing part function and appearance,
specifying actual part requirements, evaluating process options, selecting an appropriate material, reducing
manufacturing costs, and conducting prototype testing. For the reasons stated above, these efforts should
proceed simultaneously. The design process can be simplified by following a three stage approach where
material, design and fabrication decisions are made in parallel. The following guidelines are reminders of good
design practice aimed at producing quality injection molded parts.
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3. PLASTIC MATERIALS
3.1 CLASSIFICATION OF PLASTIC MATERIALS PLASTICS are man-made materials and it is any of a wide
range of synthetic or semi-synthetic organic solids that are
moldable. They are made up of long chains of large molecules.
Each molecule consists of many units of organic chemicals,
thus called a polymer (many units), or macromolecules.
At room temperature, the material is solid and rigid, and it can
withstand significant structural load. Some of the materials
retain rigidity at relatively high temperatures and can replace
metallic components in such high temperature environments as
automobile underhood applications. These plastics are classified
as Thermoplastic and Thermoset.
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3. PLASTIC MATERIALS
THERMOPLASTIC material can be classified into two categories:
Figure 1
CRYSTALLINE and AMORPHOUS. Figure 1 shows the molecular
arrangement of polymer chains.
Semi-crystalline materials
Semi-crystalline materials have an ordered structure in which adjacent polymer
molecules are positioned in a definite geometry. These materials have a sharp
melting point and are typically solvent resistant. These materials are also anisotropic AMORPHOUS
which means they shrink differently in the flow and transverse directions.
Amorphous Materials SEMI-
Amorphous material are not crystalline, and adjacent molecules have a CRYSTALLINE
random structure. These materials have no identifiable “melting point” but
progressively soften through a broad temperature range. Unfilled amorphous
materials are typically isotropic, shrinking equally in the flow and tranverse
directions. Even fiber-filled amorphous materials typically have low shrink
and good dimensional control.
Amorphous resins are generally chosen over crystalline resins when tight
tolerances are required. More importantly than the magnitude of shrinkage
is the degree of isotropic shrinkage in the material. If a material shrinks anisotropically
(e.g., shrinkage in transverse direction is different than shrinkage in flow direction)
then differential shrinkage in the part will result.
This differential shrinkage in the part may cause
part warpage. A material which shrinks
isotropically will minimize differential
shrinkage and stress in the part and
maximize part dimensional stability.
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3. PLASTIC MATERIALS
Temperature Radiation
Many material properties in plastics -impact strength, modulus, A variety of artificial sources — such as fluorescent
tensile strength, and creep resistance to name a few — lights, high-intensity discharge lamps, and gamma
vary with temperature. Consider the full range of end-use sterilization units — emit radiation that can yellow
temperatures, as well as temperatures to which the part will and/or degrade many plastics. If your part will be
be exposed during manufacturing, finishing and shipping. exposed to a radiation source, consider painting it,
Remember that impact resistance generally diminishes at or specifying a UV-stabilized resin.
lower temperatures.
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3. PLASTIC MATERIALS
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3. PLASTIC MATERIALS
3.3 COMMON THERMOPLASTIC MATERIALS AND TYPICAL WALL THICKNESSES
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Less draft increases the chance of damaging the part during ejection.
Additionally, molders may have to apply mold release or special mold
surface coatings or treatments, ultimately leading to longer cycle times
and higher part costs. The mold finish, resin, part geometry, and mold
ejection system determine the amount of draft needed. Generally,
polished mold surfaces require less draft than surfaces with machined
finishes. An exception is thermoplastic polyurethane resin, which tends
to eject easier from frosted mold surfaces. Parts with many cores may
need a higher amount of draft.
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gusset
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Figure 4.7a
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Figure 4.9b
part
cavity
Figure 4.9d
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For some complex parts the ideal will not exist and mechanical STRIPPER
movement of one type or another will be required. A description PLATE
of possible movements includes the following:
b. Inserts - the use of removable inserts that eject with the part
is an option, certainly for prototype tooling. The
disadvantages are the inserts must be removed from INSERTS
the ejected part and repositioned in the mold thus possibly
extending the cycle time. See Figure 4.9f.
Figure 4.9f CAMS or hydraulic/
c. Cams – cams or hydraulic/pneumatic pneumatic cylinders
cylinders move part of the mold
out of the way to permit part
ejection. These will increase the
complexity of the mold making it
more expensive and also mean a
controller is required to operate
them during the molding cycle.
Cycle times will also be affected.
See Figure 4.9f.
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Mold Close Mold Open(on the way to part ejection) Part Ejection
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Figure 4.9k
Figure 4.9j
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Thread profiles for metal screws often Figure 4.10a Figure 4.10b
have sharp edges and corners that
can reduce the part’s mechanical
performance and create molding Thread
problems in plastic designs. Rounding Relief
the thread’s crests and roots lessens
these effects. Figure 4.10a shows
common thread profiles used in
plastics. Although less common than
the American National (Unified) thread,
Acme and Buttress threads generally
work better in plastic assemblies.
Consider the following when specifying
molded-in threads:
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5.3 Thermoforming
Design guidelines
THERMOFORMING involves the heating of a thermoplastic sheet to its Shape capability limited to simple shapes of constant cross-section. Undercuts
softening point followed by forcing it against the contours of a mold are possible but increase tooling costs considerably.
and then cooling. Various thermoforming processes are used including Holes and openings are not possible without additional processes.
vacuum forming, pressure forming, plug-assisted forming and drape Fiber reinforcement may further limit formability.
forming. All of the processes rely on a pressure differential to force the Technical notes
sheet against the mold. Female or male molds may be used. The process The process is used with thermoplastics, foams and short fiber reinforced
is capable of handling a very large range of sizes from items such as thermoplastics. ABS, PA, PC, PS, PP, PVC, polysulfones,
disposable drinks cups to boat hulls. Similarly, the process is capable of PBT and PET are particularly suited. Some limitation on fiber content. High
a wide range of production capabilities from low to very high volume. melt viscosity is best Maximum depth-to-width ratios vary from
The process has the following advantages: low tooling costs (low 0.5 to 2 depending on method of forming.
pressures and one mold half only), low capital costs, high production Typical uses
rates (automated machinery), and, in addition, it can use predecorated Trays, signs, packaging, refrigerator liners, aerospace components
sheet stock. The process gives good physical properties and quality e.g. large secondary structure air frame parts - helicopter fairings and
(thinning can occur at corners). The disadvantages include: raw material cowlings, boat hulls, bath tubs, drinks cups, etc.
is more expensive (sheet rather than pellet), sheet trimming required, The economics
and sheet scrap cannot be recycled directly. Also, the process can be Tooling cost range covers small, simple to large, complex molds.
labor intensive.
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6.1 Painting
While some plastic parts require painting, plating,
and/or decorating for aesthetic or functional concerns, Most plastics accept paint systems well, especially the
most do not for two reasons: amorphous resins. With special preparation of the surface
first, the injectionmolding process accommodates a for better adhesion (cleaning is essential), even the more
diversity of high-quality surface finishes and textures; difficult plastics, i.e., PE, PP and Acetal, which have more
second, thermoplastic resins can be produced in a slippery surfaces and chemical resistance, can be painted.
Nylon and PET are excellent resins for paint applications,
rainbow of colors.
especially where high-temperature curing is required. Their
ability to tolerate high temperatures for long periods of time
Some specific instances where painting or plating may without softening is a key advantage.
be needed or required include:
- protecting final assemblies from harsh chemicals or Some of the common reasons for painting thermoplastics are:
UV degradation,
- shielding electronic devices from EMI/RFI radiation, - To enhance aesthetics and provide uniform color and
- or adding graphics or labeling in contrasting colors. texture to assemblies made of different materials or by
different processes.
- They also offer colors or surface effects that resins cannot
such as certain metallic or stippled effects.
- Some perform a function such as being an electrically
conductive paint for EMI/RFI shielding.
- Paints and coatings can also protect the plastic substrate from
chemicals, abrasion, or environmental attack.
- Coatings can also prevent attack from cleaning solvents,
lubricants, and other substances encountered in-use or
during manufacture.
- Commercial scratch resistant coatings commonly provide
abrasion resistance for lenses.
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6.1 Painting
Other Design Considerations for Painting
The common types of paints used on plastics include
polyurethane, acrylic, alkyd, epoxy, and vinyl. *In all application methods, parts should be clean and free of surface
contamination for good paint adhesion. When possible, design parts
* Polyurethane paints provide a flexible, durable finish, cure to release from the mold easily, so they can be ejected without using
without heat, and are compatible with most plastics, including external mold release sprays.
many chemically sensitive, amorphous plastics, such as ABS
and polycarbonate blends. *Oils from hands can also contaminate the part surface. Consider
designing designated handling areas or features to reduce
* Epoxies typically produce hard, tough, glossy finishes. contamination in critical painting areas. Part design can have a direct
impact on the ease and cost of painting.
* Vinyls tend to produce soft, rubbery finishes.
*To achieve uniform coverage, avoid undercuts and deep, narrow
* Acrylic paints give brittle, scratch resistant finishes that resist recesses, which may not coat completely. Sharp corners can be
most common oils. difficult to coat sufficiently and may chip or wear through.
*Consider painting transparent parts on the back surface
Paint-Selection Considerations
(or second surface) to protect the paint from scratches and abrasion.
Semi-crystalline plastics, such as nylons, tend to be chemically
resistant to most solvent systems and often require special pre-treatments
*Brittle coatings and paints can greatly reduce the impact performance
or primers. Acetal, polypropylene, and polyethylene,
of painted plastic parts. Cracks in the paint or coating act as stress
which have waxy surfaces, are chemically resistant to most
concentrators to initiate fracture in the plastic substrate. Exercise
solvent systems as well.
extra care in the design and paint selection for painted parts subjected
Amorphous plastics, such as ABS, because they are less chemically
to impact loads. Flexible paint systems, such as twopart urethanes,
resistant, achieve good adhesion with many more paint systems.
tend to perform better in impact applications.
Look for a system that is not too chemically aggressive: especially
for polycarbonate blends. To achieve the optimum match of substrate
and paint system, consult both your resin and paint suppliers before
making your final selection.
The cost of the paint is usually insignificant compared to the labor and
overhead costs, and the cost of complying with environmental
protection regulations. Be sure to consider the cost of the entire
process when making your selection.
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Vacuum Metallization A related process, sputter deposition, uses Design Considerations for Vacuum
The vacuum metallizing process mechanical displacement, rather than heat, to Metallization
deposits an extremely thin metallic vaporize the coating metal. An inert gas plasma Because vacuum metallization
film (typically 1.5 microns) onto plastic impacts the metal to provide the energy for processes deposit metal films in a
parts in a vacuum chamber. The process phase transition. Sputter deposition offers thicker line-of-sight pattern, deep recesses
usually begins with the application of a metallic layers, and more metal choices than and undercuts will not coat. Typically,
specially formulated base coat to traditional vacuum metallization. Common the part must rotate for full coverage
smooth out surface irregularities and metals and alloys include chromium, copper, gold, of surfaces and standing features.
improve metal adhesion. After curing, tungsten, stainless steel, and brass. Sputtering also Areas “shadowed” by other elements
the coated parts move to special racks tends to provide better adhesion and abrasion of the part geometry, despite being
that rotate within the vacuum chamber performance than conventional vacuum metallization. rotated, will also not coat. Complete
to provide the uniform coverage during front-and-back coverage may require
the line-of-sight deposition process. Figure 6.2d a second racking step to reorient the
Deposition takes place by vaporizing parts, and an additional pass through
the metal, usually aluminum, and the metallization process. Vacuum
then condensing it onto the part metallization works best on parts with
surface. Tungsten filaments or relatively simple shapes that require
electron beams typically provide the coating on just one side. The process
energy to vaporize the source metal is often limited to sizes that will fit in
through direct sublimation from a standard vacuum chambers.
solid to a vapor. After metallization, Vacuum metallizing is much less
decorative parts usually receive a sensitive to processing and part design
clear topcoat to protect the thin than electroplating. Adherence to
metal film from abrasion. Metallized standard plastic part design guidelines
surfaces in protected environments, and good molding practices is usually
such as reflectors in sealed lighting sufficient to obtain satisfactory results.
applications, can often skip the topcoat
step (see figure 6-10).
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With the proliferation of electronic devices such as cell phones Enclosure design usually affects shielding performance more than the
and portable computers, Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) coating process chosen. Any openings in the enclosure assembly,
and Radio Frequency Interference (RFI) become increasingly whether they be intentional — holes and cooling vents —
Important design considerations. EMI and RFI problems occur or unintentional — gaps along mating edges, can allow electromagnetic
when electromagnetic energy escapes an electrical device radiation to escape. The length of the opening determines the frequency
and reaches an unintended device, causing a malfunction or of radiation that can escape. Long gaps, such as between mating halves, could
interference. Untreated plastic parts generally appear release a wide range of frequencies. For proper shielding, these interfaces
“transparent” to electromagnetic energy, requiring a secondary require a generous overlap and snug fit.
shielding process or method when used in electronic enclosures
needing EMI/RFI shielding. One design employs contact fingers with a slight interference fit to create
A variety of shielding methods exist, including coatings, sheet- a low-impedance connection and reduced gap size. The finger spacing
metal shrouds, adhesive foils, and special conductive determines the slot length and the minimum frequency that can escape.
fillers in the molding resin. More often, manufacturers use metallic Consult your shielding experts for help in calculating the correct spacing
coating. Each of the metallic-coating processes covered in this for your application. Generally, do not place “noisy” circuit boards close
chapter thus far — painting (conductive coatings), to cooling vents and other possible weak links in the shield.
electroless plating, electroplating, and vacuum metallization — Part designers and shielding experts need to work together early in the
find use in EMI/RFI shielding. A number of factors determine design process to assure a good combination of performance and
the best process for your application, such as part geometry and manufacturability .
size, masking requirements, production levels, and required
shielding
performance.
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FIG. 6.3.2
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FIG. 6.3.4A
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6.3 Decorating/Printing
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FIG. 7.1
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SNAP-FIT JOINTS
Both economical and versatile,
snap joints can eliminate fastening
hardware, as well as reduce assembly
and disassembly costs in a wide range
of applications. Although they vary
in appearance, all snap-fit joints rely
upon the brief deflection of a flexible
member to interlock a depression
or undercut with a protrusion on a
mating part. Varieties include cantilever FIG. 7.3a
snap-arms, and torsional or annular
snap-joint styles (see figure 7.3a). The
shape of the undercut determines if the
joint can be separated later. Snap-fit
designs with an angled undercut
contact can be disassembled without
first deflecting the snap feature to
disengage the connection.
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FIG. 7.3f
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7.4 Press Fit Assembly Press Fit with 2 identical materials Press Fit a Metal Shaft into a Plastic Hub
FIG. 7.4a
NOTE: NOTE:
1. Radial deformation, δ, must be doubled 1. Radial deformation, δ, must be
for the total interference fit doubled for the total interference fit
Two parts can be assembled by press-fitting on a diameter. on a diameter.
them together (see Figure 7.4a). Although 2. a, b and c are radii, not diameters. 2. b and c are radii, not diameters.
this is a common assembly method in 3. Formula is only valid when the shaft and 3. Formula assumes zero
metals, a good design is more critical for hub are the same material. deformation of the metal shaft.
thermoplastics. Since plastics creep (or 4. Creep must be fully analyzed. 4. Creep must be fully analyzed.
stress relax), the designer must allow for a
large reduction of the initial press-fit clamp
force. A good design will minimize the EXAMPLE:
strain on the plastic (see Figures 7.4b & GIVEN: A metal insert (O.D. = 0.50in) is
7.4c), take tolerance stack-up into account to be press-fit into a Ultramid 8233 boss
and estimate the final residual clamp force (O.D. = 0.75in). Determine the maximum
due to plastic creep relaxation. interference of the assembly using a 2%
allowable strain for Ultramid 8233.
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FIG. 7.6a
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FIG. 7.10b
FIG. 7.10a
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Electromagnetic Welding
Electromagnetic welding provides a simple,
rapid and reliable assembly technique to
produce a strong and hermetic joint. A
specially designed strand is placed between
the two parts to be welded. This assembly is
then exposed to an induction heat field which
melts the strand and plastic to form a strong
bond at the interface.
Our studies show the shear strength of the
weld to be about 5000 psi. A variety of joints
can be used as in other welding techniques. A
tongue and groove joint is shown in
Figure 7.11.
FIG. 7.11
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END OF SLIDE
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