Extrusion
This type of Plastic fabrication is typically used in high volume manufacturing processes where raw plastic materials are melted and forced through a shaping die to create a continuous form. Extrusion is the process that produces plastic pipes, tubing, fencing, window frames and fence railings. There are variations to extrusion process depending upon the type of extrusion that has to be performed. It can either be sheet extrusion for making plastic sheets and films, blown film extrusion for plastic shopping bags and tubing extrusion for straws and medical tubing.
Injection molding
This process of Plastic fabrication is a million dollar industry because nearly 32% of plastic components are processed through injection molding. The advantage of injection molding is the production of cheap and durable consumer products that have a profound impact to society. Thermoplastics can be heated and pressed into molds so that they can be formed into various shapes. Plastic pellets are converted into melted plastic liquid through the action of heaters and then forced into a mold where it cools into a desired shape.
Compression molding
This type of Plastic fabrication is similar to extrusion where plastic pellets called molding powder are placed in a feed hopper and pushed to the gate through the action of a turning screw. The plastic pellets are heated and compressed while it passes through the barrel and after the gate; the molten charge is immediately transferred to a press where it is molded while hot. After sufficient cooling, the part is removed.
Blow molding
The most common plastic products created from blow molding are plastic grocery bags and plastic bottles. Like compressing molding, plastic pellets are melted and forced through a gate into a blow pin camera. The plastic substance expands and cools by being made to flow around a massive air bubble. After a few seconds the mold opens and the manufactured product is ready for removal. This process is done repeatedly in high production runs.
Vacuum forming
This type of Plastic fabrication is a deforming process that works by removing air to create a partial vacuum underneath a soft and flexible thermoplastic sheet and allowing atmospheric pressure to push the plastic down into a mold. The aim of vacuum forming is to create a high definition outcome that avoids excessive thinning to take place. Vacuum forming is used to make most product packaging and speaker casing including car dashboards. A type of plastic material that is typically used in this type of Plastic fabrication is thermoplastic that is high impact polystyrene sheeting.