Ever think twice about the plastic knobs on your washer and dryer? This is just one example of the many plastic washer and dryer parts that manufacturers like GAIM Plastics create every day.
Learn more about the manufacturing process for the plastic components that washers and dryers rely on.
Traditional Plastics Used and Part Applications
Material selection is important when it comes to creating plastic washer and dryer parts. Laundry rooms can contain varying moisture levels, temperatures, and pressures. Key polymers have to be used for specific applications.
- ABS used for control panels, knobs, bezels, and housings where impact resistance, dimensional stability, and appealing cosmetics are critical
- PP and PE for tubes, internal water handling components, and select covers that come into contact with potential chemical exposure and moisture
- PC and PC blends for doors and windows
These materials all serve a unique purpose and ensure high quality components are being made while maintaining design integrity and part longevity throughout the service life of a washer and dryer.
Injection Molding Services for Plastic Washer and Dryer Parts
The most common plastic manufacturing service used to create washer and dryer parts is injection molding. Multi-cavity molds allow for the production of multiple parts in a single shot.
- Material is selected and then fed into a hopper where it takes the polymers to a heated barrel where a screw melts the solid polymers into a liquid plastic.
- The liquid plastic is shot into the mold where it begins to take the shape of the mold, the finished component
- Once the liquid plastic has filled the mold, in a controlled manner, the molds are cooled so the plastic can solidify
- When the molds are cooled, the parts are ejected and undergo quality control measures
Automation continues to play a role with injection molding, making the services speed up and operating costs hit customers in a smaller role compared to just a few years ago.
Considerations for Mold Design and Tooling Services
Plastic washer and dryer parts have to account for a long service life along with numerous environmental factors such as moisture changes and fluids. That’s why planning for design and tooling services is critical.
- Utilize hardened steel cores and cavities for molds in order to avoid potential defects such as knit lines, sinks, and burns on the finished product
- Engineer cooling circuits to control warping in large panels, doors, and tubs
Secondary Operations for Plastic Washer and Dryer Parts
Some plastic washer and dryer parts will undergo secondary operations out of necessity to serve their intended application. This can include:
- Ultrasonic welding and insert molding services for metal inserts, hinges, brackets
- Some assembly services can be provided largely in control panel modules
- Cosmetic services such as painting or stamping to showcase graphics or finishes
Overview on Quality Control, Maintenance, and Process
Plastic components have to undergo strict quality control measures to ensure no failures happen, which can be detrimental to manufacturers, retailers, and certainly customers.
- In-process SPC on multiple factors including dimensions, angles, color, and shape to ensure product implementation of design is correct
- Preventative mold maintenance to protect both the mold and the eventual finished product
Contact GAIM Plastics Today for Your Plastic Washer and Dryer Parts
Since 1989, GAIM Plastics has been an innovative and environmentally conscious plastic injection molding company. We serve multiple industries across the country and we’ve created millions of plastic washer and dryer components for companies all around the world.
We build products that last and require minimal maintenance. The knobs and other components on your washers and dryers are made to last when you partner with GAIM.
Contact us today and get in the GAIM.