Now more than ever, the push for sustainable manufacturing practices is vital for the short and long-term health of consumers, the manufacturing industry, and certainly our planet. This involves all facets of manufacturing, from production processes and waste management, to the materials used in production.
Biodegradable plastic injection molding is a viable solution in promoting sustainability while maintaining many of the same benefits of traditional injection molding. There are differences, however, between the two services.
Learn from GAIM Plastics as we explain the difference between biodegradable injection molding and traditional injection molding.
Biggest Differences Between Materials
Biodegradable plastic injection molding largely focuses on using biodegradable materials, which is the main thing that separates it from traditional injection molding. In traditional injection molding, the polymers used are typically petroleum-based, whereas in biodegradable polymers, renewable feedstocks are used to form the material.
What separates these two forms of injection molding extends beyond the materials used, however.
- Biodegradable injection molded components are specifically designed to break down and have their end of service life hit when specified conditions are met, using methods such as industrial composting. Other components might rely on natural elements for the breakdown of components.
- Multiple variations of biodegradable resins require lower temperatures during the manufacturing process and can feature varying levels of viscosity, thermal stability, and shear sensitivity. This is a net-pro for the environment as the resources needed to fuel traditional injection molding are reduced.
- Standard injection molding equipment can be used to create components with biodegradable materials. While the same machines can be used, alterations and adjustments such as screw design, temperature control, and cycle settings might need to be tailored to the specific material.
- With traditional polymers, there is a broad range of proven performance metrics. Manufacturers with industry expertise will know how specific traditional materials are going to perform in an environment. With biodegradable materials, more careful consideration has to be taken during the selection process.
What the Differences Mean in Practice
While it’s critical to list out the differences to gain perspective, the context behind the differences and what it means in practice for both manufacturers and customers is even more important to understand.
For the manufacturers, there aren’t any mechanical changes when using equipment, but there are process tuning changes, such as using a lower temperature, which actually reduces energy costs. Quality management practices, part validation, and testing protocols have to be enhanced when biodegradable materials are used, as they are more sensitive to processing conditions and require more part validation.
Partner With GAIM Plastics for Biodegradable Plastic Injection Molding Services
GAIM Plastics has been a pioneer in the biodegradable injection molding space since we first opened our doors in 1989. Our partnerships with multiple bioresin manufacturing companies have led us to be one of the industry leaders in biodegradable injection molding services.
Whether you elect for biodegradable materials or traditional plastics, all of our injection molding projects undergo the same initial process of development, rapid prototyping, manufacturing, and extensive part validation to ensure components are manufactured to the highest quality.
Contact GAIM Plastics today for more information on biodegradable plastic injection molding.