How did the world of injection molded parts begin? In 1868, billiard ball maker Phelan and Collander, John Wesley Hyatt invented a way to make billiard balls by injecting celluloid into a mould. Hyatt improved the celluloid so that it could be processed into a finished form. In 1872 John and his brother Isaiah patented the first injection molding machine. This machine was relatively simple compared to the machines used by today's injection molding companies. It contained a basic plunger to inject the plastic into a mold through a heated cylinder. The industry progressed slowly over the years producing injection molded products such as plastic collar stays, buttons, and hair combs. In the 1940's the concept of injection molds grew in popularity. This is because World War II created a huge demand for inexpensive, mass-produced products.
In 1946, James Hendry built the first screw injection molding machine, revolutionizing the plastics industry with an auger design to replace Hyatt's plunger. The auger is placed inside the cylinder and mixes the injection molded material before pushing forward and injecting the material into the mould. This allowed colored plastic or recycled plastic to be added to the virgin material and mixed thoroughly before being injected. Today screw injection molding machines account for 95% of all injection machines companies. The industry of injection molds has evolved over the years, from producing combs and buttons to a diverse array of custom injection molded products for the following industries: medical, aerospace, consumer, toys, plumbing, packaging, automotive, and construction.
The article comes from China injection mold manufacturer - Mold Best Assurance Company Limited, website is www.mbamoldanddesign.com
