Structural foam moulding (also known as low-pressure foam moulding) allows some of the disadvantages of high-pressure injection moulding to be overcome.
Structural foam moulding
The main difference between Structural foam moulding and high-pressure injection moulding is that a chemical blowing agent is added to the plastic granules. This is activated when the plastic is heated to its melting point.
Wondering if your product design can be realised by means of structural foam mouding? Request a plastic QuickScan to find out.
The plastic QuickScan tests the feasibility of your product design, and includes a mould flow simulation. Various factors are taken into account, including:
- Product specifications & quality requirements
- Annual sales & numbers
- Type of thermoplastic & any additives that may be required
- Requisite mould dimensions
- The injection moulding technique that is best suited to the desired end result
Based on these factors, we will also submit an initial estimate of the costs.
Structural foam moulding
In Structural foam moulding, the foam injected into the mould continues expanding, as long as the plastic has not solidified. This technique ensures that the internal pressure on the cooling plastic is evenly distributed, reducing internal tension inside the finished product.
Advantages of structural foam moulding:
- Reduced risk of deformation
- Thicker walls become an option
- More options for walls with different thicknesses
- Greater freedom in terms of design compared with high-pressure injection moulding
Common product wall thicknesses:
- 3 to 8 mm
Points to consider with structural foam moulding:
- ‘Foamed’ finish
- May be necessary to paint the product
What does structural foam moulding cost?
Every injection-moulded plastic product is unique. To answer the question of what structural foam moulding would cost, HSV-TMP takes various factors into account to come up with a cost estimate, such as:
- Product specifications
- Mould dimensions
- Quantities
- Type of plastic and any additives
- Technique and combination of techniques
- Finishing, assembly and logistical preferences
Would you like to receive a price estimate for structural foam moulding of your plastic product? Use the button below and one of our engineers will contact you to discuss a quotation.
Different techniques for realising your plastic product
Depending on the design and quality requirements of your plastic product, housing or shaped component, HSV-TMP will apply the technology that suits the specifications and the desired end result. Here are a few of the techniques that HSV-TMP can offer you at its own facilities in addition to thermoplastic foam moulding:
- Sequential injection moulding
- High pressure injection moulding
- Structural foam moulding
- Hybrid, combination injection moulding & particle foam engineering
Get informed about the technology and manufacturability for the realization of your large moulded part, housing or plastic product and receive an initial quotation. Your request will be treated confidentially.
Types of thermoplastics
There are various thermoplastics available that are used for thermoplastic injection moulding of large plastic products, housings or shaped components. You can find more information about these plastics here.
Sustainable thermoplastic injection moulding
For sustainable thermoplastic injection moulding of your plastic products, shaped components, housings and other plastic parts, you’ve come to the right place. HSV-TMP finds the most sustainable solution for you, in terms of minimising material use, optimising matrix investments, and finding assembly and logistical solutions that will save you time and money. We use sustainable energy, generated from solar collectors, for the production and assembly of your product, and you can opt to use recyclate in the production process. More about CSR at HSV-TMP.
FAQ
What is structural foam moulding
In structural foam moulding, the foam injected into the mould continues expanding, as long as the plastic has not solidified. This technique ensures that the internal pressure on the cooling plastic is evenly distributed, reducing internal tension inside the finished product.
What does structural foam moulding cost?
To provide a cost indication for TSG foam moulding of your plastic product or moulded part, the design team looks at various factors. Curious how much TSG foam moulding costs? Request a QuickScan.
What is the process of thermoplastic foam moulding?
In thermoplastic foam molding, granulate and chemical blowing agent are injected into the mould at low pressure. This makes it possible to achieve weight reduction and to produce large, thick-walled products with specific details.
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