What Is the Difference Between Rubber Injection Molding and Plastic Injection Molding?
Injection molding is a fundamental manufacturing process widely used for producing complex and precise parts in various industries. Rubber injection molding and plastic injection molding are two prevalent types of this technology. Although they share similarities in the basic process — melting or softening a material and injecting it into a mold — they differ significantly in material properties, processing parameters, and final product characteristics. Understanding these differences helps manufacturers choose the appropriate process to meet specific product requirements. 1. Material Properties Plastic Injection Molding: This process uses thermoplastic or thermosetting resins, which are generally hard and have high rigidity. Plastics like polyethylene (PE) offer chemical resistance, while polystyrene (PS) is rigid and transparent but brittle. Plastics require relatively high melting temperatures, typically ranging from 120°C to over 220°C depending on the resin type. Rubber Injection...