Miniature and Micro Molding
Miniaturization of parts and complete assemblies is a world-wide phenomenon.
To keep up with this growing trend, manufacturing systems have evolved to produce these components cost effectively:
- Precision molding to very fine tolerances of extremely small parts and components, usually in unfilled or reinforced engineering plastics.
- Parts can be as small as 1 cubic millimeter and weigh 0.1 to 0.01 grams or less.
- Tools have special requirements:
- Material must move in and out of the cavities very fast, and the injection molding machine must be able to deliver very high injection pressures.
- Typically, parts must have zero flash.
Designing and constructing the tools used to manufacture miniature and micro-sized parts requires different and specialized equipment and techniques than those typically used in conventional tool building operations.
Your part tolerance may be interpreted different ways. The part designer will address functional limitations, the mold designer will look at tool fabrication variation allowance. The molder looks at it in terms of production tolerance. Careful planning and measurement techniques are required to assure alignment between these different understandings. While these differences are universal, micro molding measuring techniques can be even more difficult. Due to their small size, some parts offer challenges to develop a repeatable measurement. Metrology may include non-contact visual measurement scopes, contact methods such as 0.0001” pin gauges, micrometers, and attribute gauges.
Precision micro molding requires good planning and must start very early in the process. We suggest working with our Advance Project Team while the product is still in its design stage. Entire mold and part designs have changed based upon a good understanding of the part requirements.
To learn more how Empire Precision Plastics can help with your micro
applications, Contact Us, or
call 800-541-7135.