Plastics are some of the most versatile substances on earth. They can be as soft and malleable as earplugs or as strong and sturdy as Kevlar. For years, the only negative aspect of plastics has been their environmentally damaging nature. Environmentalists have loathed plastics because they’re not biodegradable. That means plastics buried in landfills don’t naturally break down like plant and animal fibers. However, there is now a more environmentally friendly option available.
Biopolymer Plastics
Plastics have traditionally been made from artificial materials known as polymers. However, pressure from the public has led corporations to develop plastics made from biopolymers. Biopolymers are similar to traditional polymers, as they are made by fusing materials known as monomers together. However, the monomers used in biopolymers are composed from organic materials such as sugar cane, wheat, potatoes, and corn. While this is a positive step in the right direction, there are some things that you should know about biopolymers.
The Positives and Negatives of Biopolymers
First off, biopolymers contain petroleum, as do all plastics. However, they’re biodegradable, and they can be used as compost. Unfortunately, biopolymer plastics aren’t as strong as traditional plastics and they aren’t ideal for the harder plastics like Kevlar and Lexan. In the future all plastics may be composed from biopolymers, but right now they don’t meet many practical applications. Plastic injection molding companies will have to rely upon traditional plastics for the time being, because Biopolymer plastic options don’t meet their needs. This is still a relatively new science and it’s sure to become more practical over time. However, most strong plastics are better when they’re composed of traditional plastics.
What is Plastic Injection Molding?
Plastic injection molding is the process of heating plastic to a liquid form and injecting it into a mold. This process can be done to create everything from car parts to children’s toys. The process is rather simple and it can be used for a number of practical applications. Injection molding is still the world’s most common manufacturing process because it ensures each product is the same size, shape and quality.
Other Plastic Molding Products
- Combs
- Chairs
- Dishes
- Car Parts
- Toys
- Electronic Housings
There’s no better way to ensure quality control when producing your products in large numbers. However, you need adequate equipment to ensure the process is as streamlined and efficient as possible.
