14 May 2026
A robotic arm aids in the process of creating food service plastic containers.

Ejector Pins, Sleeves, & Lifters: Why Parts Stick in Molds

In injection molding, part ejection is one of the most important stages of the manufacturing process. Once molten plastic cools inside the mold, the finished part must separate cleanly from the tooling before the next cycle can begin. If ejection is not properly considered during product design, parts may stick, warp, crack, or suffer cosmetic […]

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30 Apr 2026
A plastic structure with a lightweight design: blue plastic criss-crosses and supports the piece in its most important places.

Lightweighting Strategies for Plastic Part Design

Lightweighting has become an increasingly important strategy in plastic part design, particularly for companies looking to improve efficiency and reduce material consumption without compromising performance. In injection molding, lightweighting involves optimizing part geometry, material selection, and structural design to reduce overall weight while maintaining the strength required for the application. While lightweighting is often associated […]

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19 Mar 2026
The sun in a blue sky with a few clouds present.

How UV Exposure Affects Injection Molded Plastics

Ultraviolet (UV) exposure is one of the most common environmental factors that can impact the performance and lifespan of plastic parts. While many plastics perform well in controlled indoor environments, prolonged UV exposure can lead to visible damage and mechanical failure over time. For engineers and product designers, understanding how UV exposure affects plastic materials […]

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27 Feb 2026
Green o-rings on a white background.

A Guide to Gaskets, O-Rings, & Snap Seals

Sealing performance is often one of the most critical but overlooked aspects of plastic part design. Preventing water intrusion, blocking dust, and maintaining internal pressure are cornerstones of properly designed gaskets and sealing features. They truly determine the long-term success of a product. In injection molded assemblies, sealing is not just about adding a gasket. […]

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30 Jan 2026
The broken plastic hinge on a toilet seat cover.

Fatigue Strength in Plastic Parts: Design Considerations

What is fatigue strength in plastic parts? Fatigue strength refers to a plastic part’s ability to withstand repeated or cyclic loading over time without cracking or failing. Unlike single-load strength, fatigue strength focuses on how materials behave when stress is applied again and again, even if that stress is well below the part’s maximum strength […]

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27 Mar 2016
An up close image of a plastic water bottle cap. You an see the ribs in the plastic design.

Plastic Ribs and Bosses: Plastic Part Design Part 4

Plastic Rib Design Ribs are a great way to add strength and stiffness to a plastic part without significantly increasing material usage or overall part weight. When designed correctly, ribs help prevent flexing, warping, and deformation in large flat surfaces, allowing designers to maintain thinner nominal wall sections. This approach not only improves part performance […]

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13 Jun 2013
Plastic utensils made out of biopolymers on a green table.

Biopolymers in Plastic Injection Molding

Finally, there is a green alternative for producing plastic parts. Biopolymers are a different option from petroleum-based polymers that use biologically derived polymers. Going green and corporate responsibility are growing interests for many companies. As world populations increase and natural resources remain limited, manufacturers are looking for materials that reduce dependence on fossil fuels. This […]

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02 Oct 2013

Custom Plastic Products’ Role in Our Nation’s Recovery

Custom plastic products are an integral part of this Country’s economic development and recovery. There is no more versatile material on the planet for use in electronics, medical, automotive, defense, consumer products, toys, and the list goes on. The inventors and entrepreneurs this country generates are well served by considering plastics for a broad range of applications.

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28 Dec 2025
A blue ruler with a warped defect, making it curved at one end instead of completely straight.

Common Injection Molding Defects and How to Prevent Them

Understanding Injection Molding Defects Injection molding defects are flaws that compromise a part’s appearance, performance, or dimensional accuracy. While some defects are cosmetic, others can impact structural integrity, function, or downstream assembly, making early detection and prevention critical in production environments. Understanding why defects occur allows manufacturers to make informed decisions around material selection, mold […]

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