06 Jul 2020

What is Insert Molding?   Insert molding is the process of injecting plastic around an object, usually metal. This creates a single piece using two or more materials. Common inserts include things like metal pins and threaded rods.   Why use insert molding?   Insert molding is widely used in manufacturing today because it allows […]

13 Feb 2020
The metal plates of a plastic injection mold

The plastic injection molding process The basics of the plastic injection molding process: melted plastic injects into a metal mold. The plastic material cools inside the mold and hardens into the finished product. The product releases when the two halves of the mold separate and the plastic ejects.  How does injection molding work? Put simply, […]

11 May 2020

The Reshoring Index: Change Ahead   During these trying times, it can sometimes be helpful to take a step back and look at the bigger picture. Even before the current COVID situation, manufacturing was undergoing some significant shifts that may have far-reaching implications for the years to come. These changes are documented in the Reshoring […]

10 Dec 2019

What is an Overmold?   Overmolding uses two or more different materials to create a single product. For example, overmolding can create a plastic toothbrush with a soft, comfortable handle. The central, usually harder piece, is called the substrate, while the outer material is known as the overmold material.   When creating an overmolded piece, […]

25 Nov 2019

Is 3D printing cheaper than injection molding?   Injection molding is cheaper than 3D printing if you produce more than 100 parts. While the cost per unit using 3D printing stays relatively unchanged, the price for injection molding becomes dramatically better the more pieces you manufacture with your mold. There are, however, many factors that […]

19 Nov 2019
Plastic raw material in granules against the background of Chemical Laboratory and reagents

Materials used in injection molding are plastics, specifically thermoplastics. There are hundreds of thermoplastics, but the most common thermoplastics used in injection molding are: Polypropylene Polyethylene Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) These three thermoplastic materials are used all the time. They are cost-effective, durable, and can tolerate the stresses of constant use. You likely use products […]

18 Sep 2019

Rex Plastics Customer Showcase – Polycarbonate Orange Screw   Overview The Orange Screw is a heavy-duty ground anchor offered by a company sharing the same name, Orange Screw. It’s injection molded using recycled polycarbonate, which is a strong and impact-resistant polymer commonly used in electronic, automotive and construction applications. Rex Plastics has been the sole […]

What is a CNC Machine and How Does it Work?   CNC Machines are some of the most important tools used in modern manufacturing. They can perform an incredibly diverse range of tasks and are essential for product design. Because of the complexity of CNC machines, it can be easy to get lost when trying […]

26 Aug 2019

    Since its inception in the 1960s, to its acceptance in the 1990s, the hot runner system has challenged tradition across the plastic injection molding business. With their increased cycle speed and decreased waste, hot runners are an attractive solution to many looking to diversify their injection molding process.   What is a hot […]