Thermoplastic Polymers:

Thermoplastic Polymers are defined as the type of polymers with intermolecular forces that weaken with the increase in temperature. This causes them to turn into a viscous molten state and hence they can be remolded and reshaped. Some examples include Nylon, ABS, Polystyrene, PVC, Polycarbonate, PEEK, POM, Polyolefins like polypropylene, polyethylene etc.

Thermosetting Polymers:

Thermosetting Polymers are defined as the type of polymers which form irreversible chemical bonds with increase in temperature and harden by curing. Hence, unlike Thermoplastic Polymers, they cannot be remolded or reshaped. Some examples are Epoxy, Melamine, Urethane, Bakelite etc.

Tonnage:

Injection Molding machines are commonly rate or classified in the form of tonnage, which is the total clamping pressure provided by the particular machine. Clamping pressure is the pressure required to keep the mold closed during the injection of molten plastic. If the clamping pressure or the tonnage is not enough, it would affect the quality of the product and result in flash, which means excess plastic material which is commonly found on the edges of a part.

Resin:

Resin is the common term used for plastic raw material. There are different types of engineering and commodity resins in various forms and selecting the correct resin is a critical part of the injection molding process.

Core and Cavity:

Core and Cavity is the part of the mold that gives the desired shape to the product to be manufactured after the molten plastic is injected and cooled. Core and Cavity are also called the male and female part of the mold respectively.

Runner System:

Runner System is the channel provided in the mold that lets the molten plastic material flow into the cavity after being injected into the mold.

Gate:

Gate is the point through which the molten plastic material enters into the cavity.

Colorants and Masterbatches:

Colorant is a kind of additive that is added along with the plastic raw material to give the desired colour to the product which is to be manufactured. Colorants can be in the form of granules, liquid, powder etc. Masterbatches are the highly concentrated mixture of colorants in granular form.