Structural foam injection molding services are the backbone of Port Erie Plastics’ operations, creating large tonnage plastic products that provide excellent moldability, thermal stability, and many more benefits.

Our process efficiency is due to the low-pressure injection molding machines we utilize. Learn more about how our machines work, why they work, and how they lead to more efficiently created products.

What are Low-Pressure Injection Molding Machines?

Low-pressure injection machines are capable of handling large amounts of products for structural foam molding and the unique design layouts of specific products.

Port Erie Plastics has three machines capable of structural foam injection molding. Our Uniloy Milacron machines have been reliable resources over the years as we continue to expand our capabilities. Our newest machine is a 1000 SSWP LPIM structural foam molding machine.

Our equipment allows us to produce large tonnage products with parts up to 7.5 feet in length, and a typical wall thickness of 0.200 inches to 0.500 inches. The machines’ platen size is 96 inches x 89 inches, with tie bar spacing of 58.5 inches x 67.5 inches, and shot sizes up to 150 lbs. Because of these machines’ capabilities, Port Erie Plastics is able to run more than one machine at a time, allowing for cost-effective practices and efficiency for customers.

Explaining the Structural Foam Molding Process

Structural foam injection molding is one of the key services Port Erie Plastics performs.

The process starts off with a couple of key ingredients. The first being a liquid resin like polyethylene foam and then either a noble gas or chemical blowing agent. The liquid resin is mixed and then injected into a mold and the gas or the agent is heated up to expand the mold.

Once the mold has expanded, the resin fills the expanded space to take the given shape. As the resin begins to take shape of the mold, and once it hits the perimeter of the designed shape, the process begins to slow down as the space nears full capacity.

The final steps are when surface cells collapse and the surface smooths out into a solid texture outside of the mold.

Advantages of Using Low-Pressure Injection Molding Machines

The advantages of using a low-pressure injection molding machine are the same as using low pressure injection molding — structural foam molding — but there are a few specific characteristics that stand out.

• Using low pressure means there is a smaller chance that products will be damaged during production.
• Materials are moved through the machine at a slow, controlled rate, which means overmolding (if needed) can happen safely.
• Structural foam molding can happen quickly and produce a large amount of products, thus making it a cost-effective method.
• Materials used in structural foam molding, such as aluminium, are less expensive than materials used in regular injection molding services.
• Because products are created quickly and efficiently, there is minimal environmental impact.

How Port Erie Plastics has Become an Industry Leader by Using Low Pressure Injection Molding Machines

For more than 70 years, Port Erie Plastics has been an industry leader in structural foam molding and injection molding services. As technology advances, we’re able to maintain our expertise by investing in high-quality machines that produce parts that meet customers’ specific requirements. Contact us today to learn more about our machines, our process, and how we can make a difference in your next project.