Injection molding

{
  "id": "MLC-T-ENV-014391",
  "term": "Injection molding",
  "field": "Environment",
  "term_source": "Injection Molding",
  "definition": "Injection molding is one of the more common methods used to mold thermoplastics; however, this method can also be used to mold thermosets. The injection molding process is similar to the extrusion method except that in injection molding, the molten material is injected into a mold rather than forced through a die. Plastic pellets are fed into a heating chamber and are pushed along by a plunger until they are homogenized and fluidized. The fluid plastic is then injected (forced under high pressure) through a nozzle into a relatively cold mold. The fluid plastic conforms to the shape of the clamped mold, which is released once the plastic solidifies. The reciprocating screw injection machine, which serves as both a plasticizer and injection ram, is the most common machine used for injection molding.",
  "subject": "Commercial processes",
  "references": [
    "EPA Preferred and Alternative Methods for Estimating Air Emissions from Plastic Products Manufacturing at http://www.epa.gov/ttnchie1/eiip/techreport/volume02/ii11.pdf"
  ],
  "url": "https://mlchart.com/terminology/environment/injection-molding/"
}