Today, many everyday items such as cups, toys, plates, and electronic housings are made with a special method known as injection molding. Injection molding is essential since it stimulates the production of similar parts at an affordable rate. But sometimes, things can go south and result in manufacturing problems.

For better results, you need tools such as the design for manufacturability checklist. Here’s more.
But before going further, what is design for manufacturability?
This is designing parts to make a high-quality product at a lower price. However, defects occur during injection molding, and they are added to the DFM checklist to prevent similar issues.

During injection molding, there are some important aspects that you need to put in mind to avoid compromising the quality of the end result. You might encounter issues such as sink marks and warping during the process. Good thing is they are avoidable.

Injection Molding - Design for Manufacturability Checklist
Before bringing out your final design for manufacturability in plastic injection molding. Go through this checklist;
Use Proper Draft Angles

Draft angles are essential because you can remove the parts safely from the mold without getting distorted. The thickness and the shrink rate will enable you to factor out the right draft angles.

Wall Thickness

The second parameter on the checklist is wall thickness. Maintaining wall thickness is paramount because variations can cause the injected parts to cool at different rates leading to sinking marks or voids. Ideally, it is essential to maintain a uniform wall thickness during injection molding to increase production.

Avoid undercuts

Typically, you can eject undercuts without breaking. However, you can remove injection molding parts with the aid of slides. You can prevent undercuts by arranging features parallel to the draw line.

Position Parting Lines Strategically

When two parts of a mold meet, a parting line will form. Putting the parting line in the right position will make the mold open properly. The way you situate a parting line will determine how the mold will open. To improve a parting line, put the line along an edge. Also, avoid putting on a flat surface to reduce the occurrence of flash.

Opt for an Ejector Pin

An ejector pin will work effectively when placed on a flat surface or in the direction of the pin movements. Things such as material will greatly influence the pin placement.
Familiarize With the Mold Wall Thickness

The thickness of the mold’s walls is a vital factor because it depends on the space between part features. Ensure that the parts are wide apart to avoid complicating the cooling process. It can also increase the tooling costs since it will require new ones.

Optimize the Size of Support Ribs

Ribs are important because they aid in strengthening part walls in cases where the walls come together. They are often used to strengthen part walls when two-part walls meet to ensure that the ribs are the right size to increase support.
Design Injection-Molded Parts Correctly

Design is essential during molding, but it can be expensive if mistakes occur. Since things can go south during injection molding, ensure that you check the design to achieve high-quality and better parts with ease.

Design manufacturing checklist is essential during injection molding since you’ll get to rule out problems and fix them properly. In the end, you’ll proceed with the manufacturing process and achieve a great end product.