Injection Molding
Processing • PHA
Injection Molding
Injection molding converts PHA into repeatable, high-quality parts by injecting melt into a cooled mold cavity. Moisture control and cooling strategy are typical levers for stable production.
Best forCaps, closures, technical parts, consumer items
Key controlsDrying, mold temp, cooling time
OutcomePrecise parts with scalable manufacturing
What is injection molding?
Polymer pellets are melted and injected under pressure into a mold cavity. The material cools and solidifies, then the part is ejected. It’s ideal for consistent geometry and high throughput.
Where is it used?
- Caps and closures
- Packaging components
- Functional technical parts
What is PHA?
PHA (Polyhydroxyalkanoates) is a bio-based polymer produced through fermentation. It’s positioned as an alternative to conventional plastics and is valued for end-of-life options such as biodegradation and compostability, depending on grade and conditions.
How does PHA behave in injection molding?
- Drying: keep moisture low to reduce splay and maintain properties.
- Cooling profile: mold temperature influences crystallization, shrink, and cycle time.
- Shear: avoid unnecessary shear for better surface quality and stability.
- Tooling: gating/venting and shrink compensation help deliver consistent results.
Practical considerations
- Validate drying and keep resin sealed between runs.
- Start moderate on flow and adjust packing to control shrink.
- Use mold temperature as a key lever for warpage and cycle time.
- Consider formulation support to widen the processing window.