3 Important Steps in Plastic Fabrication

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Plastic can be found all around you in your everyday life. Many of the consumer goods that you utilize daily are made from plastic. Things like soda bottles, disposable cutlery, and takeout boxes are all created through the plastic fabrication process. This process might seem simple, but it is actually a complex marriage of engineering and science.

Three important steps must be completed in order for plastic fabrication to be a success.

1. Design

The process of fabricating plastic goods begins long before raw materials are combined on a production line. The design process involves the creation of a prototype that can be tested and altered to ensure maximum performance.

A lot of time and effort is spent on the design process because this will serve as the foundation for the production of custom plastic goods. Without a viable design, the resulting products that are fabricated will be flawed.

2. Fabrication

Once the design has been perfected, the actual fabrication of the plastic products can begin. There are many different methods utilized to create plastic goods. Two of the most popular methods are casting and draping.

Casting involves the use of a mold that has been created using the prototype generated during the design process. The plastic is injected into the mold at high pressures, then ejected once cooled enough to retain its shape. Casting is great for products that need to meet exact design specifications.

Draping is used for plastic products that are curved, like the windshield on a motorcycle. A plastic sheet is draped over a form that has the same curvature as the desired end product. Once heated, the plastic sheet will mold to the form to create an acceptable product.

Another method of fabrication is precision CNC fabrication, and you should talk to a professional if you have questions about this.

3. Finishing

The fabrication process is not complete once a product has been cast or draped. Each plastic item must go through a finishing process to prepare it for its final end use. Finishing techniques can create a smooth surface, establish a metallic luster, or adhere logos and other designs to the surface of the plastic.

Proper finishing is required to achieve the right aesthetic for the plastic goods.

Plastic fabrication requires attention to detail and careful planning and preparation. The design phase, the fabrication phase, and the finishing phase all play important roles in the function and durability of the final product. Understanding how these phases work together will allow you to better appreciate the plastic items you might take for granted each day.

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5 March 2019