5 Ways That Plastic Injection Molding Companies Reduce Waste

The reduction of waste is a challenge in all manufacturing industries. Design flaws and inefficient technology can contribute to this waste. That’s why many manufacturers take advantage of plastic injection molding. As a process, plastic injection molding makes it easier for manufacturers to produce prototype plastic parts, which in turn minimizes future product flaws, production costs, and scrap waste. 

In honor of Earth Day, we’re highlighting five ways that plastic injection molding companies help reduce worldwide waste.

1. Creating Reusable Product Designs

Design and Engineering

Plastic injection molding companies like MSI Mold use CAD (computer-aided design) software to help manufacturers develop designs that are accurate for fit, form, and function. A great deal of attention is put on the life cycle of new plastic products that are being designed. 

When designing new injection molded products, a good industrial design engineer will always consider how long the plastic molded part will need to function without being replaced. If parts are well designed, manufacturers can rework or repair them instead of replacing them. In fact, large companies that use custom injection molded parts for their products often have very specific engineers that only focus on product life cycle to reduce waste.     

2. Using Recyclable Plastics When Necessary

Recycling of raw plastic material is a very large market within the injection molding industry. In fact, injection molding manufacturers save cost and waste by using millions or billions of tons of recycled plastic every year.

colored diagram showcasing different plastic codes

Almost all plastic injection molded parts will have a recycling code molded into the part. This code indicates which type of plastic the part is made from. This helps recycling companies properly group the plastic parts within their processing.

Common recyclable thermoplastic materials include:

  • Polypropylene (PP)
  • Polyethyelene (PE)
  • Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS)
  • Nylon 6 & Nylon 66 (PA6 & PA66)

3. Using Modern Machinery & Software

Injection Molding Machine

The injection molding industry uses a wide array of machinery. The absolute best injection molders invest large amounts of capital to have the most modern machinery and software available.

By using modern machinery and software, custom plastic part manufacturers can save an immeasurable amount of manufacturing time, produce plastic parts with near zero scrap, and save 50 to 60% of the electricity needed compared to injection molding companies that use old technologies. 

At MSI Mold, we use all of the most modern equipment, and we are proud to reduce waste at every opportunity.

4. Practicing the 6S & Lean Manufacturing Methods

6S process for company. Sort, shine, sustain, standardize, set in order and safety , 6 method , vector concept .

Another way that plastic injection molding companies reduce waste is by using the 6S framework of manufacturing management that emphasizes cleanliness, efficiency, and the reduction of scrap and/or wasted human effort. 

6S stands for Sort, Straighten/Set in Order, Shine, Standardize, Sustain, and Safety. But, at its crux, the process involves eliminating inefficiencies caused by a disorderly workspace.

Injection molding manufacturers that formalize a company-wide 6S program never waste time searching for the things they need. You could describe 6S companies as “everything has a place, and everything is in its place.”

In Lean manufacturing, “waste” is not only about scrap material. Any action that does not add value to the process, to the product, or to the purchaser is considered waste. It involves analyzing different methods, collaborating between groups, and always searching for wasted time, talent, or treasure (material assets). 

When plastic injection molding companies implement 6S lean manufacturing procedures, the consumer can expect a higher quality product at a lower cost. And, injection molding manufacturers can still gain additional profit from the increased efficiency.

5. Providing Rapid Injection Molding as a Service

Custom Injection Molding

Lastly, rapid injection molding delivers production quality plastic parts with really fast lead times. This process allows manufacturers to test their ideas before full-scale production occurs. MSI Mold uses the rapid injection molding method to build customer plastic injection molds in a very short lead time. 

For the past two years, supply chain disruptions have created enormous amounts of waste for manufacturing companies. The global failure to sustain harmony within the supply networks of products and materials has led to billions of dollars wasted on expedited delivery methods and underproduction of high-demand raw materials and components.

MSI Mold helps companies avoid wasted time and money due to supply issues. Our rapid injection molding methods produce the same production quality parts with the same plastic materials as traditional production services without the wasted cost, time, and effort.

Learn More From MSI Mold Today

Expect less waste and higher quality plastic components when you partner with MSI Mold. Founded in 2005, we’re a leading American plastic injection molding company serving clients in a wide array of industries.

You can count on us for high-quality tooling designs, rapid prototyping, and custom plastic parts. We handle every mold design and manufacturing process in-house in our U.S. facilities, and never from an offshore location.

If you would like to learn more about our services and capabilities, please contact us today.

MSI workers in discussion

What a Career as an Injection Mold Maker Looks Like

Injection mold makers have a very important role in the manufacturing industry; without them, businesses wouldn’t have the high-quality plastic molded parts and products they need.

In this article, we’ll cover what injection mold makers do and how to transfer into this great career.

What Injection Mold Makers Do

The overall duties of an injection mold maker are to design, produce, repair, and/or inspect the details of a new mold, which is what shapes a final product.

Another duty of a plastic injection mold maker is to use 3D CAD modeling software to design plastic prototype and production molds. Prototype molds serve as a tool for producing real-world examples of what the final product will look like, and can help manufacturers understand potential design changes that may be needed before production quantities are ordered.

Mold makers must also understand different types of plastic and how they behave during the injection molding process.

The Importance of This Role in Manufacturing

Many industries rely on injection mold makers to help them efficiently and accurately produce thousands of parts. Having a well-made mold ensures better production success, lowers overall costs, and ensures fewer mistakes during production. Without experienced mold makers, manufacturers risk lower quality parts and products.

Are You Qualified to Be an Injection Mold Maker?

MSI Design & Engineering

Now that you better understand what injection mold maker jobs require, you may be wondering how to pursue this type of career. Let’s look at some of the requirements you would need.

Education Requirements

A minimum of a high school diploma or GED is required for this type of job. Preferably, an injection mold maker will have an associate’s degree in a technical field, or have completed an accredited mold making apprenticeship. Basic math skills and mechanical aptitude are also a must.

Some mold makers are trained on the job and will have a minimum of two years in mold maintenance or mold making. Technical schools across the nation also offer plastic mold build training courses. The end result may be a certificate that proves you have studied the basics of machining, plastics manufacturing, and mold design.

Skill Requirements

Beyond basic education, ensure that you develop the right skills. These skills include knowledge of injection molding machines and the various types of plastics that are used in injection molding. Additionally, knowing how to read mechanical blueprints and use precision measuring devices is important.

Mold makers must also have good manual dexterity, communication skills, and the ability to work well with client representatives and coworkers. Additionally, managing your time well, problem-solving, and troubleshooting are all skills that will be of value while on the job.

Where Can You Find Plastic Injection Mold Maker Jobs?

The plastics industry is continuing to skyrocket, which means that there is no better time to start a career with MSI Mold. We’re a rapidly growing company with a family-like atmosphere, and offer a wide array of benefits, including:

MSI Mold building
  • Competitive Pay Rates
  • BCN Health Insurance
  • 3% Retirement Matching Package
  • On-the-Job Training Offered
  • Frequent 3-Day Weekends
  • Clean, Well-Lit, & Climate-Controlled Environment

Apply for an Injection Mold Maker Job Today

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Are you searching for a plastic injection mold maker job? MSI Mold is hiring! We’ve been a trusted name in the plastics industry since 2005 and specialize in production process development, plastic part design, and tooling program management. 

Because we’re committed to maintaining a family-like environment, you can expect to learn more and grow when you work for us. Visit our careers page to learn more about our opportunities. If you have questions or would like to learn more about our work, please fill out our convenient online form.