While standard and precision injection moulding both operate on the same basic principles, there are significant differences that set precision moulding apart.

1. Tolerance And Accuracy

Standard injection moulding is generally used for parts that can tolerate a bit more variation, with tolerances ranging from ±0.005 inches to ±0.020 inches. This level of precision is usually sufficient for everyday consumer products and non-critical components.

In contrast, precision injection moulding is essential when parts need much tighter tolerances, often within ±0.001 inches or even smaller. This high level of accuracy is crucial for industries like medical devices or aerospace, where even minor deviations can lead to serious product failures.

Precision moulding excels at creating intricate, small parts that must fit together perfectly or meet strict performance standards.

At Bosworth Plastics, our precision moulding capabilities allow us to meet the tight tolerances required in specialised fields such as healthcare, electronics, and automotive, ensuring every component is accurate and consistent.

2. Material Selection And Control

In standard injection moulding, material choices are often influenced by factors like cost, durability, and ease of manufacturing. While these considerations are essential, the properties of the material (like shrinkage and viscosity) don’t need to be monitored as closely as in precision moulding.

By contrast, precision injection moulding requires a more rigorous approach to material control. We must carefully monitor and adjust the flow properties, shrinkage rate, and temperature resistance of the materials to ensure the final product meets exact specifications.

For instance, certain medical devices or high-performance automotive components may demand materials that offer greater structural integrity or heat resistance.

At Bosworth Plastics, we collaborate closely with our clients to select the most suitable materials for precision moulding projects, while using advanced monitoring systems to ensure consistency and accuracy in every batch.

3. Moulding Equipment And Technology

Both standard and precision moulding utilise injection machines, but precision moulding demands more advanced and high-precision equipment. Standard moulding machines often lack the level of control necessary to maintain tight tolerances, especially when dealing with complex shapes or small parts.

On the other hand, precision injection moulding machines are equipped with sophisticated controls that allow for precise management of injection speed, pressure, and temperature. These machines can make micro-adjustments during the moulding process to ensure each part is produced to exact specifications.

At Bosworth Plastics, we use state-of-the-art precision moulding machines equipped with the latest control systems, guaranteeing accuracy and repeatability. Our machines are capable of producing complex parts with tight tolerances, regardless of size or complexity.

4. Production Environment

While standard injection moulding can be carried out in general manufacturing settings, precision injection moulding often requires a more controlled environment.

For instance, parts used in medical devices or aerospace components must be manufactured in cleanrooms or environments with minimal contamination. This ensures the parts meet the necessary safety and performance standards.

At Bosworth Plastics, we are fully equipped to handle precision moulding in cleanroom environments, providing an additional level of assurance for clients in the healthcare and aerospace industries.