What are the home appliances produced with large-size molding?
- Air conditioning units
- Microwave ovens and toasters
- Dishwashers
- Refrigerators
- Washing machines
Overview
- Air conditioning units use thermoplastics. This material offers rust resistance, weight reduction, and cost-effectiveness.
- Microwave ovens and toasters incorporate heat-resistant polyethylene plastic, ensuring safe food heating and longevity.
- Dishwashers utilize plastic materials like polyvinyl chloride or nylon to make or coat their components. This assures that their parts will be durable and corrosion-resistant.
- Refrigerators rely on injection-molded plastics like polyurethane, polystyrene, and polyethylene for components ensuring durability and precise construction.
- Washing machines require water and rust-resistant plastic. Through plastic molding processes, they are made to last longer and ensure efficient cleaning of clothes.
Large-size molding, or large-part molding, is an innovative manufacturing technique to meet the high demands of many necessities. They are made with large-tonnage injection molding machines to produce large plastic items.
This method is seen in various applications in sports, automotive, electronics, and more. One of which is household items that make our lives more convenient. In this article, we’ll explore five home appliances produced with large-size molding techniques.
Air Conditioning Units
An air conditioner is made to cool spaces through a cold indoor coil. It usually has a metal exterior and components made out of copper and aluminum. While this material is prominent, plastic is also needed in the production of this appliance. Parts like the grills, vents, louvers, and control panels are plastic.
Thermoplastics are the ideal material. This kind of plastic is made by combining monomers to create chains. The process is called polymerization. These polymer chains are reinforced with fibers, making them resistant to wear and abrasion. Apart from that, thermoplastics are not prone to corrosion.
In addition to anti-rust qualities, a benefit of replacing metal with plastic is weight reduction. This makes air conditioning units safer to transport and easier to carry through the hole in the wall or the window.
Microwave Ovens and Toasters
Microwave ovens and toasters are essential kitchen appliances. With the purpose of heating our meals, these devices should be made with heat-resistant materials. A group of thermoplastics called Polyethylene is one of the materials used in production.
Polyethylene is heat-resistant food-grade plastic used inside these appliances. It is made up of molecular chains consisting of many repeating ethene monomers. This material is also seen in most commodity plastics like plastic bags and food or drink containers.
Moreover, the plastic components of a microwave and toaster include the door late, turntable support ring, and interior cavity liner.
Dishwashers
Another home appliance produced with large-size molding is the dishwasher. This is helpful to many households because of its convenience. It is made with metals like aluminum and stainless steel. Since it is developed to clean our dishes effectively, water is a needed resource. This makes it prone to corrosion because water is a primary catalyst of rust.
To increase the dishwasher’s durability, plastic materials are needed to make this device. Therefore, most dishwasher parts today are made with plastic or dipped in polyvinyl chloride or nylon, a form of plastic. This includes the racks, the tub, the cutlery basket, and the spray arms.
Refrigerators
A refrigerator is a kitchen necessity. It is used to store food to make it last longer. In the production of this appliance, injection mold is used to create high-quality and precise parts. There are five main plastics that they use in manufacturing this device. They are polyurethane (PU), polystyrene (PS), polypropylene (PP), styrene-butadiene-acrylonitrile copolymer (ABS), and polyethylene (PE).
The refrigerator is made up of a few basic components. These include the exterior cabinet and door, inner cabinet and liner, insulation insert, and fixtures. Among these, parts like the shelves, drawers, and doors are all made out of plastic. This also includes small fixtures like egg trays and ice trays.
Washing Machines
Like dishwashers, washing machines need to be water and rust-resistant. These properties ensure quality performance and durability. That is why it is another appliance that goes to plastic molding. Plastic is a durable material that can ensure the quality of cleaning your clothes.
Depending on your washing machine, it can be made out of purely plastic materials or plastic-coated steel. The internal components of the device are often produced through plastic molding. This includes one of the most important parts—the tub. Other plastic parts can also be the detergent dispenser, drum paddles, and drain pump housing.
The materials to make this appliance require a blend of plastics. This can be the combination of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) and polycarbonate.
Key Takeaway
Large-scale molding is essential in the production of modern appliances. From refrigerators to washing machines, these molds create essential bodies and parts we rely on daily. This technology allows for consistent quality, efficient manufacturing, and design flexibility.
At Richfields Corporation, we ensure quality-made large-scale molds. Established in 2001, we have more than two decades worth of experience in the plastic molding industry. Our years of collected knowledge can help you make your product stand out in the market. Contact us today and let’s start making your product a reality.
