Key Factors Affecting the Surface Roughness of Plastic Parts in Injection Molding

In the injection molding industry, the surface roughness of plastic parts is a crucial indicator of their appearance quality. A lower surface roughness means that the plastic parts have a smoother and finer appearance, thereby enhancing the overall texture of the product. So, what factors affect the surface roughness of plastic parts in injection molding? This article will explore this in detail.

Firstly, the injection molding process is one of the key factors affecting the surface roughness of plastic parts. During the molding process, defects such as cold marks, cloudiness, and bubbling should be avoided as much as possible. These defects often directly lead to an increase in the surface roughness of plastic parts. Therefore, optimizing the molding process to ensure stability and consistency is an important way to reduce the surface roughness of plastic parts.

injection molding
injection molding

Secondly, the surface roughness of the molding components in injection molds also has a significant impact on the surface quality of plastic parts. Generally, the surface roughness of plastic parts ranges from 1.6 to 0.2μm. For plastic parts without specific surface roughness requirements, their roughness is usually consistent with the surface roughness of the mold. However, for those plastic parts with strict surface roughness requirements, the surface roughness of the mold is usually 1-2 grades higher than that of the plastic parts.

It is worth noting that during the molding process, wear on the mold cavity can lead to an increase in the surface roughness of the mold, which in turn affects the surface roughness of the plastic parts. Therefore, to maintain the stability of the surface quality of plastic parts, the mold needs to be polished and restored regularly. Especially for transparent plastic parts, the surface roughness of the mold cavity and core should be consistent to ensure the transparency and appearance quality of the plastic parts.