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Home Injection Molding by E=MC2 (/member/E%3DMC2/)

Download (/id/Home-Injection-Molding/?download=pdf) (/id/Home-Injection-Molding/) 6 Steps + Collection Favorite

About This Instructable

113,173 views License:

None (All
Rights
88 favorites
Reserved)

E=MC2
(/member/E%3DMC2/)
Follow 15

(http://cdn.instructables.com/F2O/9XX0/FIV129WV/F2O9XX0FIV129WV.LARGE.jpg) (/member/E%3DMC2/)

Tags:
plastic (/tag/type-id/category-workshop/keyword-
plastic/)
This Instructable explains how to make real injection molded plastic parts using
injection (/tag/type-id/category-workshop/keyword-
a simple hand-operated machine. I realize most of you reading this don't have injection/)
one of these machines, but I decided to post here anyway just to let all the
molding (/tag/type-id/category-workshop/keyword-
garage inventors out there know that such a cool tool even exists.
molding/)

benchtop (/tag/type-id/category-workshop/keyword-
More details about the machine can also be found at www.injectionmolder.net
benchtop/)

Enjoy! molder (/tag/type-id/category-workshop/keyword-

molder/)

prototype (/tag/type-id/category-workshop/keyword-
prototype/)

model (/tag/type-id/category-workshop/keyword-
Step 1: Machine set up model/)

invention (/tag/type-id/category-workshop/keyword-
invention/)
 Related

Overmolding Electronics
with a Plastic Injection
Molding Machine
(/id/Using-Plastic-Injection-
Molding-Machine-for-
Molds directly from a 3d
printer to an injection
molder (/id/Molds-directly-
from-a-3d-printer-to-an-
injection-/)
Plastic Molds- An Intro
(/id/Plastic-Molds--An-
Intro/)
by DEsterline
(/member/DEsterline/)
Using Your 3D Printer to
Injection Mold Tiny Objects
(/id/Making-Extremely-
Small-Objects-With-Your-
3D-Printe/)
Experimenting with Small
Parts On Your 3D Printer
(/id/Use-Your-3D-Printer-
As-An-Injection-Molder/)
by bfk (/member/bfk/)
(http://cdn.instructables.com/FFP/I54W/FIV129XH/FFPI54WFIV129XH.LARGE.jpg) See More (/tag/type-id/?q=)

a) Plug in the machine. b) Turn on the power switch. c) Adjust the thermostat to
the desired temperature.

Step 2: Insert the mold

(http://cdn.instructables.com/F90/FPDY/FIV129XV/F90FPDYFIV129XV.LARGE.jpg)

(http://cdn.instructables.com/FSG/6AO1/FIV129Y0/FSG6AO1FIV129Y0.LARGE.jpg)
 a) Place a mold in the machine. b) Make sure the sprue hole on top of the mold
lines up exactly with the injection nozzle. c) Clamp the mold in place by turning
the vise handle clockwise.

NOTE:
Inexpensive homemade molds can be made using an epoxy or urethane resin.
Or, by machining a desired cavity into an aluminum block using a benchtop CNC
machine.

(http://cdn.instructables.com/FJS/3137/FIV129Y4/FJS3137FIV129Y4.LARGE.jpg)

Step 3: Pour in some plastic pellets

(http://cdn.instructables.com/F5J/21UN/FIV129YI/F5J21UNFIV129YI.LARGE.jpg)

Pour some plastic pellets into the injection tube. Wait until they melt (1-2
minutes).

Step 4: Pull down handle to inject plastic

 (http://cdn.instructables.com/FFN/E06R/FIV129YR/FFNE06RFIV129YR.LARGE.jpg)

Pull down on the handle with a quick, but steady motion. You will feel a solid
resistance when the mold cavity is full. Hold the handle there for a few seconds,
and then lift it back up until it locks place.

NOTES:
The downward force on the handle causes the injection nozzle to press down
tightly against the top of the mold, allowing the molten plastic to flow directly into
the sprue hole.

The time it takes to pull down the handle will vary, depending on how much
plastic you are injecting. A small part (1-2 grams) may only take about 2-3
seconds to inject (plus a few seconds holding time). A larger part (5-10 grams)
may take 10-15 seconds or longer to inject (plus a few seconds holding time).

Step 5: Unclamp and remove the mold

(http://cdn.instructables.com/FUV/8ZUL/FIV129YV/FUV8ZULFIV129YV.LARGE.jpg)

Wait for the molten plastic to cool in the mold for a short while (usually 5-30
seconds depending on size and shape of part). Then, unclamp the mold and
remove it from the machine. Then, separate the two mold halves from each
other.
Step 6: Remove the part from the mold

(http://cdn.instructables.com/FN5/WV8H/FIV129Z5/FN5WV8HFIV129Z5.LARGE.jpg)

(http://cdn.instructables.com/F4C/TMOP/FIV129Z8/F4CTMOPFIV129Z8.LARGE.jpg)

a) Remove the part from the mold. b) Cut off the sprue, and trim away any
excess plastic (i.e. flash) there may be around the edges of your part.

That's it, you're done!!

NOTE: If you think this instructable is "book worthy", please click on VOTE NOW
button at the top of the page. Thanks.

Post Comment
 rcfreak2 (/member/rcfreak2/) says: 19 hours ago Reply (CTQCG50HQ6WF0IX)

can i use this to make my own bey parts?

(/member/rcfreak2/)

rgarrido09 (/member/rgarrido09/) says: 5 months ago Reply (CW39VLAHJKC27ZO)

Nice machine and simple!!! What material is used for the molds?
(/member/rgarrido09/)

TheWelfareWarrior (/member/TheWelfareWarrior/) in reply to rgarrido09

2 months ago Reply (CSOK14SHMVJ9TX3)
Cast iron was the original material
1 many years ago. Common molds of
(/member/TheWelfareWarrior/)
today are steel or aluminum
(depending on use, the steel molds
will make many copies before
degrading compared to aluminum)
many at-home injection molders will
use an epoxy cast.

HarveyH44 (/member/HarveyH44/) says: 5 years ago Reply (CUYUDSJFITUPOY4)

Nice machine, would have been better if you gave some info or links to who
makes or sells
(/member/HarveyH44/) them. Wonder if you could use recycled plastic, just need to shred it
up. I work in a plastic factory for 5 years, the machines are huge. I've been making
pewter figurines for years, have dozens of molds, pretty sure the melt temp is
about the same as PET (470 degrees F).

GrfxGawd (/member/GrfxGawd/) in reply to HarveyH44

6 months ago Reply (CNSJM7BHIPISOEP)
Now, I've done neither pewter work
nor plastic
(/member/GrfxGawd/) molding, but if you have,
the main difference is loading the
hopper, and using pressure to get
material into the mold. I suspect
HarveyH44 you'd obtain excellent
results in short order.

E=MC2 (/member/E%3DMC2/) (author) in reply to HarveyH44

5 years ago Reply (C4TLZPVFITUPP3M)
Sorry, I didn't know if commercial link
1 was permitted in instructable, so I did
(/member/E%3DMC2/)
not include.

website is: www.injectionmolder.net

(http://www.injectionmolder.net)

There's a lot more details about

machine on the website.

bfk (/member/bfk/) says: 8 months ago Reply (C8XKN0VHFWSUEAQ)

In researching my instructable, I came across this. There are more possible

42 injection molders out there than you may think:)
(/member/bfk/)

http://www.instructables.com/id/Use-Your-3D-Printer-As-An-Injection-Molder/

lfiore (/member/lfiore/) says: 1 year ago Reply (C8YKGHCH3Z3UCMD)

Here is another larger home size benchtop injection molding machine. You can
1 use it to make small and large parts for prototypes or short runs.
(/member/lfiore/)
Plastic is compressed from the top with a hydraulic ram instead of a manual
handle. There is also a digitally controlled temperature controller, and internal
plasticizer for quick color changes. At the bottom it uses a hydraulic clamp for

more force to hold the mold closed, instead of a manual vice.

 The machine can make really finely detailed parts and also use harder materials,
such as ABS and Polycarbonate.

------------------------------------------------------------------
Levon Fiore @ Medium Machinery, LLC see our
Small Manual Benchtop Plastic Injection Molding Machine
(http://www.mediummachinery.com)

(http://cdn.instructables.com/F6G/0Z4T/H401V2NY/F6G0Z4TH401V2NY.LARGE.jpg)

(http://cdn.instructables.com/FC9/0Z3H/H3Z3KHU7/FC90Z3HH3Z3KHU7.LARGE.jpg)

nerd12 (/member/nerd12/) says: 2 years ago Reply (CU8W2L7GVXH5LH4)

if you ran out of plastic and had a million scratched CDs, you could scrape the
1 shiny surface off and cut the cd into chips for melting.
(/member/nerd12/)

Jack Scott (/member/Jack+Scott/) says: 3 years ago Reply (CD7JRCBGHSYTQGB)

Questions
(/member/Jack+Scott/)
How much and how do you buy this machine?
How do you make plastic modes?

I would like to buy one of these but I need more information.

email me at rujunie@yahoo.com

dannyboy75 (/member/dannyboy75/) says: 3 years ago Reply (CB7AP7VGALHA9MJ)

Thanks for this instructable. I don't really like instructables that have a 'commercial
break' feelabout them but I have been looking for one of these (and by the way I
(/member/dannyboy75/)
also have the book mentioned in some of the other comments-very good too-worth
the money) as I don't want the hassle of getting a small industrial unit. So many

thanks
 wyeastpapa (/member/wyeastpapa/) says: 5 years ago Reply (CQFV25KFNGG8F6D)

Check out linsay books. fo google dave gingery how to make your own injection
molder.
(/member/wyeastpapa/)

Culturedropout (/member/Culturedropout/) says:

5 years ago Reply (C58WPDHFKYEARRO)
There's a book
(http://www.lindsaybks.com/dgjp/djgbk/inject/index.html)
(/member/Culturedropout/)
out by Vince Gingery about making your
own injection-molding setup. Most of the
complexity is in making the frame, lever,
etc. strong and accurate enough for the
purpose. He later came out with another
book
(http://www.lindsaybks.com/dgjp/djgbk/injatt/index.html)
that uses a drill press (with the power off!)
to supply the up-down motion with the
necessary accuracy and force. With the
second method, it looks like there's just an
aluminum block with a fairly precisely drilled
or milled hole in it to fit a piston made from
a length of steel rod, and another hole in
the block to take some kind of (apparently
readily-available) cylindrical heating
element. Add a thermostatic temperature
control (or just a rheostat and a candy
thermometer?) and a mold, and have at it.
He uses strips cut from soda bottles, milk
jugs, etc. as raw material.

mefromliny (/member/mefromliny/) in reply to Culturedropout

5 years ago Reply (C5UUBU7FLLZV6CE)
Thanks for posting the info on the
Vince Gingery
(/member/mefromliny/) book. Ken

killerjackalope (/member/killerjackalope/) says:

5 years ago Reply (C8M8X48FIVMNQTD)
I'm pretty sure I could make one of these, I
105 have most of the bits here, just need to give
(/member/killerjackalope/)
it a try I guess... What temperature ranges
do they operate at?

milkdude1967 (/member/milkdude1967/) in reply to killerjackalope

5 years ago Reply (CL8XNXVFKX1AKX4)
Was you able to make one of these
thanks
(/member/milkdude1967/)

killerjackalope (/member/killerjackalope/) in reply to milkdude1967

5 years ago Reply (C7ANIJAFKX1D6JW)
Not yet but it's getting there, I've had
105 to look hard for substitution bits...
(/member/killerjackalope/)

milkdude1967 (/member/milkdude1967/) in reply to killerjackalope

5 years ago Reply (C5DF94UFKX1ALCW)
are you going to sell these or just for
your own use
(/member/milkdude1967/) thanks

killerjackalope (/member/killerjackalope/) in reply to milkdude1967

5 years ago Reply (CKKDQLWFKX1D6RG)
If I can make it work reliably and
105 well then I'd consider selling them...
(/member/killerjackalope/)

E=MC2 (/member/E%3DMC2/) (author) in reply to killerjackalope

5 years ago Reply (C7IP4W0FIVMNR9B)
 5 years ago Reply (C7IP4W0FIVMNR9B)
Max thermostat temp is 550F +/- 5%
1
(/member/E%3DMC2/)

killerjackalope (/member/killerjackalope/) in reply to E=MC2

5 years ago Reply (C4F69KSFITUPPY6)
Cool, I think I could find something to
105 operate about that...
(/member/killerjackalope/)

8bit (/member/8bit/) in reply to killerjackalope

5 years ago Reply (CGOVU8SFIY4K2VL)
where would you get the piston?
1
(/member/8bit/)

killerjackalope (/member/killerjackalope/) in reply to 8bit

5 years ago Reply (CPLOPE8FIY4K2WM)
Possibly machine it or use some
105 piece of junk I have kicking about, I
(/member/killerjackalope/)
have a few ideas...

8bit (/member/8bit/) in reply to killerjackalope

5 years ago Reply (CZH24ZGFIYHL3MY)
What ideas? I'm looking for ideas.
1 Went to the hardware store but
(/member/8bit/)
couldn't find two pipes that fit nicely.
BTW, a good tip: use some sheet
metal to prevent splatter when
injecting. That way, you won't get
burned if something fails.

killerjackalope (/member/killerjackalope/) in reply to 8bit

5 years ago Reply (CCBNWKXFIYHL3N3)
Well, I'll have a look see what I can
105 dig up, my rig may be a tad more
(/member/killerjackalope/)
industrial looking than commercial
ones...

trapper23 (/member/trapper23/) says: 5 years ago Reply (C6WVR2HFJD52FH3)

hi can you tell me where i can acquire this machine i have uses for it in making
prototype
(/member/trapper23/)units rgards trapper23

E=MC2 (/member/E%3DMC2/) (author) in reply to trapper23

5 years ago Reply (C40RLJGFJD368OI)
Website for machine is
1 www.injectionmolder.net
(/member/E%3DMC2/)
(http://www.injectionmolder.net). I
updated instructable to include URL.

8bit (/member/8bit/) says: 5 years ago Reply (C2LBV4IFIY4K2VJ)

where do you get pistons like that? I was thinking abt making a machine like this.
1
(/member/8bit/)

John Smith (/member/John+Smith/) says: 5 years ago Reply (CWV44ESFIVY4GUM)

thats pretty cool but theres no way in hell that i am spending 1500 on an injection
3 molding machine.... i mean, i'm a week or three away from goin all out and buying
(/member/John+Smith/)
a $975 mill with $500 bucks of tooling, (its around $1400 total), but... man thats
alot. i guess if you do production work, its easily justified. but you could build one.
Dave Gingery has a book on making one. There's several out there... ...

LeumasYrrep (/member/LeumasYrrep/) says: 5 years ago Reply (CASZO0FFIW30B3M)

Nice Machine. Too bad about the price thought =P. I have seen a home made
 8 version in The Home Shop Machinist. Plastic Injection Molding Machine Volume
(/member/LeumasYrrep/)
10 Issue 3, May 1991. Like HarveyH44 suggested it used recycled plastic. Tops of
milk jugs and such.

Post Comment

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