Why Plastic Injection Molding Is Used to Make Electric Vehicle Parts
The plastic injection molding industry may now be considered the most critical sector of the manufacturing and supply chain process for electric car companies. In 2021, the electric vehicle market sold over 600,000 EVs, nearly 85% more than the number of EVs sold in 2018. This rise in sales has made it difficult for manufacturers to keep up with the increasing demand for electric vehicle parts. And, that’s not the only challenge manufacturers in this industry face.
Electric Vehicle Industry Challenges
Beyond keeping up with the accelerating demand for EV vehicles, manufacturers are also dealing with bottlenecks in the supply chain, a problem that was intensified during the COVID-19 pandemic. Other problems the EV industry faces include strict (and ever-changing) environmental and product compliance regulations.
While plastic injection molding manufacturers can’t help with some of the issues EV manufacturers face, like battery recycling and charging point safety, they can help EV manufacturers address other challenges.
How Plastic Injection Molding Addresses These Challenges
Since the inception of plastic injection molding, the industry has made enormous advancements in its manufacturing and design processes. These advancements have improved the expedition, predictability, and precision of plastic injection part production.
These advancements allow plastic injection molding companies to help EV manufacturers overcome a wide array of production and supply chain issues.
#1 Plastic Injection Molding Reduces Component Weight
Electric vehicle parts made by plastic injection molding companies now weigh less than they did several years ago. Weight reduction of electric vehicle parts decreases shipping costs while shortening the time it takes to ship the parts.
#2 Injection Molding Reduces Overall Production Costs
Cost reductions attributed to lightweight EV parts and improved plastic compounds are passed on to EV manufacturers who, in turn, can purchase more parts to make electric vehicles.
#3 Injection Molding Increases Production Repeatability
High production repeatability is a major achievement for manufacturers, as it helps reduce waste and revenue loss. Plastic injection molding helps improve process repeatability because the same mold can be used to make the same component over and over again.
It’s important to note that molds will not last forever—operating conditions, maintenance work, cycle times, and the material that the mold is made from all have an affect on its lifespan. If the mold is classified as a Class 101 mold, it can withstand over one million production cycles.
Regardless of the mold’s lifecycle, manufacturers can still expect to see a consistency in quality when creating parts through the plastic injection molding process.
#4 Improves Lead Times
Lastly, plastic injection molding has dramatically accelerated lead times for electrical vehicle productions. Although waiting for the mold itself can sometimes take up to a month, it doesn’t take that long for a component to be produced from the mold. Once a manufacturer has all the molds they need for their components, mass production can be completed within hours.
Prototyping Adds Even More Benefits
EV manufacturers can save even more time and money by taking advantage of rapid prototyping. Plastic injection molding manufacturers can create prototype molds that EV manufacturers can test, this allows for:
- Early discovery of potential design opportunities or errors
- Identification of problems prior to production
- Fast investigation and evaluation of real-life issues
- Testing and verification of design correctness and feasibility before investing money and time
- Visual representation of a part, rather than an abstract computer model
Have Questions About Plastic Injection Molding? Contact Silver Basis Engineering Today
Silver Basis Engineering is a leading U.S.-based plastic injection molding manufacturer. We specialize in production and prototype mold design, mold repairs and maintenance work, prototype and production injection molding, and semi-solid die casting. Our team helps clients in a wide array of industries, including electric vehicle/automobile, create durable and high-quality components. If you have questions about the plastic injection molding process, or would like more information about our services, please contact us today.