With injection molding solidifying as one of the most frequently utilized formation processes with countless industrial applications, the market continually evolves and showcases how one manufacturing method can replace other, outdated ones in the blink of the eye if it provides better end products through a more efficient process. Custom-made injection molding components demonstrate why injection molding is the ideal solution for multiple industries aiming to deliver a significant volume of cost-efficient and high-quality parts.
To get a better perspective of how big this manufacturing process has become, according to a report by Market Data Forecast, the global injection molding market size was $20.14 billion in 2021 and is forecasted to reach $23.76 billion by 2026 with a CAGR of 5.95% during the forecasted period.
This manufacturing technique is primarily used to produce complex and intricate shaped parts. For example, the healthcare industry represents the fastest-growing application segment for the injection molding industry. Blood sample cuvettes, housings for needles, pregnancy test devices, and more are just a few examples of where plastic injection molding is used mainly because of the lightweight, cost-effectiveness, and easy serializable properties that injection molding offers.
And the rapid growth of injection molding shows no signs of slowing down but rather drives innovation in the field further. In this brief article, we’ll look at the most prominent trends that will influence and accelerate the steady progress of the injection molding industry in 2022 even further.
An Enhanced Focus On Sustainability
Sustainability and how it impacts the environment are big topics that will continue and extend into 2022. The objective is to trim emissions and reduce hazardous and non-disposable debris heading to landfills. For that reason, the recycling trend will continue to dominate in all manufacturing processes, injection molding included, in 2022 with a huge emphasis to drive for 100% recyclability.
At a time when recycling has emerged as a separate industry, there are now consulting professionals who can offer businesses solutions on how they can improve their active recycling options, adjust their fabrics to add more recycling possibilities, and transform their clients’ idea of recycling in the products they buy. In addition, injection molding-powered product development will concentrate on biodegradation, bioplastics, and everything that counts to sustainability efforts.
The Use Of High-Performance Materials
In 2022, one of the most significant trends within injection molding designers will be using enduring, corrosion-and-temperature unsusceptible materials. For instance, manufacturers in the automotive industry are already utilizing these materials as a verified method to improve the longevity of their cars’ elements.
This way, automotive manufacturers are also reducing the poundage of assorted parts of the concluded product to enhance the general fuel efficiency of the assembled vehicle. It’s calculated that every 10% decrease in vehicle poundage results in a 6-8% decline in fuel usage, so the use of high-performance materials in the automotive industry is already incorporated and ready to be followed by all other sectors that need to produce top-quality, resistant, ready-to-use parts.
In addition, as we mentioned in the previous heading of this article, the use of eco-conscious materials continues to accumulate traction as they deliver a more inferior level of harmful consequences to the environment. For instance, the most frequently utilized plastic materials for injection molding that are both eco-friendly and high-performing include Polyurethane, Polypropylene, and PVC.
More Software Enhancements For Superior Automation
The newest software solutions offer enhancements and updates to manufacturers that can improve component and injection mold designs and automate the entire manufacturing operation. This permits businesses to enhance the design quality and precision of the parts from the very start, ensuring lower expenses and prospective savings.
The latest software models also include the capacity to emulate how liquefied plastic streams during the injection molding procedure so that producers can envision manufacturing-related shortcomings better. Furthermore, the software will permit creators to assess and adjust part manufacturability and make the required adjustments early in the design cycle.
Final Words
As 2020 and 2021 were unpredictable and unprecedented years, many manufacturers, product designers, and engineers might easily be tempted to return to the status quo. However, by seizing upon some of the valuable opportunities spelled out in the trends above, they can achieve better results in 2022 and set themselves as trendsetters and market leaders in their respective industries.
A renewed commitment to environmentally-friendly manufacturing processes, the use of high-performing materials, and advanced process automation are sure to shake up the injection molding industry very soon. So make sure to adjust your processes accordingly and make the most of your injection molding-powered manufacturing in the years to come.