Critical Chilling: How Glycol Chillers Ensure Product Quality in Plastic Injection Molding

“I just want to say one word to you. Just one word…Plastics.” This iconic line is spoken by Mr. McGuire, a family friend of Dustin Hoffman’s character in the 1967 film “The Graduate,” directed by Mike Nichols and starring Dustin Hoffman and Anne Bancroft.

And Mr. McGuire was right – plastics are everywhere. From our consumer goods like water bottles and sporting equipment to our electronics.  Plastic injection molding is a manufacturing process used to create a wide variety of plastic products, components and parts. The process involves injecting molten plastic material into a mold cavity, which is shaped according to the desired product or component. Once the plastic material is injected, it cools and solidifies inside the mold cavity, taking on the shape of the cavity.

Plastic injection molding is widely used in a variety of industries, including automotive, medical, consumer goods and electronics, to create parts and products that are durable, lightweight and cost-effective to produce at scale.

The injection molding process involves several steps, including the preparation of the mold, the melting and injection of the plastic material, and the cooling and ejection of the finished product from the mold.

The plastic materials used in injection molding can vary widely, from thermoplastics such as polyethylene, polypropylene, and polycarbonate to more specialized materials such as nylon,  and acetal. 

Chilling, or cooling, is a critical step in the plastic injection molding process. After the molten plastic material has been injected into the mold cavity, it needs to be cooled and solidified before the finished product can be ejected from the mold. Cooling time is carefully calculated to ensure the plastic material sets properly and the finished product will have the desired properties.

The cooling process plays a crucial role in the overall quality of the finished product. If the plastic material is cooled too quickly, it may not fully fill the mold cavity or may result in internal stresses and defects, such as warping or cracking. On the other hand, if the plastic material is cooled too slowly, it may result in longer cycle times, higher energy costs, and reduced productivity. 

To achieve optimal cooling, various cooling methods can be used, such as water channels within the mold or a chiller system to cool the mold. The cooling time is carefully calculated based on the type of plastic material used, the thickness of the part, and the design of the mold.

Manufacturers of all sizes turn to G&D Chillers for their glycol chilling needs. With over 30 years of experience and partnerships with thousands of breweries, wineries, distilleries, dairies, food processing facilities, medical and pharmaceutical companies and other industrial manufacturers across the country, G&D Chillers knows what it takes to create a high-quality glycol chiller that can meet the unique needs of any manufacturer. 

What sets G&D Chillers apart from other glycol chillers is our exceptional customer service and in-house engineering team. From the initial consultation to the installation and ongoing support, G&D Chillers is committed to helping manufacturers achieve their temperature control goals. Our team of expert engineers works closely with our customers to design custom chilling solutions that are tailored to their specific needs. Whether it’s a small portable glycol chiller or a large custom chilling unit, G&D Chillers has the expertise to create the perfect solution for any manufacturing operation. 

We use only the highest-quality components and expert craftsmanship to ensure that our glycol chillers are built to last and our 24/7 customer support and in-house engineering teams are always there to support our customers through any circumstance. 

In summary, proper chilling is essential to ensure the highest quality finished product in the plastic injection molding space. And G&D Chillers is the only provider of the highest quality chillers that, paired with exceptional service, can go the distance. 

If you want to take your manufacturing business to the next level with custom chilling solutions, contact G&D Chillers today at 1-800-555-0973 or info@gdchillers.com.