In Micromolding, Material Flow Follows Its Own Set of Rules

As components for medical devices and consumer electronics continue to shrink, micromolding is playing a bigger role in the manufacturing mix. Generally speaking, according to MTD Micro Molding of Charlton, MA, parts qualify as “micro” if they have: Wall stocks between 0.002 and 0.004 in.; aspect ratios in the 250:1 range; a finished-part weight so low that 520 parts can be made from a single pellet of plastic. However, MTD Micro Molding notes, “a part does not need to be microscopic to be considered a micro part.” That said, at this scale, material choices and process understanding start at the molecular level, explained Patrick Haney, R&D Engineer at MTD. The complexity of a part’s application can drive those considerations.