ABS Injection Molding...

This has absolutely nothing to do with actually customizing anything. Moving to Brick Talk. Good luck, in any event.

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MCN Moderator of Customization Tips, Techniques & Questions

I'm sorry Damien. I just thought... oh nevermind.

Thanks,

babyjawa...

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Just one breath... incase that's all that is left...

No, I get it. I had to think about it too, because making custom accessories is basically customizing, but is also a business venture not directly related to actually customizing. It's an iffy subject. Recluce will see it eventually and she can decide if it really belongs here, there, or somewhere else. For now, it'll be here, though.

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MCN Moderator of Customization Tips, Techniques & Questions

I have some questions, and probably more will form as I go on. These questions are ones that I would prefer to ask you professinals rather than the Molding Company.

BabyJawa,  the molding company (the "Molder"), if they are any good, will be happy to answer your molding questions.  If you find one that is not interested in your questions, then move on and find another molder.  It took me quite a while to find mine, but the persistance paid off.  And before you ask, no I won't tell you who it is. :)

I started looking into ABS injection molding by searchin the web through Google for "Injection Molding".  You'll find out a lot that way. 

1. I have been searching for ABS Plastic, but I don't know whether to buy it online or somewhere else.

The molder usually will supply their own.  Most large-scale molders buy ABS by the ton, usuallly in black or natural and can color it as needed for each job they get.

2. I also don't know if there are certain brands that are better than others.

There are different brands as well as different formulations of ABS, from normal, to high-flow.  Some molds need high-flow ABS to fill in the nooks and crannies. My molder uses high-flow ABS, and a 90 ton injection molder to fill my mold without flashing.

3. I can't really find ABS Plastic online either. I would like to know if someone could give me an idea of what it costs.

It is usually sold at about $1 per pound.  My weapons weigh just tenths of a gram.  For me, the plastic cost, even with runners,  is really insignificant compared to the  machine time, and setup costs.  The molder will charge you for the setup (attaching the mold to the molder, and connecting the water lines, and the like) and also charge by the hour for the cycle time needed to inject your parts.  He will usually quote you a total price with this taken into accout, and will give you a per-part price with a minimum pull count.

NOTE: That is only the injection molding itself, The actual MOLD making is a whole 'nother story..

 

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Will Chapman • BrickArms.com

Thanks, I have two that I am going to be visiting soon. They are 2 of the 3 best in West Michigan. I have a preferance of them, but I will have to go with what works. The 3rd one I'm pretty sure will only inject, not make molds.

Both are pretty close to me, the one I prefer being farther away though.

Thanks for answering my questions. I just don't like talking on phones. (That's why I asked here.) I'd rather go talk in person.

Thanks again,

babyjawa

edit: Here is a link to the one I plan on using. (The prefered one.) I'm pretty sure about them, but maybe you might know better.

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Just one breath... incase that's all that is left...

This all sounded interesting to me so I did a little research but I still couldn't find out what injection molding was.  Could I get some clarification please?

By the way Baby Jawa your company you have the link to looks like a very good investment, for a company, if you are truly interested in this "injection molding"

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"Ace is high! Deuce is low! Call it right, and win the dough!
"A man's gotta do what a man's gotta do"  Aflac #1 insurance

I am a bit surprised that a had not come accross this topic yet, as I have been thinking about this for the past week.

All of this information is really helpful, of coarse, I do not really expect myself to be getting into injection molding at all right now, perhaps in a few years I may be interested, but I couldn't possibly shell out the money for a mold now.

Best of luck to you BabyJawa if you are really going through with this, I am sure you will do just fine.

 

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MCN Brick Talk MOD
My B-Shelf (Under Construction)

Injection molding IS in my plans, once I get relocated to California.  I may be picking your brain later on, Will.  Good luck on all of this BJ, it's an expensive venture, and to be quite honest, you need to have your parts designed, rendered, and sent off to be made into a mold before you even get to the injection step.  Hopefully the places you visit will be able to direct you to some good companies for that.

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Emily J. Brownlow

MCN Supervisor Moderator

Leader of the Sneaky Forum Ninja Assasination Squad

~Custom Cast Helmets and Hairpieces~

I have a question.  Would it be possible to take like a tiny turkey baster fill it with resin and shoot it into a mold that way to achieve similar results as you would by using ABS injection molding?

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You were born to be my baby and i was born to be your man and we have something to believe in even if we don't know where we stand.

Proud founder of Dragon Roost Studios: Coming Soon

I doubt it. The resin hardens too quickly for that long of a process. Also, if you were using a silicone rubber mold, it would nearly impossible. The mold is too soft and flexible. It would mess up 19/20 times. (Estimate) because you would be moving the mold.

Guys, I think I am going to go through with this. (Once I get enough money.) I have 2 (undone) weapons that i want to do, but I don't know if I should do more or not, at one time. Would it be cheaper if I had 4 or 5 at the beginning or start with 2 then later do a couple more?

I doubt this will be seen, but... What the hey! I tried.

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Just one breath... incase that's all that is left...

I saw it. I'm always on the lookout for any posts about injection molding! :)

Good luck in your journey into professional toy making.  The single-most important advice I can give is: Make sure your part design is as perfect as you can make it.  Cutting cavities by CNC is permanent, so be sure your part design is perfect.  Did I mention to make sure your part design is perfect?  Just checking.

BabyJawa, If you ever need another pair of eyes, don't hesitate to PM me and I'd be happy to help any way that I can. 

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Will Chapman • BrickArms.com

I'm planing on getting Solidworks for Christmas. (My cousin who can get it becuase of him being a student might get it for me!) :D

Will, I was hoping to contact you soon about one thing. It's one of the weapon's handle. (Where the minifig holds onto it.) And I know that you know how to do it. ;)

Another thing is that my mom has a friend who works at one of the best injection mold making companies in West Michigan. My mom's friend said that she will probably be able to get us a small discount.

Thanks,

Zach

P.S. You can call me Zach if you are able to remember. :)

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Just one breath... incase that's all that is left...