Professional discussion on the technology and application of plastic shell processing of small household appliances
Release Time : 2024-09-11
With the continuous development of the small household appliance market and the increasing diversification of consumer demand, the technology of plastic shell processing of small household appliances is also constantly innovating and improving. The plastic shell not only bears the important function of protecting the internal components, but also directly affects the appearance and user experience of small household appliances.
1. Material selection
In the processing of plastic shells of small household appliances, the selection of materials is crucial. Commonly used plastic materials include ABS (acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer), PC (polycarbonate), PP (polypropylene), etc. Each material has its unique advantages and application scenarios.
ABS: As a common engineering plastic, ABS has good impact resistance and toughness, is easy to process, and the surface can be treated in a variety of ways such as painting and electroplating. Its high gloss and good spraying performance make ABS very suitable for small household appliance shells that have high requirements for appearance but the operating temperature will not be too high, such as rice cookers, water dispensers, etc.
PC: Polycarbonate has excellent transparency and heat resistance, and is widely used in parts that require high strength and good transparency, such as the transparent part of an electric kettle or the transparent door panel of a microwave oven. However, PC materials are prone to cracking, and special attention should be paid to reducing stress concentration during design.
PP: Polypropylene is another common choice due to its low cost and good fluidity, but its dimensional stability is relatively poor, so it is more used in parts that do not require precise dimensions, such as vacuum cleaner internal components, fan housings, etc.
2. Processing Technology
The processing technology of small household appliance plastic shells mainly includes injection molding, die casting and hot pressing, among which injection molding is the most commonly used method.
Injection molding: The molten plastic is injected into the mold and the desired shape is formed after cooling and solidification. This process has the advantages of high efficiency, high precision and low cost, and is widely used in mobile phones, laptops, small household appliance shells, etc. The steps of injection molding include feeding, plasticizing, injection, cooling and demolding.
Die casting: It is mainly used to process some plastic shells with complex structures and high strength requirements. Similar to injection molding, but using metal molds and higher molding pressure, it is suitable for producing parts with high precision and strength requirements.
Hot pressing: Mainly used to produce large, thin-walled plastic products, such as refrigerator liners. The plastic sheet is softened by heating, then pressed into shape by a mold, and the finished product is obtained after cooling.
3. Surface treatment technology
In order to improve the appearance and feel of the plastic shell, surface treatment is usually required. Common surface treatment technologies include painting, electroplating, silk screen printing and laser engraving.
Painting: To achieve various colors and textures according to needs, multiple processes such as primer, topcoat and varnish are required.
Electroplating: A layer of metal film is formed on the plastic surface to improve the wear resistance and corrosion resistance of the shell and give it a metallic texture. Common electroplating processes include chrome plating, nickel plating and gold plating.
Silk screen printing: The ink is transferred to the plastic surface through the screen printing plate to print patterns and texts. It is widely used in logos, brand logos, etc.
Laser engraving: Use high-energy laser beams to perform fine engraving on the plastic surface, with the characteristics of high precision and durability.
4. Quality control
In the processing of small household appliance plastic shells, quality control is the key to ensuring product quality. The mold needs to have high precision and durability, and regular maintenance and overhaul during the production process. At the same time, key parameters such as temperature, pressure and time during injection molding, die casting and hot pressing molding must be strictly controlled to ensure product consistency and stability. In addition, the finished plastic shell needs to be inspected for appearance, measured for size and tested for performance to ensure that it meets design requirements and quality standards.
5. Application cases
Small household appliance plastic shells are widely used in various household appliances, such as electric fans, vacuum cleaners, microwave ovens, rice cookers, water dispensers, electric kettles, etc. These shells not only have the function of protecting internal components, but also achieve diversified appearance designs and user experiences through different materials and processes. For example, the blades and shells of electric fans are often made of ABS materials. Through injection molding and painting, they not only ensure strength and toughness, but also improve aesthetics; the shell and internal components of vacuum cleaners may be made of ABS, PP and other materials, and through injection molding and electroplating processes, they enhance wear resistance and corrosion resistance.
The processing of plastic shells for small household appliances is a technically complex and wide-ranging project, covering material selection, process flow, surface treatment, quality control and other aspects. With the continuous advancement of science and technology and changes in market demand, plastic shell processing technology will continue to develop, providing a broader space and more possibilities for the design and manufacture of small household appliances. In the future, green and environmentally friendly materials, intelligent manufacturing technology and personalized customization will become important development trends, promoting the continuous innovation and upgrading of small household appliance plastic shell processing technology.
1. Material selection
In the processing of plastic shells of small household appliances, the selection of materials is crucial. Commonly used plastic materials include ABS (acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer), PC (polycarbonate), PP (polypropylene), etc. Each material has its unique advantages and application scenarios.
ABS: As a common engineering plastic, ABS has good impact resistance and toughness, is easy to process, and the surface can be treated in a variety of ways such as painting and electroplating. Its high gloss and good spraying performance make ABS very suitable for small household appliance shells that have high requirements for appearance but the operating temperature will not be too high, such as rice cookers, water dispensers, etc.
PC: Polycarbonate has excellent transparency and heat resistance, and is widely used in parts that require high strength and good transparency, such as the transparent part of an electric kettle or the transparent door panel of a microwave oven. However, PC materials are prone to cracking, and special attention should be paid to reducing stress concentration during design.
PP: Polypropylene is another common choice due to its low cost and good fluidity, but its dimensional stability is relatively poor, so it is more used in parts that do not require precise dimensions, such as vacuum cleaner internal components, fan housings, etc.
2. Processing Technology
The processing technology of small household appliance plastic shells mainly includes injection molding, die casting and hot pressing, among which injection molding is the most commonly used method.
Injection molding: The molten plastic is injected into the mold and the desired shape is formed after cooling and solidification. This process has the advantages of high efficiency, high precision and low cost, and is widely used in mobile phones, laptops, small household appliance shells, etc. The steps of injection molding include feeding, plasticizing, injection, cooling and demolding.
Die casting: It is mainly used to process some plastic shells with complex structures and high strength requirements. Similar to injection molding, but using metal molds and higher molding pressure, it is suitable for producing parts with high precision and strength requirements.
Hot pressing: Mainly used to produce large, thin-walled plastic products, such as refrigerator liners. The plastic sheet is softened by heating, then pressed into shape by a mold, and the finished product is obtained after cooling.
3. Surface treatment technology
In order to improve the appearance and feel of the plastic shell, surface treatment is usually required. Common surface treatment technologies include painting, electroplating, silk screen printing and laser engraving.
Painting: To achieve various colors and textures according to needs, multiple processes such as primer, topcoat and varnish are required.
Electroplating: A layer of metal film is formed on the plastic surface to improve the wear resistance and corrosion resistance of the shell and give it a metallic texture. Common electroplating processes include chrome plating, nickel plating and gold plating.
Silk screen printing: The ink is transferred to the plastic surface through the screen printing plate to print patterns and texts. It is widely used in logos, brand logos, etc.
Laser engraving: Use high-energy laser beams to perform fine engraving on the plastic surface, with the characteristics of high precision and durability.
4. Quality control
In the processing of small household appliance plastic shells, quality control is the key to ensuring product quality. The mold needs to have high precision and durability, and regular maintenance and overhaul during the production process. At the same time, key parameters such as temperature, pressure and time during injection molding, die casting and hot pressing molding must be strictly controlled to ensure product consistency and stability. In addition, the finished plastic shell needs to be inspected for appearance, measured for size and tested for performance to ensure that it meets design requirements and quality standards.
5. Application cases
Small household appliance plastic shells are widely used in various household appliances, such as electric fans, vacuum cleaners, microwave ovens, rice cookers, water dispensers, electric kettles, etc. These shells not only have the function of protecting internal components, but also achieve diversified appearance designs and user experiences through different materials and processes. For example, the blades and shells of electric fans are often made of ABS materials. Through injection molding and painting, they not only ensure strength and toughness, but also improve aesthetics; the shell and internal components of vacuum cleaners may be made of ABS, PP and other materials, and through injection molding and electroplating processes, they enhance wear resistance and corrosion resistance.
The processing of plastic shells for small household appliances is a technically complex and wide-ranging project, covering material selection, process flow, surface treatment, quality control and other aspects. With the continuous advancement of science and technology and changes in market demand, plastic shell processing technology will continue to develop, providing a broader space and more possibilities for the design and manufacture of small household appliances. In the future, green and environmentally friendly materials, intelligent manufacturing technology and personalized customization will become important development trends, promoting the continuous innovation and upgrading of small household appliance plastic shell processing technology.