Injection molding has had an impact on a variety of industries, and in this post, we wanted to highlight the role it’s played in the pharmaceutical/medical industry.
Keep on reading to learn the numerous ways injection molding affects the medical world and a little history of how injection molding came to be.
How Injection Molding Has Helped the Medical Industry Over the Years
Anyone who has been to a doctor’s office or a hospital probably has never realized how much of the equipment found there is made from injection molded plastic.
From diagnostic test kits to surgical preparation equipment to even X-ray parts for dental equipment, there are hundreds of different medical and pharmaceutical components that have been made through injection molding.
Here is a more detailed list of some products the medical field regularly utilizes with the help of injection molding:
- Implantables
- CT and MRI equipment
- Orthopedics
- Wearable devices
- Prenatal equipment
- Fluid containers
- Drug delivery devices
- In-vitro diagnostic equipment
- Laboratory devices
- Surgical instruments
- Catheters
- Surgical devices and instruments
Key Benefits of Plastic in the Medical Industry
The best part about these products being made from plastic is that they have significant temperature resistance, they cost less to make, they have high tensile strength, and they weigh less, all of which are aspects that metal parts struggled with in the past.
Not to mention, thanks to the switch to plastic from metal, there have been great benefits to sterility, safety, comfort, and much more!
The Evolution and History of Injection Molding
Would you believe that injection molding actually dates back to the 1800s? Check out this brief timeline of how the injection molding industry came to be via AV Plastics:
- 1872 – John Wesley Hyatt and Isaiah Hyatt patent the first injection molding machine
- 1942 – James Watson Hendry invents the first screw injection machine which gives better precision, speed, and control to production
- 1970s – Hendry then develops the first gas-assisted injection molding process, which permitted hollow areas to cool quicker
- 1970s – Parts removal robots begin to be used, and steel production is now overtaken by plastic in many sectors
- 1985 – A Japanese firm creates an all-electric injection molding machine
- 2019 and beyond – Injection molding stands as an important supporting industry to many different manufacturing areas, with the IoT and scientific advancements continuing to keep to industry relevant
Shini USA Can Help You Recycle Your Industrial Plastic Waste
Here at Shini, we can provide your company with reliable plastics processing equipment to help your company excel in plastics recycling. Our product line includes:
- Desiccant Air Dryers and Dehumidifiers
- Feeding and Pneumatic Conveying Equipment
- Industrial Blenders and Mixers
- Heating and Cooling Equipment
- Auxiliary Automation Equipment
Read More Industry Insights on Our Plastics Recycling Blog
We strive to keep our news section updated with on-trend topics in the plastics industry so our clients can stay up to date on the latest developments. Take a look at some of our other popular recent posts:
- How Is Plastic Recycled: An Around-the-World Comparison
- Shredding vs. Granulating: What’s the Difference?
- 5 Innovations and Developments in the Injection Molding Industry
- Industry Analysis: The Use of Recycled Plastic in Fashion
- The Rise of Personalization in the Packaging Industry
And if you would like to learn more about how our products can you help your business excel, please reach out!
