Injection molding

With the acquisition of its first two molding presses in 1977, GLP embarked on a new journey in injection molding, one of the most widespread manufacturing processes of our time. The injection molding process comprises several key stages. First, plastic pellets are heated until they melt. The melted plastic is then injected at high pressure into a pre-designed and custom-built mold. The mold gives the plastic its final shape as it cools and hardens. These stages are usually completed in a matter of seconds, enabling rapid, cost-effective mass production of parts.

At GLP, over 40 injection molding presses, ranging from 40 tons to 1500 tons, produce millions of thermoplastic parts every year. Injection molding is backed by many complementary services, enabling us to support you from start to finish, if required. From design work to delivery of the final parts, our multidisciplinary team of over 150 people can carry out all stages in our facilities.

Various types of molding

Depending on the part to be produced, the type of molding may vary. Standard injection molding is the most common type, allowing the production of a wide variety of parts, from the simplest to the most complex. The choice of rigid or elastomeric thermoplastic resin also depends on the required quality, rigidity and durability.

Overmolding

Overmolding is a manufacturing process whereby a material is molded over an existing substrate to create a composite part. This type of molding is commonly used to add specific properties to the part, such as extra texture, improved wear and impact resistance, or even precise functionality.

Multi-material injection molding

The multi-material injection molding process involves the use of an injection molding machine equipped with two separate injection units. Each of these injection units is loaded with a different material. The two materials are injected successively or simultaneously into the mold to create a composite part with distinct zones of each material.

Vertical overmolding

For this type of overmolding, the mold is mounted vertically, which means that the upper part of the mold is fixed to the top of the machine and the lower part to the bottom. For some applications, this type of molding process is more appropriate since we use gravity to position and hold in place the components to be overmolded.

Robotic molding

Many injection molding presses are equipped with robotic arms that increase the machine’s production capacity tenfold. Robot-assisted injection molding can be carried out without human intervention in a matter of seconds, guaranteeing consistency, speed and unrivalled productivity.

Aim for the highest precision and quality

Injection molding offers significant advantages, but to benefit from them, precision and quality are keys. Accurate careful mold-making, proper material selection, and precise production control are essential to guarantee quality and compliance with project specifications. Our quality control team ensures compliance and optimum part quality throughout the entire process.

Metrology

Metrology is  essential to achieve or verify highly accurate measurements. Our metrology technicians have a laboratory dedicated to the dimensional control of parts and molds, including all the equipment essential for efficient measuring. Two CMMs (coordinate measuring machines), an automated probe system, a vision measurement system, and non-contact equipment enable them to take measurements down to the micron. A 3D scanner can also be used to recreate a 3D model of the part to a thousandth of an inch (0,001”). Metrology guarantees conformity and quality; it is an important part of the quality control and quality assurance of our moldings.

GLP supports companies from a wide range of sectors in the realization of their projects. Among other things, we have acquired expertise in the injection molding of parts for the transportation industry, for suppliers of medical equipment, as well as for electrical and industrial applications and other cutting-edge sectors.