Advantages Of The Structural Web Process

By Marissa Velazquez


Structural web is a process of producing thick walled cross section parts with the help of gas. This is what makes the method earn the name gas assist, as it uses nitrogen gas or just air in low pressure to push out low resistant parts from the plastic. The most convenient thing about using this method is that it results in very smooth and consistent surfaces that are of high quality. This glossy finish is of aesthetic value to many consumers.

The process begins with a mold cavity into which plastic resin is injected. The next thing that must be introduced into the cavity is nitrogen gas. It is important that this is done in low pressure as this reduces the amount of energy that is used in the process. Also, this pressure helps the gas to push the molten plastic out into the cavity walls, by acting on the less resistant parts. This ends up creating hollow products.

The difference between this and the structural foam method is that this method does not use a chemical blowing agent. In the structural foam, the agent is put into the polymer melt and mixed together for expansion to occur. It is important that a low volume of the raw materials are used so that expansion can occur properly. The result is a strong and rigid product.

The structural web method has many advantages. It ensures that the surface of each product that is produced is of very high quality in the aesthetic eye. This means that it is attractive and appealing as it is smooth and consistent all through. It also provides the client with an option of coloring it or texturing it to their own specifications and satisfaction.

The end product weighs far much less than its counterparts from the other processes. This is because the air forces out some molten plastic into the cavity walls so as to produce a hollow part. The strength of all the parts remains even though the weight is less, thus it can be able to perform the same functions as the other stronger alternatives.

This method also produces parts from many different kinds of resins. It may not be confined to a specific type as it is flexible enough to accommodate all kinds of plastics, from the normal and common ones like polyethylene, to those that are engineered. This makes the process have an edge over the normal injection molding, as it cannot handle some of the resins or additives.

As this method is still in its developmental stage, it may prove quite costly to make use of it in the initial stages. This is because it requires new and special machinery that is made specifically for the gas assist functionality. However, in the long run, the output is much more beneficial and the resultant costs are much less. Therefore, it is a very pocket friendly method.

Before resorting to the structural web, it is important to make sure that you critically look at all the pros and cons. The determining factor should be the end product and also the cost and time constraints. However, at the end of the day, what the client wants is what matters.




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