As time goes by, the bells ring into 2019, we are constantly looking forward to the latest trends, and what will drive the injection business in 2019. These five topics are expected to affect injection molding next year, so here’s a quick preview that you should see next year:

Recycling problem

If you’ve read the latest report on China’s non-purchase of used materials in 2018, you can expect that recycling will become a hot topic in 2019. Due to the small proportion of plastic recycling in 2018, the decline in US exports means that the United States will face the decision to increase landfills or recycle itself. At present, most landfills are food packaging, but the topic of recycling should affect all aspects of plastics, including injection molding.

Software revisions make the business better

Software revisions for Solid Works and Mold Flow will be available in 2019, just to name a few injection molds designed and validated before the first steel cut. These revisions should make designing molds easier, more predictable, and have better results, comparing data to reality. It should make the business better by reducing design and manufacturing costs while creating higher profits.

Bio-resin is increasingly popular

We mentioned in 2017 that bio-resin will begin to be a forming option because as a commodity, oil will become more expensive and difficult to obtain. Looking ahead to 2019, we expect bio-resins to continue to be popular because they have less impact on the environment than petroleum or petroleum resins. Given the recyclability of bio-resins, they will become a better and more viable alternative to commercial use in 2019.

Adding metals, ceramics and carbides to the mold

A few years ago, you would laugh at the idea of injection molding metals, ceramics and carbides. They can only be dumped, processed, or formed by heat and pressure, right? No. This technology can finally be applied to injection mold materials, which was not considered in the past. In 2019 you can expect to see some injection molded products hit the market with materials never thought an option for molding in this manner.

Reinforced plastics begin to replace metals and thick plastics

There are many metal and thick plastic articles on the market that require large thicknesses to maintain shape and meet their durability requirements. You can expect that reinforced plastics will begin to replace thick metal parts and thick plastic parts. Reinforced plastics are made from polymer composites and fibers in plastics that increase strength while reducing weight and thickness requirements. Material costs may increase, but if you choose the right application and materials, the total cost of the product may drop. Looking forward to seeing improvements in these composites, making lighter and cheaper parts available in the future