Fathom offers a wide range of materials for injection molding, including crystalline plastics. By using the latest injection molding technology, Fathom offers its customers high-quality parts. We can meet the requirements of your time-sensitive, highly complex, high-precision and short production run related project.
Crystalline plastics are known for their chemical resistance, high density, excellent strength and stiffness. Polyethylene, polypropylene, and polyetheretherketone are examples of crystalline plastics. Crystalline plastics are used for the manufacturing of aerospace, automotive, electrical parts and more.
Crystalline polymers are commonly used in injection molding for multiple reasons. The dense structure of crystalline plastics provides them with outstanding strength, stiffness and chemical resistance. Crystalline plastics will only melt at high temperatures.
There are distinct differences between crystalline and amorphous plastics. Crystalline polymers have high density, whereas amorphous plastics have low density. Unlike crystalline plastics, amorphous plastics have poor chemical resistance. Crystalline polymers are translucent or opaque and amorphous plastics are transparent. Amorphous plastics are softer than crystalline polymers and are waterproof.
Following injection molding, the crystalline plastic part transitions to finishing. During finishing, the part’s appearance or physical properties may be enhanced. Fathom offers the following finishes.
| SURFACE FINISH | GUIDE | TYPICAL APPLICATIONS |
|---|---|---|
| Standard No Machine Mark | Tool Marks Removed | Low Cosmetic |
| SPI-C1 | 600 Stone | Low Polish Parts |
| SPI-B1 | 600 Grit Paper | Medium Polish Parts |
| SPI-A2 | Grade #6 Diamond | High Polish Parts |
| SPI-A1 | Grade #3 | Lens or Mirror |
| IM-1 Light Bead Blast | Need 1 Degree Draft Angle | |
| IM-2 Medium Bead Blast | Need 1.5 Degree Draft Angle | |
| IM-3 Heavy Bead Blast | Need 3 Degree Draft Angle |
Fathom’s services include injection molding of crystalline polymers and hybridized services that leverage 3D printing of all kinds. Do you need injection molding or 3D printing as part of a more complex project? Partner with Fathom. In a recent case study, Fathom delivered over 20,000 parts in 27 days, using 55+ tools, including multiple 3D printing and injection molding services:
A customer came to Fathom with a complex project that spanned the technologies and processes of rapid production—and needed it done fast. Fathom delivered.
55+ Tools to Injection
Mold 15,000 Parts
First Article in 2 Weeks
3,000+ 3D
Printed Parts
2,000+ Metal
Fabricated Parts
3D Printing / Additive Manufacturing—PolyJet, SLS, MJF.
DFM Analysis + CAD Mods.
CNC Machining. Laser Cutting.
Stamping. Die Cutting. Post-Opp Drilling.
24-hour Turnaround Urethane Casting.
Injection + Compression Molding.
Model Finishing. Insert Assembly.
Advanced Project Management.
A: Yes, Fathom offers injection molding services.
A: Injection molding is a manufacturing process commonly used for plastic parts. During injection molding, molten plastic is injected into a two-part mold using high pressure. Once the part has cooled inside the mold, it is ejected. The part may or may not require a secondary finish.
A: Fathom’s certifications include ISO 9001:2015, ISO 9001:2015 Design, and ISO 13485:2016. For site-specific certifications, please visit https://fathommfg.com/fathom-manufacturing-certifications.
A: Yes, Fathom is ITAR certified. For site-specific certifications, please visit https://fathommfg.com/fathom-manufacturing-certifications.
A: Yes, Fathom is AS9100:2016. For site-specific certifications, please visit https://fathommfg.com/fathom-manufacturing-certifications.
A: Yes, Fathom’s certifications include NIST 800-171. For site-specific certifications, please visit https://fathommfg.com/fathom-manufacturing-certifications.
A: Crystalline plastic is a category of polymers with a high melt temperature, excellent strength and stiffness, and better chemical resistance properties.
A: To manufacture crystalline plastics, a substantial amount of energy must be used to bring the material to the proper melting point and melt the material uniformly.
A: Crystalline and amorphous plastics are both polymers. Crystalline polymers have a specific structure, whereas amorphous plastics have no arrangement or pattern. The lack of pattern causes amorphous polymers’ lower density and chemical resistance.
A: PS or polystyrene is an amorphous thermoplastic.
Do you need a quote on an injection molding job? Do you want to calculate costs for your design? Use Fathom’s SmartQuote application for a fast quote on any file.
