What are the key design considerations for plastic parts?

Key Design Considerations for Plastic Parts

1. Simplified Structure and Uniform Wall Thickness

The part shape should be as simple as possible, avoiding unnecessary bumps and small holes to facilitate smooth filling of molten plastic. Wall thickness should be kept within a reasonable range (generally 1.5-3mm) and as uniform as possible to prevent uneven shrinkage or warping due to excessively rapid local cooling.

2. Reasonable Draft Angle and Gate Layout

Designing a draft angle of 1°-2° ensures smooth demolding and reduces residue marks. Gates should be placed on non-decorative surfaces or in locations easy for post-processing; edge gates or concealed gates are commonly used to reduce post-processing costs.

3. Reinforcing Ribs and Rounded Corners

For areas under high stress, appropriate reinforcing ribs can be added to increase rigidity; rounded corners instead of sharp corners reduce stress concentration and facilitate plastic flow and cooling.

4. Tolerances and Shrinkage Compensation

Set dimensional tolerances based on the shrinkage rate of the selected material and allow for shrinkage compensation during the design phase to ensure the finished product dimensions meet requirements.