Partner with Fathom for high-quality polypropylene (PP) injection molded parts. Whether your project is time-sensitive, requires high precision, is short production run related, or is highly complex, Fathom’s team of experts is ready to help. Injection molding is just one of many manufacturing technologies offered by Fathom. Get started today.
Polypropylene (PP) is a thermoplastic made from propylene monomers. PP is a widely used plastic for injection molding and is sometimes used as an alternative to polyoxymethylene POM. Polypropylene can be heated to its melting point, cooled, and then reheated without degradation, making it a recyclable material. PP is often used for non-load bearing applications, including food containers, cups, toys, dishwasher-safe utensils, etc.
Polypropylene has many favorable qualities that make it popular for injection molding. PP is a cost-effective and widely available raw material. It has a slippery surface, high flexural strength, and a semi-crystalline nature. Polypropylene has chemical and fatigue resistance, good impact strength, and moisture resistance.
When designing for PP injection molding, there are multiple important factors to consider. PP has a low melt viscosity that allows it to flow well. As such, it has a fast plastic injection molding speed which means the mold can be quickly filled with polypropylene. The shrinkage rate of PP is 1 to 2%. Polypropylene has a melting temperature of 266 degrees Fahrenheit and mold temperature between 90 to 150 degrees Fahrenheit. PP has an injection molding pressure as high as 180 MPa.
After injection molding, the part is moved to the finishing stage. During finishing, the part’s appearance is enhanced, or physical properties added. Here are some of the finishes offered by Fathom.
| 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 is an experienced manufacturer offering injection molding and hybridized services that leverage different kinds of 3D printing. Are you ready to incorporate injection molding into your complex project? Fathom can handle it. In a recent case study, Fathom delivered over 20,000 parts in 27 days, using 55+ tools, including multiple 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: Yes, polypropylene can be used for injection molding.
A: Polypropylene (PP) is good for injection molding because it is heat and fatigue resistant, tough and versatile. PP can be used for a wide variety of applications.
A: Yes, polypropylene (PP) is widely used for injection molding. Parts made from PP include plastic containers, packaging, water bottles, furniture and living hinges.
A: Polypropylene (PP) for injection molding begins in pellet form. The pellets are moved down a barrel where they are heated. Once melted, PP is injected into a two-sided custom mold where the part is formed. After the part is cooled, it is ejected from the mold and moved to finishing.
Are you ready for a quote on your injection molding design? Do you want to calculate costs for an upcoming project? Use Fathom’s SmartQuote platform for a fast quote.
