deflashing injection molded automotive parts | cryogenic deflashing glass-filled nylon molded parts

Deflashing Injection Molded Automotive Parts

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Nitrofreeze® cryogenic deflashing is a quick and cost-effective way for deflashing injection molded automotive parts. Molding flash, a type of injection molding defect, can mar highly visible Class A surfaces in cars, trucks, and SUVs. Flash defects can also interfere with parts assembly and cause consumers to question the quality of automotive interiors or exteriors.

Today, many new and aftermarket auto parts are made of automotive plastics or liquid silicone rubber (LSR) for lower material costs and lighter vehicle weights. Injection molding is ideal for mass producing these parts, and Nitrofreeze® cryogenic deflashing extends the benefits of high-volume manufacturing while adding greater value than other deflashing methods.

Cryogenic Deflashing vs. Manual Deflashing for Auto Parts

The Nitrofreeze® process can deflash tens, hundreds, or thousands of auto parts at a time. Instead of removing flash from a single part, a machine operator puts an entire batch of injection molded parts inside a cryogenic deflashing machine. Our automated, computer-controlled process is fast and efficient, but it also supports greater part-to-part consistency and higher quality.

When parts are cryogenically deflashed, they’re subjected to very low temperatures so that the flash becomes brittle and is removed with ease. As the parts tumble against each other, they’re impacted with a non-abrasive polycarbonate media. This cryogenic-grade media only removes the flash. It does so without leaving any abrasive dust or affecting critical tolerances or surface finish.

There’s a risk that a worker will remove too much or too little material with knives or trimmers when manual deflashing. There are varying skills levels, and the variability of human output over the course of a shift can lead to inconsistent results, higher labor costs, and missed project deadlines.

That’s not the only problem either. Part quality is paramount in the automotive industry. Nitrofreeze® cryogenic deflashing can easily access intricate geometries, including blind holes and through holes when compared to hand deflashing. Plastic and LSR injection molding are great for producing complex parts, and the Nitrofreeze® process supports high-quality production.

Plastic and LSR Injection Molded Automotive Parts

Injection molded automotive parts are found throughout automotive interiors and exteriors as well as under the hood. Here are some examples of injection molded plastic and LSR parts that are candidates for cryogenic deflashing.

Automotive Interiors

  • Dashboard components like buttons, bezels, and air vent covers
  • Knobs and switches for lights, heating and cooling, and entertainment systems
  • Seat belt guides, sensor housings, grommets, cable connectors, and pedal pads

Automotive Exteriors

  • Small, lightweight covers for side mirrors
  • Lenses and housings for headlights and taillights
  • Clips and fasteners for securing panels and trim

Under-the Hood Components

  • Small plastic shields or caps for engine components
  • Fuse boxes and covers that protect the electrical system
  • Spark plug boots, valve cover gaskets, and cable and wire connectors

Ask Nitrofreeze about Cryogenic Deflashing for Injection Molded Automotive Parts

Are your injection molded automotive parts candidates for Nitrofreeze® cryogenic deflashing? Contact the experts at Nitrofreeze® to discuss your requirements. No job is too large or too small, and our standard turnaround time is two days after receipt.

If your parts is a viable candidate for cryogenic deflashing, we can perform sampling to demonstrate our process. We can also save your parts “recipe” for future batches. Sampling is free of charge, so send us your part drawings, photos, or actual samples of injection molded auto parts.

To get started, contact Nitrofreeze® at the phone number and email listed below.

(508) 459-7447 x105 | info@nitrofreeze.com