Spritzgussabfälle

Spritzgussabfälle refers to waste materials generated during the injection molding process. This includes rejected parts due to defects, runners and sprues (the plastic material that fills the mold's gating system), and production scrap. The composition of these waste materials typically mirrors the virgin plastic used in the molding process, such as thermoplastics like polyethylene, polypropylene, ABS, and polycarbonate, among others.

The generation of Spritzgussabfälle is a common challenge in plastic manufacturing. Reasons for waste include process errors, material contamination, equipment malfunctions, design flaws, and quality control failures. Effective management of these waste streams is crucial for economic and environmental reasons.

Strategies for managing Spritzgussabfälle often involve reducing their generation in the first place through process optimization and employee training. Reusing or recycling these materials is a primary objective. Depending on the type and purity of the plastic, some waste can be reground and reprocessed directly into new injection molded products, either as a standalone material or blended with virgin plastic. This practice is known as regrinding or reprocessing scrap. For materials that cannot be reprocessed in-house, specialized recycling companies may be engaged. In cases where recycling is not feasible, disposal, often through landfill or incineration, becomes the final option. However, landfilling is increasingly discouraged due to environmental concerns, and energy recovery through incineration is often preferred. Minimizing Spritzgussabfälle is a key aspect of sustainable manufacturing in the plastics industry.