In everyday products, ranging from backpacks to pet collars, injection molded plastics are used and have become a common commodity part for manufacturers.

Hundreds of manufacturers across the nation utilize injection molded plastics, and more specifically plastic side release buckles, in their supply chain. In everyday products, ranging from backpacks to pet collars, injection molded plastics are used and have become a common commodity part for manufacturers.

While injection molding can be a time-consuming process to start with, design work and mold tooling, the process has several advantages when scaled. Injection molding is a simple process in which molten plastic material is injected into a series of runners, guiding the material into the desired slot and shape. Runners are a series of channels inside the mold providing the molten material a pathway to the final chamber.

The plastic material used when producing injection molded components is almost as important as the design itself. Different materials offer different levels of chemical resistance, UV resistance, creep resistance, impact resistance, and tensile strength. Below lists some of the popular injection molded materials used in the marketplace today.

Material  Advantages/Disadvantages

Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS)    Adheres well to metal coatings - used in industries ranging from automotive to plumbing    Limited weathering resistance, relatively high cost, and flammable with high smoke generation

Polyethylene (HDPE / LDPE)    Very versatile in application - high level ductility, tensile strength, impact resistance, and resistance to moisture    Should not be used in harsh weather or high-temperature applications

Acetal    Highly common material used widely in household applications - offers excellent surface lubricity and high creep* resistance    Should not be used for applications in high heat environments

* - creep is the tendency of a solid material to slowly move or deform under the influence of mechanical stresses.

Directex stocks the below side release buckle inventory. Interested in sampling or receiving a quote for one of our buckles? Just choose from one of the listings below and select "Sample Request" or "Quote Request" from the product screen.

Standard Side Release Buckle - WM130

Narrow Contoured Side Release Buckle - WM104

Contoured Side Release Buckle - WM106

Contoured Wide-Mouth Side Release Buckle - WM106W

DirecTex offers low-cost wholesale pricing to business and government agencies. Contact DirecTex to learn more about our product lines. DirecTex specializes in custom manufactured components and subassemblies for your projects.