Injection molding is a commonly used manufacturing process in the automotive industry to produce various plastic parts. However, there are some common defects that can occur during injection molding that can affect the quality and durability of the final product. Here are the top 5 automotive injection mold defects and how to avoid them:

1. Warpage: Warpage occurs when the plastic part is distorted or bent out of shape. To avoid warpage, it is important to ensure that the mold is properly designed and that the plastic material is evenly distributed throughout the mold. Additionally, proper cooling of the mold can help to prevent warpage.

2. Sink marks: Sink marks occur when the plastic material shrinks as it cools, leaving depressions or dimples on the surface of the part. To avoid sink marks, it is important to ensure that the mold is properly designed and that the plastic material is evenly distributed throughout the mold. Additionally, reducing the cooling rate of the mold can help to prevent sink marks.

3. Flash: Flash occurs when excess plastic material escapes from the mold, leaving unwanted material on the surface of the part. To avoid flash, it is important to ensure that the mold is properly designed and that the injection pressure is set correctly. Additionally, reducing the cooling rate of the mold can help to prevent flash.

4. Short shots: Short shots occur when the plastic material does not completely fill the mold, leaving voids or incomplete sections in the final part. To avoid short shots, it is important to ensure that the mold is properly designed and that the injection pressure and temperature are set correctly. Additionally, using the appropriate amount of plastic material can help to prevent short shots.

5. Voids: Voids occur when air is trapped in the mold, leaving empty spaces or pockets in the final part. To avoid voids, it is important to ensure that the mold is properly designed and that the plastic material is evenly distributed throughout the mold. Additionally, reducing the injection speed and increasing the mold temperature can help to prevent voids.

Overall, proper design and operation of the injection mold and careful control of the injection process can help to prevent these common defects and produce high-quality automotive parts.