Yes, LEGO bricks are molded.
LEGO bricks are produced through a process called plastic injection molding. This manufacturing technique starts with tiny plastic granules. These granules are heated to a high temperature, specifically around 230 degrees Celsius, inside a molding machine.
The Molding Process
Inside the machine, the superheated, molten plastic is then injected under high pressure into precision-engineered steel moulds. These moulds determine the exact shape and dimensions of the LEGO brick. Once the plastic cools and solidifies within the mould, it retains the intricate shape, including the studs and tubes that allow LEGO bricks to connect.
The reference explicitly states that LEGO bricks are plastic injection moulded and details the initial steps involving heating plastic granules to approximately 230 degrees Celsius before feeding them into moulds. This process is crucial for creating the consistent, high-quality bricks known worldwide.
Why Injection Molding?
Injection molding is chosen for LEGO bricks due to its ability to produce large quantities of identical parts with high precision. This consistency is vital for ensuring that bricks from different sets and years can connect together seamlessly.
Key stages in the process include:
- Heating plastic granules.
- Injecting molten plastic into a mould.
- Cooling and solidifying the plastic.
- Ejecting the finished brick.
This reliable and precise method is the foundation of LEGO's interlocking brick system.
