As pipe stands support construction of pipelines that often carry hazardous gases or liquids, integrity and durability are top priorities when choosing the ones you’re going to use. Any point of failure can be catastrophic.
Traditionally, pipe stands have been constructed of heavy metal or wood. However, as these materials are prone to rust, corrosion, decay, and load failure, plastic has turned out to be a better alternative. Plastic pipe stands, like DuraPlas’ TuffStand line, are more durable and perform better in harsh weather and other extreme field conditions.
For plastic pipe stands, single injection molding sets the standard in quality and performance. Single injection molding is a manufacturing process that creates pipe stands in one piece. This manufacturing process eliminates weaknesses that can come from assembling multiple pieces.
Single injection molding is a manufacturing process that uses a single mold to produce a seamless end product. Because there are no seams, the product is stronger, lighter, and more durable.
In single-injection molding, plastic pellets are heated to melting point and injected into a single-cavity mold of the desired shape and size. Once the plastic is in the mold, it cools uniformly and solidifies to create a structurally sound product. After it cools, the piece is removed from the mold.
There are fewer steps in the manufacturing process for single-injection molded pipe stands compared to multi-injection molding. This simplicity leaves fewer opportunities for failure. Each piece is uniform because it comes from one mold, and no post-injection assembly is required.
Compared to multi-piece or assembled stands, pipe stands created through single injection molding are more durable, consistent, and high-performing. Single injection pipe stands have no seams, joints, or weak spots that can compromise structural integrity. The manufacturing process produces uniform results that can hold up under extreme conditions.
Injection Molding vs. Rotomolding
While single-injection molding has become a preferred method for producing high-performance plastic pipe stands, it's useful to compare it with other manufacturing processes, particularly rotational molding (rotomolding). Rotomolding involves placing powdered resin into a mold that is slowly rotated in an oven, allowing the material to coat the interior and form a hollow part. This technique is often chosen for larger, hollow products but comes with trade-offs in efficiency and material performance.
One of the major advantages of injection molding over rotomolding is its faster cycle times. Injection molding supports quicker production runs, making it more efficient for high-volume manufacturing. Rotomolding, on the other hand, requires longer cycles due to slower heating and cooling processes. Additionally, injection molding offers access to a broader range of material options, including advanced engineering plastics like Super-Tough Nylon, which is ideal for demanding, load-bearing applications.
While rotomolding can yield durable parts, it is typically limited in terms of precision and high-performance material compatibility. For products like pipe stands where strength, consistency, and tight tolerances are critical, single-injection molding clearly stands out. Its ability to deliver uniform, seamless, and structurally sound components makes it the superior choice for modern pipeline construction.
Although plastic pipe stands outperform their metal and wood counterparts in pipeline construction, not all plastic pipe stands are created equal. Pipe stands manufactured using multi-cavity injection molding are weaker and more prone to failure. Single-injection molding offers a superior alternative that is both safe and durable.
Single-injection molded pipe stands have no weak seams or stress points that can fail under the pressure of holding up heavy pipes.
These pipe stands are specially engineered to provide consistent support under a variety of field conditions, including extreme heat or cold, as well as muddy or arid conditions. Single-injection molded pipe stands are less prone to sudden breaks, which can delay your project and be a safety hazard for workers.
Multi-piece or poorly molded stands can crack and separate under heavy loads.A seamless design provides a solid base for pipelines. Because it’s less likely to warp or shift over time, it creates a more stable work environment for field workers.
Single-injection molded pipe stands don’t degrade the way wooden slats do, so they don’t create debris that can injure workers. Broken slats can lead to trip-and-fall injuries, lacerations, or impact injuries from sudden failure. They’re also lighter and easier to handle than wooden or metal pipe stands. Workers don’t have to strain as much to handle them, so they’re less likely to suffer musculoskeletal injuries.
Seams provide an entry point for moisture penetration and can accelerate damage due to UV degradation and temperature extremes. Without these structural weak spots, single-injection molded pipe stands are more resistant to harsh weather conditions and last longer in the field.
Structural openings also make pipe stands more vulnerable to chemical exposure. Fuels, lubricants, and other industrial solvents can exacerbate any weaknesses in joints and cause multi-process injection molded pipe stands to break down.
In the long run, single-injection molded pipe stands result in cost savings. They outlast alternative materials and reduce the need for frequent replacements. Your work crew will also be faster and more efficient when working with lighter materials, so you’ll save in labor costs as well.
Not all pipe stand distributors go into detail about manufacturing processes, but it’s important to understand what you’re purchasing. Make sure the pipe stand is single-injection molded. You can ask the supplier for details and specifications about the manufacturer. You can also inspect the product for any seams, joints, or visible connections that indicate it was produced in multiple pieces and then assembled afterward.
Ask your supplier about weight ratings and load-testing data, too. Single injection molded stands have consistent, documented weight capacities. For example, 12” TuffStands have a documented weight capacity of 3,500 pounds, although it’s been tested up to 20,000 pounds.
Finally, look at industry use cases to see where single-injection molded pipe stands have proven to be superior to other alternatives. The DuraPlas TuffStands are the safest, highest-performing pipe stands in the oil and gas industry.
As the foundation of pipeline construction, pipe stands have to be reliable, durable, and safe. Single-injection molded pipe stands outperform all contenders in all three categories. They ensure optimal performance and longevity and create a safer work environment for your employees.
Choosing suboptimal pipe stands manufacturing using inferior methods can increase your costs, create project delays, expose workers to safety hazards, and damage your company’s reputation. For long-term performance and risk mitigation, contractors and project managers should prioritize single-injection molded solutions when evaluating pipe stands.
DuraPlas 24” TuffStands are manufactured in a single-injection molding process using Super-Tough Nylon that allows them to carry three times as much as other 24” plastic pipe stands. They have a load limit of 10,500 pounds, making them suitable for the most heavy-duty applications.
If you need the safest, most durable pipe stands available, look for single-injection molded options such as TuffStands. Reach out today for a free quote.