The Essential Role of Injection Molded Trays in Pharmaceuticals and Food Safety

When it comes to clean, consistent, and compliant production in the pharmaceutical and medical sectors, injection molded trays are often the behind-the-scenes MVPs. If we work in pharmaceuticals, food safety, or diagnostics, we know the importance of drying trays in handling, drying, storing, and transporting key materials. So, what makes these plastic molded vial loading trays so valuable?

At their core, they’re designed for uniformity, durability, and ease of integration into commercial workflows. In other words, they are not just basic storage tools; they are specifically engineered to meet rigorous production standards day in and day out.

In this guide, we’ll cover everything we need to know about molded plastic trays, how they’re made, where they’re used, what makes them superior, and how to choose the right one. Plus, we’ll show you how Hurst’s commercial-grade trays help pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, and diagnostic operations maintain consistency and compliance from lab to line. So, let’s first understand what these trays are and their purpose.

What Are Injection Molded Trays and What Are They Used For?

Injection molded trays are plastic trays manufactured using a high-pressure injection process. Here’s what that means in plain terms: heated plastic is injected into a mold cavity and cooled rapidly to form a rigid, pre-defined shape. That makes these trays:

• Perfectly uniform in shape and size

• Highly durable, even under frequent use

• Resistant to many chemicals

• Designed for repeatable use in sterile or controlled environments

  
  

Because of all these qualities, they’re widely used in:

• Cleanrooms

• Production lines

• Sterile packaging stations

• Drying or curing environments

  
  

From labs to large-scale facilities, the reliability of injection molded plastic trays helps streamline processes while meeting regulatory expectations.

Common Applications of Injection Molded Trays

By now, we’ve figured out that injection molded plastic trays aren’t just confined to pharmaceutical or medical applications; they’re everywhere behind the scenes of quality-controlled production. Here’s a breakdown of how they’re commonly used across multiple industries:

• Pharmaceuticals – For vial handling and gel capsule drying, ensuring precision and sterility.

• Nutraceuticals – For organizing, transporting, or drying capsules and soft gels.

• Medical Diagnostics – For organizing specimen vials or sample containers during testing or analysis.

• Labs & Research Facilities – For transporting components, instruments, or small parts in clean environments.

• Food & Beverage – For safely separating, drying, or staging food ingredients that must be kept contaminant-free.

  
  

No matter which industry we are in, we have some very effective solutions for our production needs:

👉 Hurst Injection Molded Soft Gel Drying Trays: These are purposefully built for soft gel production while keeping stackability and durability in mind.

👉 All Vial Loading Trays: These trays are ideal for cleanroom use, and they are exceedingly good for precision vial transport and staging.

Key Factors to Consider When Choosing Injection Molded Plastic Trays

Here’s what to keep in mind when sourcing injection molded plastic trays for industrial or lab use:

1. Tray Size and Cavity Dimensions

Firstly, we must match the tray’s size and layout to our product. Vials? Capsules? Electronic components? We need to ensure we are choosing the right tray that fits them well to avoid shifting or breakage.

2. Load-Bearing Capacity

Next, we should understand how much weight our trays will carry. Low-capacity trays may warp under repeated stress, especially when we keep them in stacked conditions.

3. Stackability and Nesting

Having trays that can be stacked at a higher level can solve the issue of storage space and simplify drying or curing workflows. Moreover, when we choose nesting trays, they can save room when not in use.

4. Material Type

The material our trays are made of ultimately makes a huge difference, even to the other factors we might consider.

• Polypropylene (PP): Good for general use, chemical resistant, cost-effective.

• HDPE: Tougher and better for heavier loads or higher temperatures.

• ESD-safe plastics: These are the best choice if we are working with electronics or sensitive components.

  
  

5. Chemical and Temperature Resistance

If we are going to use molded plastic trays in cleanrooms or with solvents, we must ensure that they are rated for exposure. We should not assume all plastics will hold up equally.

6. Automation Compatibility

Are we using conveyors or robotic pickers? Whether we use automated or manual material handling systems, the trays we choose will need uniformity to align with automated equipment.

At Chemtech, we regularly help clients choose trays based on GMP compliance, integration with existing lines, and even custom specifications to make sure we get the right tray that suits our application.

Best Practices for Maintenance and Storage of Injection Molded Trays

Here’s how to make sure our inventory of injection molded trays lasts longer:

• Clean regularly with a neutral pH cleaner to avoid material degradation.

• Avoid exposure to UV light or high heat in storage areas, as it can weaken plastic over time.

• Inspect routinely for cracks, chips, or warping. Damaged trays can compromise sterility or automation.

• Store trays in clean, dry zones, especially if we’re working in GMP facilities.

• Separate heavy and light-duty trays to reduce premature wear from overloading.

  
  

Pro tip: Designate colored bins or storage zones for clean vs. used trays. It simplifies SOPs and keeps audits smooth.

Final Thoughts: Why Are Injection Molded Trays a Smart Choice?

Whether we’re drying gel caps, staging diagnostic vials, or organizing production line components, injection molded trays give us the consistency and quality edge our operation needs. They’re not just about holding items; they’re about protecting process integrity, meeting regulatory demands, and keeping our facility running efficiently.

Ready to upgrade your trays?

Explore HURST *gel cap drying trays and vial loading trays to find the perfect fit for your operation

Try HURST Soft Gel Tray Solutions Today!

At Chemtech, we go beyond basic supply and offer trays designed to withstand the daily challenges of commercial production environments — from temperature shifts to chemical exposure. Our most requested solutions include:

✅ Hurst Injection Molded Soft Gel Drying Trays

• Designed for soft gel producers

• Stackable, ventilated, and easy to clean

• Durable for long-term use in drying tunnels and climate-controlled rooms