There are ever more numerous plastic part manufacturing processes, among which the use of two methods concerns us in this article: machining and injection molding. The process is also very useful because it can be used in many of the products we use every day for example toys, containers and even car parts. Well then how these two are different and which one is best for your project. This is what we would like to discuss together.
Injection Molding Vs Plastic Machining
It is the process of cutting and moulding non-metallic material. The production of the Mold. We have to use special machines such as lathes and routers which cut away plastic little by little until we get expected shape. This particularly works good for chunks which has to be very accurate and have great details on them. It works fine for making small number of parts and to test new design/ prototype but detractor from production point of view. Of the better things about plastic machining is that it prevents this need of costly molds, so projects are easily started with minimal investment.
Next, we will discuss injection molding. How the process is a little different. So in custom injection molding is to first melt the plastic until it goes from a solid and becomes an itchy liquid. This liquid plastic is then injected into a mold, which is essentially an empty container that determines the final shape of whatever you're trying to make. Once we fill the mold with plastic and allow it to cool, this same hardening results in a shape-cast of our specific design. This way we can create a lot of the same parts very fast and easily. It is widely used in mass production for making many of the same parts that it also helps you reduce, so which makes tens or hundreds even thousands identical components at a very low cost.
Plastic Creation Differentiations
The biggest thing that separates plastic machining from injection molding is the parts we can make or how complex they are and in what quantities. Plastic machining is the right choice for producing small quantities of complex parts. Plastic machining is best if you are looking for something more unique, or intricate. In contrast, injection molding has massive orders of simple geometries covered. Which means if you are going to have a lot of something, plastic injection molding is more economical.
This includes the financial costs, the time associated with utilizing each method. Plastic machining can cost more to get started, and it generally requires a longer lead time for production of the final parts. Yet it enables more freedom for individual, tailored designs. Injection molding requires a larger investment in creating the molds up front, but after they are produced costs per part drop dramatically and production process is very fast.
The materials of plastic that are allowed to use with each method also vary. This process is capable of processing a number different types of plastics, both solid and pliable. This is a huge pro in my book. The injection molding services has limitation with material that can be used because they have to melt and cooling in certain manners (because of Specific heat capacity). The laser cutter is most effective with thermoplastics, such as nylon and polyethylene since these plastics can be re-melted and solidified multiple times without losing their properties.
Which Approach Resonate with You?
So how do you decide which method to use in producing your plastic components? It is up to you and what suits your project. If you need a very small quantity of simple parts with unique designs, then plastic machining is what you would probably prefer. This provides a greater scope of design possibilities and the detail within those designs can be very beautiful, but at higher cost i longer development time.
Conversely, if you need a lot of relatively identical parts that have uncomplicated geometry, injection molding is probably the method for your use case. Fast Turnaround— LSR can crank out a lot of parts in short order and with exceptional quality, but because the molds need to be made from metal it is also means greater upfront cost;
Plastic Machining and Injection Molding at Qingdao Victory
Our best-in-class equipment and expert staff are committed to producing top-quality plastic products for a broad range of applications. Whether you have the need for a small run of custom parts, or large quantity of production quality part clones, we can work with your to select the method that will right fit your project and get it done economically.
To sum up, two types of plastic parts are made: cooking plastics and injection molding. All of them have advantages and disadvantages. If you understand how they work and what their functionality or the lack thereof. This way, in can make an informed choice about which solution is best for your needs. You can count on us at Qingdao Victory to help you find the right way that will deliver great plastic parts and components.