Injection Molding vs. 3D Printing: Which Do I Use?

Bytan

Injection molding and 3D printing are techniques used to produce plastic parts and components. Each manufacturing procedure has its advantages. However, they can be used together as complementary manufacturing techniques. It can be hard to settle on either of the two techniques. Here are two techniques and their pros and cons. You will finally find it easy to choose your preference.

Are there Differences between 3D Printing and Injection Molding?

Injection molding uses a mold filled with molten material that cools off and hardens to produce a finished product. On the other hand, 3D printing is an additive process that creates objects by building them up layer by layer. So, if you are testing a new design, you can watch as the build process happens.

What are the Pros and Cons of Utilizing Injection Molding?

Pros

  • Fast production

The cycle completion time can be as low as ten seconds. If you combine this with a multi-impression injection molding tool, you can quickly create many products.

  •  High repeatability

After your molding tool is made, similar products can be made repeatedly. Additionally, a well-made mold tool has a long shelf life if used well by those who set the machines.

  •  Low cost per part

Even though there’s a high investment for injection molding tools, the cost per part is very low. So if there are injection molding companies near you, enquire about this benefit.

Cons

  •  High initial cost

Before production, injection molding needs several rounds of designing and modeling. The mold tool is complex and costs a workforce, material, and many machining hours.

  •  It is a slow production method

It can take months of design, testing, and manufacturing tools from conception to the final product.

  •  Careful design required

Injection molding needs careful design to avoid tooling issues such as undercuts, which can be very costly. You should also avoid locked-in features and not enough drafts.

What are the Pros and Cons of 3D Printing?

Pros

  •  Flexibility

3D printing allows designing and printing intricate designs compared to traditional; manufacturing processes.

  •  Rapid prototyping

3D printing can manufacture products within hours, thus speeding up the prototyping process. It is also inexpensive and quicker to create parts completed within hours.

  •  Cost-effective

Since it is a single-step manufacturing process, it saves time and costs associated with using different machines for production. In addition, 3D printing reduces the cost of material as it only uses the material required for the parts, hence no wastage.

Cons

  •  Ease of access

3D printers are now easily accessible as local service providers offer outsourcing services to manufacturers. It saves time and costs as it doesn’t require expensive transport costs like when done abroad in countries like China. 

  •  Restricted build size

3D printers have narrow print chambers that restrict the size of products to be printed. Anything larger needs to be printed separately and joined together after production. It increases costs and time; as manual labor is used to join them together. 

  •  Design inaccuracies

Some machines may have a lower tolerance, meaning the final products may differ from the original design. However, this can be fixed post-processing but will increase the time and cost of production.

Before committing to either, weighing the pros and cons of 3D printing and injection molding technique is crucial. With this information, you won’t feel conflicted about choosing the best manufacturing technique that suits you. Ultimately, you must decide depending on your preference, goals, and objectives.  

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