Is Injection Molding the Right Fit for Your Plastic Component Project?

　　In many industries, injection molding is a proven solution to complex plastic part engineering and design challenges. However, not all projects are well-suited for the process and will not fully benefit from injection molding efficiencies.

　　A project’s characteristics largely dictate if it’s a good fit for injection molding. Using the lists below, evaluate your current or upcoming project to determine the appropriate process:

　　Most Acceptable Projects for Injection Molding

　　Large annual volume productions that justify the injection mold tooling investment

　　Component design geometries that involve complex designs and shapes

　　Critical-use applications that require precision, extremely tight tolerances and a consistent, exceedingly high level of quality

　　Part consolidation or metal-to-plastic conversion opportunities that streamline production and may also address industry mandates, like vehicle lightweighting faced by automakers

　　Applications constructed from expensive material(s) that would result in excessive waste and significant budgetary concerns if machined

　　Projects where part design will not change over several years, thereby maximizing the value of the mold tooling investment

　　Applications where surface finish is a factor, as injection molding can yield glossy surfaces or a wide variety of textured surfaces

　　Projects Not Suited for Injection Molding

　　Injection molding processes aren’t cost effective for some project types, such as:

　　Parts with large variations in wall thicknesses as this results in quality problems like warping and reduced mechanical strength. Additive manufacturing or machining parts are better alternatives in this case.

　　Low annual volume productions that cannot support the mold tooling expense. Additive manufacturing or machining parts are better alternatives in this case.

　　Most hollow parts. While injection molding can be used for these applications, the welding necessary to join pieces post-molding adds to project complexity, cost and time. Blow molding is typically used for high annual volume productions, and rotomolding is typically used for very large and/or low volume applications (think kayaks or underground gas tanks).

　　Alternatives to Injection Molding

　　Since injection molding isn’t a universal solution, a logical question is which type of molding is appropriate for certain projects. Generally, the method is decided by product construction. For example, blow molding might be best for projects with hollow parts; compression molding for thermoset parts; extrusion molding for parts with a continuous cross-sectional shape; rotational molding for large, hollow parts; and, additive manufacturing or machining for low annual volume productions.

　　Pairing an appropriate injection molding project with an experienced molder that has deep design and engineering knowledge, like HLM, is your surest path to success.