Injection Molding

A: Injection molding is a manufacturing process used to produce parts by injecting molten material into a mold. It is commonly used with plastics but can also accommodate metals, glasses, and elastomers. The process begins with melting the material, which is then injected under pressure into a mold cavity. Once the material cools and solidifies, the mold is opened to eject the finished part. This technique is favored for its ability to produce large volumes of identical parts with high precision, complex shapes, and excellent surface finish. Injection molding is efficient and cost-effective, particularly suitable for mass production.

A: 3D printing is better for small batch, complex parts that may require frequent design changes or customisation. Injection moulding, on the other hand, is better for large volume production of less complex parts that have successfully completed the design stage.

A: The main advantage of injection molding compared to additive manufacturing is the production of large volumes of identical parts. However, injection molding faces significant challenges, notably in setup time and initial investment.