It is a versatile, precise, fast and relatively inexpensive method of producing plastic products in bulk. You can choose from a wide variety of plastic raw materials in diverse colors and with vastly different physical, chemical and electrical properties. The process allows for a great deal of design flexibility, so you can get a lot of design-heavy products in intricate shapes. A fancy surface finish, such as a shiny look or engravings, is also possible. Many plastics can be recycled and reused. This also lowers scrap rate, making plastic injection molding a planet-friendly manufacturing choice.

Like with any manufacturing process, there are a few disadvantages that you must be aware of. I mentioned recycled plastic above, but must point out that the performance of recycled plastic is inferior compared to new plastic. Some defects, like warpage and shrinking, are also common in injection molded parts, though these can be avoided with some planning.

Creating a custom mold can take 15 days to three months, depending on geometric complexity. Once created, a mold is usually good for producing up to 200,000 units.

As with other molding/casting processes, the initial tooling cost can be significant, depending on the size of the tool. For example, complex molds with multiple cavities can cost thousands of dollars to design and make. That said, this manufacturing method is still one of the most cost-effective ones out there.

It is very important. The strength, durability, flexibility, functionality, appearance and cost of your product depend on the plastic raw material used. For example, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) is a rigid plastic and perfect for making pipes and toys. But it does not have very high heat resistance, making it unsuitable for products that are used in an environment of intense heat. Similarly, polycarbonates are naturally transparent, making them the perfect choice for safety glasses and baby bottles but inappropriate for products that require color aesthetics.

With 31% of global market share, China is the leader in plastics production. Plastic raw material is easily available in the country. It is also the leading producer of injection molding machines. As a result, you’ll find factories just about anywhere in China, but especially heavily concentrated in the East and Central South regions. It isn’t too hard to find a manufacturer in China with both expertise and experience in the process. Most factories have technologically advanced production systems, making them capable of fulfilling large orders at competitive prices. If that’s not enough, China’s world-class infrastructure system makes sure that the goods reach all the corners of the world.