When it comes to plastic injection molding, there are two main types: low-volume and high-volume. If you’re in the market for a plastic injection molding company, you may be wondering whether you should go with a low-volume or high-volume provider. Low-volume injection molding is perfect for small batches of parts with intricate designs. If you need a lot of parts but don’t need them all at once, then high-volume injection molding is the better option. In this blog post, we will break down the differences between low-volume and high-volume injection molding and help you decide which option is the best for you!
Low-volume vs High-volume plastic injection molding
Low-volume plastic injection molding
Low-volume plastic injection molding is typically used for prototyping and small batch production with less than 10,000 pieces of components. Low-volume molding is a great option if you need a few parts but don’t need them all at once. Low-volume molding is also a good choice if you have an intricate design that would be difficult to produce with high-volume molding. Generally, low-volume products are manufactured as prototypes or parts of working products, such as the ones found in medical devices and automobile parts, which have a lower production volume.
Benefits of low-volume plastic injection molding
There are several benefits to choosing low-volume plastic injection molding, including:
Design Capability – Low-volume molding is a good choice if you have an intricate design that would be difficult to produce with high-volume molding and is perfect for prototyping and small batch production.
Cost – Low-volume molding is typically less expensive than high-volume molding.
Use of Soft Aluminum Tooling – Low-volume molding generally uses soft aluminum tooling, which is less expensive than the hard steel tooling used in high-volume production. The cost of creating molds from aluminum and lower-grade steel is considerably lower, and the cost of producing them can be much higher as well.
Shorter Lead Times – Low-volume production can be completed in a shorter lead time than high-volume production. Low-volume molds can be created faster because they require less material and labor to produce.
Efficient Bridge Tooling – Low-volume production can be completed with bridge tooling, which is a type of tooling that is used to produce a small number of parts. Bridge tooling is less expensive than hard steel tooling and can be created faster.
Softer Injection Molds – Low-volume production can be completed with softer injection molds, which are made from materials such as aluminum and lower-grade steel. Softer injection molds are less expensive than hard steel tooling and can be processed faster.
High-volume plastic injection molding
High-volume injection molding is perfect for large batch production. High volume plastic injection molding is typically used for mass production with more than 500,000 pieces of component. If you need a lot of parts and you need them all at once, then high-volume injection molding is the way to go. High-volume molding is also a good choice if you have a simple design that can be produced quickly and easily. High volume molding can produce large quantities of parts quickly and cheaply. Generally, high volume products are manufactured as consumer goods, such as the ones found in electronics and appliances, which have a large demand.
Benefits of high-volume plastic injection molding
There are several benefits to choosing high-volume plastic injection molding, including:
Low cost per unit – High-volume molding is typically less expensive than low-volume molding.
Fast production – High-volume molding can produce large quantities of parts quickly.
Simple designs – High volume molding is a good choice if you have a simple design that can be easily produced with high-volume molding.
Key design considerations for low-volume vs high-volume plastic injection molding
- Part design – Low-volume molding is a good choice if you have an intricate design that would be difficult to produce with high-volume molding.
- Material selection – Low-volume production can be completed with softer injection molds, which are made from materials such as aluminum and lower-grade steel. Softer injection molds are less expensive than hard steel tooling and can be processed faster.
- Tooling cost – Low-volume molding generally uses soft aluminum tooling, which is less expensive than the hard steel tooling used in high-volume production. The cost of creating molds from aluminum and lower-grade steel is considerably lower, and the cost of producing them can be much higher as well.
- Lead time – Low-volume production can be completed in a shorter lead time than high-volume production. Low-volume molds can be created faster because they require less material and labor to produce.
Comparing low-volume vs high-volume plastic injection molding
Now that you know the benefits of both low-volume and high-volume plastic injection molding, you can decide which one is right for your project. Low-volume molding is a good choice for prototypes or small batch production, while high-volume molding is perfect for large batch production. Consider the benefits of each option and choose the one that best suits your needs.
Both options have their own unique set of benefits that make them ideal for different types of projects. Low-volume injection molding is typically less expensive and has a shorter lead time, while high-volume injection molding is perfect for large batch production. If you’re not sure which one is right for you, contact a plastic injection molding company to discuss your options. They can help you decide which option is best for your project.
FAQS
Which is more in demand? Low-volume injection molding or high-volume injection molding?
In general, high-volume plastic injection molding is more in demand than low-volume plastic injection molding. Low-volume production can be completed with softer injection molds, which are made from materials such as aluminum and lower-grade steel. Softer injection molds are less expensive than hard steel tooling and can be processed faster.
What kind of plastic should I use in low-volume plastic injection molding?
The type of plastic you use will depend on the project you’re working on.
Plastics made from acrylic are affordable, versatile, and easy to work with. However, they are more expensive and scratch easily. For some industrial applications, the service temperature is too low.
ABS is a thermoplastic engineering grade that provides greater strength and rigidity than acrylic. It is also designed for applications requiring repeated exposure to high temperatures, such as industrial applications that require exposure to high temperatures repeatedly.
Polycarbonate is strong, transparent, and has excellent dimensional stability, making it suitable for applications that require optical clarity. Physical properties are maintained at high temperatures as well as impact strength.
Partner with Go4Mould For your low-volume & high-volume plastic injection molding needs
At GoMould, we have experience with both low-volume and high-volume plastic injection molding. We can help you determine which option is best for your project and provide the services you need to get the job done right. Contact us today to learn more about our services or request a quote. We look forward to working with you! If you’re not sure which one is right for you, contact GoMould – a plastic injection molding company – to discuss your options. We can help you decide which option is best for your project!
