The 3D Printing VS Plastic Injection Molding

We discuss the technologies of 3D printing. Although the new printing technologies have existed for quite a long time, it has only existed only exist for about five years since it became well known to the public.

In the meantime, the actual capabilities of 3D printing technologies have been overshadowed by public perceptions of it. Now, The peoples want to know much about it, as well as much about it. Participant in every industry is exploring 3D printing technologies in order to find an alternative for their future project so that they can move forward from more traditional methods, Such as plastic injection molding.

Why We Need 3D Printing?

Although these two processes are similar to each other ,they both produce parts and components of plastics materials and can handle highly most complex geometric structure.there is also a significant difference between them.

Of all the features of 3D printing technology, The most attractive ones should be the relatively lowing initial cost. On the contrary, plastic injection molding processes required higher initial cost because of the high cost of manufacturing the necessary special molds. Although the initial cost may be big, the initial cost can be amortized over the life of the mold and the duration of the production operation. Moreover, In mass injection projects, the initial cost can be allocate to many individual parts, so that the cost of each part is relatively low.

In addition to the benefits of start-up costs, 3D printing technology must overcome many limitations, especially when compared with the plastics injection molding process. Most expensive and time-consuming printing errors are most often still caused by technical and/or software problems. Today, 3D printer is uncommon, Print is slower than plastic injection molding, and the size of 3D printing part is limited.

Which Method Works the Best for Your Project?

Both processes – 3D printing and plastic injection molding – can produce plastic parts part of high quality and complexity. To decide which method is suitable for your future, You are considered a key factor: break-even point.

When we seek to cooperate with plastic injection mold manufacturers, there may be a huge start-up cost, Even in large quantities of plastic injection molding orders. This is unavoidable in the mold manufacturing process, and the mold is usually made of high performance steel. Therefore, you have to consider the break-even point – whether the initial cost can be allocated sufficiently to make the plastics injection molding process more cost-effective than 3D printing technologies in the production process. Another consideration included the size and complexities of the parts.

When your production is less than 1500, 3D printing may be more cost-effective for your project. However, When your volumes are higher than this, plastic injection molding technologies will be a wise choice.

Although 3D printing is an amazing technology, It is currently only used for prototyping products, and can only handle very limited quantity production. Therefore, We hope to encourage readers to know more about plastic injection molding technology, which has all the capabilities and advantages of handled large-scale productions and operation.

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