Injection molding is the process of choice for companies looking to produce repeatable parts with strict mechanical requirements. It’s a popular option for high-production runs, not only because of the consistent part quality, but because price-per-part decreases with higher quantities. With Fast Radius, companies can expect low labor costs, minimal post-processing, high production speeds and volumes, and low scrap rates.
Producing parts with injection molding
General process information
Max. part size | • 2000 x 1500 x 800 mm • 78.7 x 59.0 x 31.5 in |
min. feature size | • 5 x 5 x 5 mm • 0.2 x 0.2 x 0.2 in |
best achievable tolerance | • +/- 0.05 mm • +/- 0.002 in |
LEAD TIME | • As low as 2 weeks for T1 samples • After T1 sample approval, lead time for < 10,000 parts is as low as 1 week |
Tool validation | • Standard process is to produce a small set of T1 samples for approval before initiating full production |
Max. press size | • 1400T |
Min. order size | • 100 parts and $5000 |
Setup fee | • $500 per mold per order (applies to sample runs after initial T1 samples or engineering changes) |
Tooling
RAPID TOOLING | • Molds with aluminum cavity and core with a shot life of 5,000-10,000 shots • Typically machined in 2 weeks |
PRODUCTION TOOLING | • P20 steel tool with shot life up to 1M shots • Ability to integrate side-pulls or cam-actions • Typically machined in 3 weeks |
Multi-cavity or family molds | • Multiple identical cavities or family of parts machined into a single tool • Allows for more parts to be produced per shot, minimizing unit costs |
INSERT molding | • Inserts are placed into the mold and molding occurs around them to extend tool life for critical features • Allows for inserts such as helicoils to be molded in your design |
OVER-MOLDING | • Premade parts are placed into the mold and molded over • Allows for multi-material injection molding |
Materials
Most common materials | Other supported materials | Additives and fiber |
| Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) | Nylon (PA 6) | UV absorbers |
| Polyethylene (PE) | Polycarbonate/Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (PC/ABS) | Flame retardants |
| Polypropylene (PP) | Polyurethane (PU) | Plasticizers |
| Polycarbonate (PC) | Polymethyl Methacrylate (PMMA/Acrylic) | Colorants |
| High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) | Carbon fibers | |
| Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE) | Glass fibers | |
| Polystyrene (PS) | ||
| Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) | ||
| PEEK | ||
| POM (Acetal/Delrin) | ||
| Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) | ||
| Thermoplastic Elastomer (TPE) | ||
| Inquire for additional options |
Additional information | col 2 Row1 |
Colors | Finishing/Post-Processing Options |
| Pantone color matching | We can produce to any SPI standard (glossy, matte, rough, very rough) |
| RAL color matching | Pad printing |
| Physical sample color matching | Inserts (e.g. heat stake inserts) |
| Mold-tech textures also available | |
| Ultrasonic welding | |
| Silk screening | |
| Painting | |
| Light assembly | |
| Protective packaging / film |
Let’s make your injection-molded parts. Right now.
Achieved a 55% decrease in production cost.
Made possible with Fast radius
Every day we’re working with the world’s leading product manufactuers to make the parts that matter most to their businesses.
Common injection molding Applications
Injection molding creates nearly identical parts with detailed features in rapid succession. This process is typically a good option for:
High-volume production runs
Produce nearly identical parts quickly with low tooling costs.
Consumer-facing products
Materials available with high-quality finishes.
Injection molding advantages and challenges
ADVANTAGES
- Excellent production speed
- Low cost per part
- High precision
- Excellent surface finishes
- Exceptional strength
- Multi-material manufacturing
CHALLENGES
- High startup costs
- Design limitations
Injection molding resources
Learn more about the injection molding services we offer at the Fast Radius resource center.
