Injection molding prototyping service

Create prototype parts quickly and cost-effectively with precision thermoplastic injection molding.

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Prototyping

Rapid injection molding prototyping

Our injection molding services, including insert molding and overmolding, enable you to prototype in a range of different thermoplastics, and customize parts with high quality finishes and post-processing options. When you’re ready to move to full production, injection molding prototyping projects can be scaled up quickly.

Creating injection molding prototypes with Fast Radius is simple: upload a CAD file to our Cloud Manufacturing Platform™, work with our engineers to optimize your project, and then move to production when your project is ready. 

Learn more about our full range of injection molding services, including multi-cavity molding, insert molding, and overmolding.


Our Injection molding technologies

We offer the following injection molding services:

insert-molding

Insert molding

Insert molding involves the injection of molten thermoplastic around a pre-placed insert to create strong, durable prototype parts.

Overmolding

Overmolding is a process in which multiple shots of thermoplastic are injected over or around a substrate to create customized prototype parts.

Single cavity vs. multi cavity injection molding Listing

Multi-cavity/family molds

Multi-cavity molds and family molds, enable the production of multiple injection molded parts from a single shot of thermoplastic.

Design considerations

Unlock the potential of your injection molding prototyping project with the following design considerations, production materials, and finishing and post-processing options.

General process information
Maximum part size​800 x 800 x 400 mm
31.5 x 31.5 x 15.7 in
Minimum part size1 x 1 x 1 mm
0.04 x 0.04 x 0.04 in
ToleranceBest achievable tolerance: ±0.001″ (0.025mm)
Standard: ±0.005″ (0.127mm)
For larger part tolerances please contact a Fast Radius engineer
Lead timeAs low as 2 weeks for T1 samples
After T1 sample approval, lead time for < 10,000 parts is as low as 1 week
Tool validationStandard process is to produce a small set of T1 samples for approval before initiating full production
Maximum press size1600T
Minimum order size100 parts and $5000
Set-up fee$500 per mold per order (applies to sample runs after initial T1 samples or engineering changes)
Tooling information
Rapid toolingMolds with steel cavity and core with a shot life of 5,000-10,000 shots
Typically machined in 2 weeks
Production toolingSteel 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 moldsMultiple identical cavities or family of parts machined into a single tool
Allows for more parts to be produced per shot, minimizing unit costs
Insert moldingInserts 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
OvermoldingPremade parts are placed into the mold and molded over
Allows for multi-material injection molding
Injection molding materials
Most common materialsOther supported materialsAdditives and fiber
Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS)Nylon (PA 6, PA66, PA 12)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)Glass fibers
Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE)
Polystyrene (PS)
Polyvinyl chloride (PVC)
PEEK
POM (Acetal/Delrin)
Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET)
Thermoplastic Elastomer (TPE)
Thermoplastic Vulcanizate (TPV)
Polyetherimide (PEI)
Polysulfone (PSU)
Inquire for additional options
Colors, finishing, post-processing
ColorsFinishing and post-processing options
Pantone color matchingStandard SPI finishes (A2-D3)
RAL color matchingMold-tech textures also available
Pad printing
Inserts (insert molding)
Light assembly
Protective packaging / film

Get a quote for your injection molding prototyping project

Create a Fast Radius account for rapid quotes on prototype parts.

Why prototype with injection molding?

The injection molding process offers unique prototyping benefits:

Design freedom

Design freedom

Design prototypes with complete freedom, taking advantage of the full range of Fast Radius insert molding and overmolding capabilities.

Virtual iteration

Virtual iteration

Iterate your injection molding prototypes virtually on our Cloud Manufacturing Platform™ and work with Fast Radius engineers to optimize your design.

On demand

On-demand

Take your prototyping project from design to production quickly and cost-effectively, and manufacture parts on-demand for delivery to your location.

Plastic and rubber parts

Versatility

Choose from different thermoplastic materials to create your injection molding prototypes, and customize your parts with finishing and post-processing options.

Injection molding applications

Specialized parts

Injection molding is commonly used to create prototype parts for niche applications, including gaskets, filters, and brackets.

Ergonomic features

Take advantage of an array of customization options to create ergonomic features such as grips, buttons, and knobs, customized for end-uses.

Customer end-use

Design prototypes with high quality, durable features for customer end-use, including scissors, screwdrivers, remote control coverings, and case assemblies.

Aerospace and automotive

Injection molded parts can be manufactured to meet precise certification and functionality requirements for use in the aerospace and automotive industries.

Fast Radius manufacturing solutions

Fast Radius manufacturing solutions serve the needs of businesses across the industrial landscape. Explore our capabilities:

3D printing

Fast, scalable, and cost-effective 3D printing technology for a variety of industrial applications.

CNC machining

Automated CNC turning and 3-axis and 5-axis milling, using rotating drills, end mills, and lathes.

Injection molding

Cost-effective plastic injection molding for precision, high-volume production runs.

Urethane casting

Versatile mold-casting for the production of urethane parts customizable with colors and textures.