In the manufacturing industry, low volume injection molding has become an essential process for businesses that need small to medium quantities of plastic parts without the high costs of traditional mass production. This method bridges the gap between prototyping and full-scale manufacturing, offering flexibility, affordability, and efficiency.
This article explores the benefits, applications, and key considerations of low volume injection molding, helping businesses determine if it’s the right solution for their production needs.
Low volume injection molding refers to the process of producing plastic parts in smaller quantities, typically ranging from hundreds to a few thousand units. Unlike high-volume manufacturing, which requires expensive steel molds and long lead times, low volume injection molding often uses aluminum or soft tooling to reduce costs and speed up production.
Traditional injection molding requires expensive steel molds, making it impractical for small production runs. Low volume injection molding uses softer materials like aluminum, significantly lowering tooling costs.
Since aluminum molds are quicker to manufacture than steel molds, businesses can get their products to market faster. This is especially beneficial for startups and companies testing new designs.
Modifying a steel mold is costly and time-consuming. With low volume injection molding, adjustments can be made more easily, allowing for iterative improvements before committing to large-scale production.