plastic injection molding company

February 15, 2022

Injection Molding vs 3D Printing: Which Do I Use?


Technology has come so far in the past few years and there are now more options than ever before. With things like 3D printing and injection molding, there are tons of options out there and tons of wonderful tech that can make the process easier. Knowing the difference between 3D printing and injection molding can help you choose what is right for you.

What is 3D Printing?

3D printing is a process by which a 3D object is printed from a computer program. The object is printed with hot plastic or modeling material. These objects are fully three-dimensional and the process is really fascinating. 3D printers can be used to make things like retainers for teeth, small plastic parts, sculptures, and more. It makes it possible to print things that would have previously taken longer to make and that would have been much more expensive to create and manufacture all around.

What is Injection Molding?

Injection molding is another means of making a 3D object. With injection molding, a three-dimensional mold is made and the molding compound is forced into the mold and is allowed to then cool and be used. This process is great for making things like car parts and other parts that can be swapped out for plastic over fiberglass and metal. Plastic can be up to 30% lighter than things like fiberglass which can greatly improve fuel mileage. A great plastic injection molding company can make many parts very quickly.

What Are Both Used For?

3D printing is often used for objects that cannot be made with simple molds. With 3D printing, the object is likely to be solid, which means that it is not going to be super light or hollow. 3D printing can be used for making parts, sculptures, and more. Injection molding is often used to help make things like bumpers for cars, plastic parts, and more. Plastic injection modeling company options can make a big difference in the overall process.

Both methods are fantastic for making items out of plastic and for making items very quickly. These methods have come so far since they were invented, and they are now faster, more efficient, and easier than ever before. This is a fantastic means of making parts that are going to be easy to use and simple all around. You can find out more about a plastic injection molding company to see how they work.