Injection Molding vs Thermoforming
See when each manufacturing method makes sense for your project.
Injection Molding Services
Injection molding is a highly versatile and efficient manufacturing technology with high production rates.
By injecting molten material into a mold cavity, this process enables the creation of complex shapes and intricate details with remarkable precision. Additional benefits include consistent quality, design flexibility, and cost-effectiveness.
How Injection Molding Works
First, a mold is prepared, usually made of steel or aluminum, to form the desired part shape. The mold consists of two halves – the cavity and the core – precisely machined to create the desired geometry.
Next, plastic pellets, typically made of thermoplastic materials, are melted and injected into the mold under high pressure. The molten plastic fills the cavity, taking the shape of the mold.
After cooling and solidification, the mold opens, and the finished part is removed for finishing.
Injection Molding Use Cases
Various industries use injection molding extensively, as the technology offers a high-quality, cost-effective manufacturing solution.
This technology produces components such as dashboards, interior trim, and exterior body parts in the automotive industry. In consumer electronics, injection molding manufactures smartphones, electronic housings, and more. Other sectors, such as aerospace, packaging, and consumer goods, also leverage this technology to create custom parts and consumer products.
Injection Molding by the Numbers
Max Build Size
Up to several meters in the longest dimension
Lead Times
Starting at 21 days
Minimum Wall Thickness
max 0.05 mm (strongly dependent on material and boundary conditions)
Dimensional Accuracy
+/- 0.1 % (minimum 0.1 mm)
Working with MakerVerse and leveraging their extensive eco-system to support on demand parts requirements has allowed us to be more responsive and agile.
Quan Lac
Vice President of Additive Manufacturing at Siemens Energy
Source Industrial-Grade Injection Molded Parts
MakerVerse gives you the flexibility to source parts however you need. Get fast quotes and quickly order parts with on-demand manufacturing. Our team of experts will work with you for large or complex orders to develop, align, and supervise a manufacturing quality plan from start to finish.
On-Demand Manufacturing
- Fast quoting and DFM checks
- Short lead times
- Easy and intuitive order placement
Production Orders
- Expert support from end-to-end
- Comprehensive manufacturing and quality plan
- Guaranteed quality meeting advanced specifications
Popular Injection Molding Finishes
Pad printing
Pad printing applies detailed designs, logos, or markings on the surface of injection-molded parts. This process is done by transferring ink onto the part using a specially designed printing pad.
Painted
Painting offers a wide range of color options. Furthermore, different painting techniques and high-quality coatings can achieve various effects, such as glossy, matte, metallic, or textured finishes.
Polishing
This process involves gradually smoothing the surface using abrasive materials or compounds, resulting in a glossy finish that highlights the fine details of the printed object.
Surface texturing
Surface texturing techniques create specific patterns or textures on the surface of injection-molded parts, enhancing their functionality, aesthetics, or grip.
Painted
Painting offers a wide range of color options. Furthermore, different painting techniques and high-quality coatings can achieve various effects, such as glossy, matte, metallic, or textured finishes.
Polishing
This process involves gradually smoothing the surface using abrasive materials or compounds, resulting in a glossy finish that highlights the fine details of the printed object.
Surface texturing
Surface texturing techniques create specific patterns or textures on the surface of injection-molded parts, enhancing their functionality, aesthetics, or grip.
Pad printing
Pad printing applies detailed designs, logos, or markings on the surface of injection-molded parts. This process is done by transferring ink onto the part using a specially designed printing pad.
Popular Injection Molding Materials
Injection molding offers a wide range of epoxyresins designed to be equivalents to the thermoplastic materials used in other manufacturing technologies. Some of the most popular options include:
ABS Elastomers (such as TPU) PA PC PP ABS ABS
Main characteristics
ABS, or acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, combines strength and durability with low weight and a high load capacity. The material provides a good compromise between mechanical properties, cost, and accuracy.Use cases
Thanks to its versatility and affordable price, ABS is used widely used across industries. Elastomers (such as TPU)Elastomers (such as TPU)
Main characteristics
TPU and other elastomers offer high elasticity or shock absorption.Use cases
These materials are often used for energy-absorbing parts produced for safety – such as helmets. PA PA
Main characteristics
PA, or polyamide, provides excellent mechanical properties. Its high ductility and impact strength make it interesting for functional parts in various industries such as automotive.Use cases
Typical usage would be interior parts for automotive, functional prototypes, and in the medical industry. PCPC
Main characteristics
Polycarbonate (PC) combines good mechanical properties such as impact resistance, strength, rigidity, and hardness. It can also withstand high temperatures and offers high dimensional stability.Use cases
PC is typically used for cases of any kind. PPPP
Main characteristics
Polypropylene (PP) offers high strength and toughness combined with a light weight. This material also has low moisture absorption.Use cases
PP is a relatively inexpensive material often used in everything from electronic components to everyday household goods, such as storage containers.Looking for any specific materials?
We are constantly expanding and you can request specific materials going beyond our current standardized offering. Simply select “Other Material” in the order process and provide us your desired specifications in the comment section. You can reach out to us with your specific material requests at any time under support@makerverse.com
Injection Molding Resources
Injection Molding vs. Vacuum Casting
Find out which technology is best for strength, speed, and costs.
On-Demand Manufacturing for Injection Molding
From cost savings to flexibility and beyond.
The Guide to Injection Molding Prototyping
Efficient prototyping with injection molding.
Let’s build together
Schedule a consultation with our specialists to kickstart your project.