If you can’t decide whether to use 3D printing or injection molding for your project, you’ve come to the right place. We will cover what these technologies are, along with their pros and cons, so that you can better decide which is suitable for your work.
Let’s dive into it!
Pros and Cons of 3D Printing:
3D printing is changing how we view manufacturing. Companies are now incorporating 3D printing in their manufacturing processes, aiming for a competitive advantage. Here are some pros and cons of using the technology:
Pros:
Easy to Make Edits:
3D printers allow you to make amends in your prototype. As it is an additive technology, you can see any edits and make them accordingly. 3D printers also allow you to stop the process at any point and continue from where you left off. This comes in handy if you need a quick fix for your project or prototype.
Creates Intricate Designs:
3D printers are awesome at replicating the most complicated designs. Because they create the pattern by layering, they can easily copy intricate designs, which helps create a more elaborate prototype.
Low Cost:
3D printing does not produce material waste at all. That makes it money-saving. Also, you can make adjustments to your printed product and don’t have to create a new model every time.
Con:
Small Volume:
A 3D printer only works in a certain area at a given time. Because of that, the build volume of your final project is always limited. You can’t create articles with large surface areas using a 3D printer. However, it works excellent for models or prototypes that do not need to be life-sized.
Pros and Cons of Injection Molding:
Injection molding is another manufacturing process that produces sturdier products compared to 3D printing. Molten material, usually plastic, is pumped through pipes and shaped into objects that need to be created. Here are some pros and cons of injection molding:
Pros:
Mass Production:
Injection molding is designed in a way that it can make use of economies of scale. This means that with every increasing unit of the product, its cost decreases. Hence, if you need a batch of items that need to be produced simultaneously, injection molding is your way to go.
Sturdy Products:
While 3D printing is great at creating intricate designs, injection molding creates objects that have much more strength and can bear wear and tear. This is due to the material that is used in its production—mainly plastics or metals.
Con:
Not Big on Design:
As the name suggests, injection molding makes use of molds to create the end product. This restricts the intricacies of your design.
Whether you need a 3D printed prototype or an injection molded model, you can count on us to deliver the best quality and fastest service. We offer services worldwide, so contact us to get a free quote today!
