Process Comparison

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Property Name   Injection Molding
ShapesThin-walled: Cylindrical, Thin-walled: Cubic, Thin-walled: Complex
(Flat)
 
Part sizeEnvelope: 0.01 in³ - 80 ft³
Weight: 0.5 oz - 55 lb
 
MaterialsThermoplastics
(Composites, Elastomer, Thermosets)
 
Surface finish - Ra (μin)4 - 16
(1 - 32)
 
Tolerance (in.)± 0.008
(± 0.002)
 
Max wall thickness0.03 - 0.25
(0.015 - 0.5)
 
Quantity10000 - 1000000
(1000 - 1000000)
 
Lead timeMonths
(Weeks)
 
AdvantagesCan form complex shapes and fine details, Excellent surrface finish, Good dimensional accuracy, High production rate, Low labor cost, Scrap can be recycled 
DisadvantagesLimited to thin walled parts, High tooling and equipment cost, Long lead time possible 
ApplicationsHousings, containers, caps, fittings 
Typical values shown first (Feasible values in parentheses)

Disclaimer: All process specifications reflect the approximate range of a process's capabilities and should be viewed only as a guide. Actual capabilities are dependent upon the manufacturer, equipment, material, and part requirements.