April 25, 2022

3D printing is a viable option in today’s world of manufacturing processes. It has become a growing competitor to injection molding as it advances in technology and becomes more cost effective. Some manufacturers may be hesitant to leave traditional injection molding behind, but there are benefits that are unique to 3D printing.

5 Benefits of 3D Printing Over Injection Molding

1. Quick Turnaround

The average 3D printing job takes one to two weeks. Depending on the industry, it can take as little as a few hours or days. Injection molding, on the other hand, can take several weeks longer for even simple parts, due to the mold design process.

2. Low Volume Runs

Injection molding manufacturers can be known for not wanting to do low or mid-volume runs. What happens if you don’t have a high-volume run of 1,000 parts or more? 3D printing is a good solution for even as few as 100 or less parts.

3. Frequent Design Changes

3D printing is the better choice when using a design that may have multiple changes. Appropriate alterations or corrections can be made with 3D CAD software as needed. Changes can even happen mid-print if a flaw is noticed, as the printer allows for spot adjustments. Conversely, injection molding requires finality before committing to a large-scale run.

4. Better Detail

3D printing allows for the creation of small parts with intricate design and detailed infrastructures, such as holes or cross-sections. Although injection molding can create rather detailed parts, ejection from the mold can sometimes cause imperfections.

5. Lower Entry cost

It is more cost effective to get started with 3D printing than injection molding. This is largely due to the fact that a mold is not required for production to begin.

In Conclusion

These advantages make 3D printing a strong player over injection molding. Keep in mind that there are a lot of factors that come into play that impact a 3D printing experience. Contact us to discuss your 3D printing needs.