AIM Processing Small Plastic Parts Blog

Plastic injection molding is a very cost-effective way to produce high-quality parts. Even so, there are a number of things you can do to save even more money on a project without sacrificing anything in the finished product.

Use designs that minimize materials. Features like ribs and gussets can make a part stronger while using less material. Even a small reduction multiplied by the many parts in a production run and potentially many production runs can add up to big savings.

Ensure adequate draft. In injection molding, as in all manufacturing processes, time is money. Parts that have the appropriate amount of draft allow faster ejection from the mold and save precious seconds.

Consider mold longevity in your design. The more frequently you have to replace your molds, the higher your overall cost of producing parts. Consider the features of a mold that allow it to hold up over time as you design your parts.

Use materials that meet—but don’t grossly exceed—your needs. While it’s critical that your raw materials meet your requirements, using resins that go far above them or have qualities unnecessary to your project, is simply wasting money. Don’t skimp, but don’t splurge. Explain to your material provider what you are trying to accomplish but also let them know that you want to do so economically.

Produce as many parts at a time as possible. Spreading setup costs over a large number of parts results in a lower cost-per-piece.

Minimize secondary processes. Secondary processes like custom inserts, painting, etc. are necessary in some cases. In others, however, changes to design or materials can accomplish the same goals without the additional setup fees. The same is true for mechanisms. Many types of mechanisms, like living hinges for example, can be created in the molding process rather than after the fact.  

Choose the right shop. Plastic injection molders tend to have specific areas of expertise. Finding one whose specialty meets your needs ensures that you won’t be paying more to have a molder modify its processes to accommodate your requirements.