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Injection Molding vs. Thermoforming: What’s Better?

March 04, 2024

Manufacturing plastic parts can be executed several ways – but the two most common are injection molding and thermoforming.

Both injection molding and thermoforming use thermoplastics and can produce similar end results – however, they differ in tooling costs and lead time.

What is Injection Molding?

Injection molding is the process of heating thermoplastics into a liquid and then injecting into a mold. This requires a custom mold and tooling for production, and can be costly for short run or lower volume parts. It also has a longer lead time because of the cost of creating a custom injection mold.

 

 

Thermoforming is the process of heating sheets of thermoplastics to be pliable, and then molded into shape using suction from a vacuum. The part can then be modified further with cnc trimming or even hand trimming for the right applications. 

Related Content: What to Know About Thermoforming Molds

Quick Comparison

Is Injection Molding or Thermoforming Better? 

The answer depends on the part design and volume of the project. Injection molding is better for high-volume parts that are smaller and thermoforming is better for lower-volume and larger parts. Thermoforming tooling is much lower in cost so it is a great manufacturing method for many applications.  

Consult the ICP team for a design review and budgetary quote to see where thermoforming falls in line with your next project.   

Related Content: Thermoforming in a Nutshell

Thermoforming with ICP

Since 1955, ICP has grown to become an award-winning leader in prototyping, developing, and manufacturing high-quality plastic and flexible products. The foundation of our company is our absolute, unyielding commitment to high-quality work and on-time delivery.

Contact us and speak with an engineer about your project at (612) 781-2255, or request a quote online. You will receive a prompt response.

 


Industrial Custom Products is a one-stop-shop for custom manufacturing and plastic fabrication, including: prototyping and product development, die cutting and dieless knife cutting, thermoforming and vacuum forming, large part thermoforming, CNC plastic routing, fabrication and assembly and drape forming.

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