Plastic Machining Vs Plastic Molding of Components

Recently, our company exhibited at a design show in New England. At the show, I could not help but notice how many engineers approached our booth and picked up our parts. They were attracted by the various shapes, the colors, and the way the overhead lights shown off the many sharp angles that only precision machining can produce. They each would turn the part over and over, show their companions, discuss among themselves, then every time, the visitor would look up and ask this same question:

"Are these parts injection molded?" "No, they are not" I would reply and sigh inwardly knowing that I was confronting yet another design engineer who believes that molded parts are more cost effective and a better choice.

It has been our experience and that of many of our customers', that precision machined plastic parts made to exacting specifications, not only save money, but saves time as well, by getting the device to market faster. When precise measurements, clear finishes and no burrs or metal contamination are critical requirements, then plastic machining is your best option.

Plastic machining has advantages worth considering.

* Greatest design change flexibility 

* Greatest cost efficiency for lower quantities 

* No parting lines, ejector marks or flash 

* No draft angles required 

* Closest tolerance possible 

* Lower component stress 

* Fastest turnaround time 

* Low or no tooling costs 

* Great material choices 

* Ease of producing features such as threads, undercuts and channels.

Of course there are applications for which only a molded plastic part will do. Cell phones, toys, computers. Millions and millions of these products are produced each day, and molded parts is the only way to keep costs down. However, for our customers in the medical device industry, the nuclear industry, or measurement and instrumentation, just to name a few, a precision machined plastic part, made to their exact specifications, meeting tolerances of +/-.0005, if need be, that has been inspected, individually packed, and is ready for assembly upon arrival, provides both the cost savings and peace of mind that molded parts cannot accomplish. Best of all, precision machined plastic parts can be counted on to fit into your device and work every time. 

injection mold china

Submitted by Tom Rohlfs, Vice-President of Connecticut Plastics, Inc. Wallingford, CT, 06492 USA. Our customers tell us what they expect from Connecticut Plastics, and we listen. We have a reputation for 100% quality and 100% on time delivery. We have been in business for 30 years. And we will be here for the next 30 years.