10 Questions You Should to Know about custom plastic injection molding

Questions are a good thing. Ask better questions, get better answers.

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You’re a busy designer or engineer, and when you meet with an injection molding supplier, no doubt you’ll have questions about the process and the quality of the finished project. But to make the best decision, you need to know more. You need to be sure you’re asking the right questions.

We’ve narrowed it down to 10 critical questions you should ask before beginning any injection molding project. Armed with these questions, you’ll be ready to start your next project on the right track. No wasted time, no surprises.

After watching this short video, you’ll be better equipped to discuss your next project design with prospective injection molding suppliers.

Do you need to dig deeper into the injection molding process and research the options available?

We’ve created a handbook for designers and engineers, to give you a complete understanding of the process of designing injection molded parts.We started with the 10 Critical Questions in the video, and provided expanded information on what this means to your project.

In the handbook you’ll learn more about:

• Designer and Supplier Considerations from goals to ownership and deadlines
• Choosing the Right Injection Molding Technology for Your Application
• Preliminary Design Specifications including material selection, use environment and compliance
• Logistics and Processes from costs to testing

Designing Injection Molded Parts: A Handbook for Designers & Engineers also includes a checklist, so you can have your expectations defined. You’ll speak the language, and be ready with your goals, design specifications and cost considerations. Download the handbook today.

Your injection molding project will hit the ground running.

Choosing the right custom injection molding provider is crucial. Whether you need to manufacture a medical device, consumer product, or automotive part, asking the right questions can help ensure you get consistent quality, competitive costs, and an efficient process from start to finish.

What are the key things to know? This blog post was written to provide helpful insights. Here are the top 10 questions to guide your decision when evaluating a custom plastic injection molding partner.

1. WHAT EXPERIENCE DO YOU HAVE IN CUSTOM INJECTION MOLDING?

Experience is key to creating custom-molded parts, regardless of whether they’re small and intricate or large and durable. Look for an injection molding company with expertise in your sector. This means identifying a company that not only has been providing injection molding service for many years but also employs engineering experts with a wealth of knowledge.

A team with years of experience in custom injection molding and familiarity with your industry can better navigate challenges associated with mold design, tooling, and production of high-quality parts that meet your unique needs and exact specifications.

2. WHAT MATERIALS CAN YOU USE IN THE PLASTIC INJECTION MOLDING PROCESS?

The choice of resin used in plastic injection molds determines the final product’s durability, flexibility, and performance. Ensure your provider works with a wide range of materials such as:

• High-density polyethylene (HDPE)
• Linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE)
• Polypropylene (PP)
• Nylon (PA)
• Acrylic (PMMA)
• Acetal (POM)
• Kostrate / polycarbonate (PC)
• Polystyrene (PS)
• Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS)
• Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU)
• TPR Thermoplastic Rubber (TPR)

A company that utilizes a variety of plastic materials and has in-depth knowledge of their properties will be able to make suggestions to ensure your custom plastic product has the right properties and can be manufactured as efficiently and affordably as possible.

3. CAN YOU PROVIDE DESIGN ASSISTANCE OR PROTOTYPING SUPPORT?

Efficient injection mold design is crucial for the success of any project. Ask if your provider offers value-added services like computer-aided design (CAD) and prototyping services to test your designs before mass production.

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Providers with a CNC machine and 3D printer can quickly create prototypes, helping refine the design for consistent quality during the manufacturing process.

4. WHAT IS YOUR TYPICAL LEAD TIME FOR PRODUCTION?

A provider with state-of-the-art equipment, reliable manufacturing processes, and quick cycle times can ensure you’ll meet production deadlines. Discuss their typical lead times and whether they can accommodate your project demands.

Delays in tooling or the plastic injection molding process can impact your entire supply chain.

5. DO YOU OFFER LOW-VOLUME OR HIGH-VOLUME PRODUCTION OPTIONS?

Not every project demands large-scale production. Whether you need low-cost prototypes or high-volume production, your provider should offer flexible solutions tailored to your requirements.

This is especially important for custom plastic parts with tight tolerances or complex geometries, which may require specialized molds or low-volume production runs for initial testing.

6. HOW DO YOU PROVIDE QUALITY ASSURANCE THROUGHOUT THE PROCESS?

Producing high-quality products requires proven quality assurance (QA). Look for providers that assure quality by following a thorough process with checks and optimizations at every step from start to finish. This process should be carried out by industry experts who can identify and resolve potential issues that machines may miss.

A potential manufacturing partner must be able to meet or exceed industry standards and adhere to specific industry certifications. When vetting a company, ask about their experience with your industry and what they do to ensure your exact specifications are met.

7. CAN YOU SHARE EXAMPLES OR CASE STUDIES OF PAST WORK?

A reliable injection molding supplier should have a portfolio of successful projects or case studies. Ask about industry-specific examples to learn about their expertise in action.

For example, a case study on creating custom plastic parts for the aerospace industry or injection molds for medical devices can showcase their ability to meet stringent requirements to satisfy customer needs.

8. WHAT COSTS SHOULD I EXPECT AND ARE THERE ANY HIDDEN FEES?

Understanding the full cost of your injection molding project is essential for budgeting. Costs typically include:

• Tooling and mold design
• Material costs
• Production and finishing costs

Ask for a transparent quote and discuss any potential hidden fees, such as maintenance costs for injection molds or secondary processes like CNC machining.

9. WHAT INDUSTRIES DO YOU SERVE AND CAN YOU HANDLE MY SPECIFIC NEEDS?

Providers with experience across diverse industries are better equipped to handle unique challenges. They will have a variety of experiences from which to draw which can give you confidence they can complete your project efficiently, on budget, and to your exact specifications.

Injection-molded products can be used in a variety of industries:

• Automotive
• Medical
• Consumer products
• Electronics
• Construction
• Packaging and storage
• And more

10. WHAT SETS YOU APART FROM OTHER INJECTION MOLDING COMPANIES?

Finally, after you ask all the other questions and are satisfied with the answers, you can give the company a chance to tell you what makes them unique and better than their competitors. Is their manufacturing technology more advanced? Do they offer faster lead times? Are their value-added services more diverse and better? Do they provide the best overall value?

Getting an overview of their unique selling propositions (USPs) will help you assess whether they’re the right partner for your next injection molding project.

READY TO FIND YOUR IDEAL CUSTOM PLASTIC INJECTION MOLDING PROVIDER?

Finding the right custom injection molding provider starts with asking the right questions. From understanding their expertise in plastic injection molding to ensuring they can meet your part quality and budget requirements, these questions will help you make an informed choice.