Projects requiring completion often seem challenged by the lack of knowledge of developers that don’t have a clear idea of how they should manage the process to get them done. Many of them still hold on to the old ways of manufacturing using manual tooling to create prototypes that are very precise at first glance but not cost-effective at all.
The fact is that this true and tried method of the past it’s also time-consuming and any imperfections in the final mold will cost quite a chunk of the proposed budget of the project. Most of these people are the ones that think that plastic injection molding is too expensive and that it doesn’t have the same quality value as the old manufacturing process. Fortunately, the overwhelming evidence offered by modern tooling technology points to the contrary.
The Tooling Used on Both Methods
Some of the key differences between plastic manufacturing and plastic injection molding stem from the fact that while both procedures can be useful on their own terms, they are better suited for specific needs.
The fabrication of plastics pieces can be done with modern technology, but most of it it’s focused on manual labor (saw cutters, laser cutters, fastening processors) most of these devices are versatile and useful to create a prototype, but the human touch will place the occasional mistake on the final prototype.
By using specialized software, plastic injection molding can use 3D printing technology to create a prototype much faster and in accordance to the requested specs.
Time Constrain and Costs
Another problem with manual manufacturing is presented when it comes to quite a few limitations. The most noticeable one being how time-consuming the process can be and how this issue can affect a project, especially if the goal is to create a part that is destined for mass production.
If you are running on a tight schedule, you need an automated process that works independently from human restrains. If the project somehow involves the creation of assembled parts, working with plastic injection molding is just the right way to go when you consider the fact that the machines can create an increased number of parts per cycle and advanced models can assemble them for prompt delivery.
Making the Transition
The transition from an established manufacturing method is always hard, but embracing the new means to improve your molding project should never be discarded. Manual manufacturing in these modern times leads to increased costs, and there is way too much room for mistakes while the new molding plastic technology leaves little room for error and delivers the products in accordance to your specifications and schedule.
The digital signature of the process makes revisions much easier to handle and testing out a prototype can be done in a matter of hours instead of days. Of course, it would be irresponsible to discard classic tooling, but this method is best suited for more detailed tasks requiring human touches such as art pieces or modern collectibles.