Plastic Parts

Molding vs. Machining

Volume and tolerances are two of the major factors in deciding whether to machine or mold a plastic part. In general, you should consider plastic machining when lower volumes or tolerances - or both - are needed.

For example, plastic molding, under normal circumstances, yields tolerances around +/- .005". Machined parts, on the other hand, can be produced down to +/- .001", depending on material.

Quantities between 100 and 1,000 - on some parts even up to 5,000 - are usually good candidates for conventional machining. Screw machining of plastics is practical from 500 pieces all the way up to 100,000 pieces, depending on the part.

The major variable is the tool cost. An average injection molding tool will generally cost you between $15,000 and $25,000, but a very large or complex tool could cost much more than that - perhaps as high as $100,000.

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