The low volume injection molding process begins with the creation of a custom-designed injection mold. The mold is then mounted onto an injection molding machine, where thermoplastic pellets are fed into a heated barrel within the machine, where they are melted to a liquid state. The molten plastic is then injected under high pressure into the mold cavity, conforming to its shape and intricacies.

Compare the tooling costs and lead times associated with each method. Low volume injection molding typically requires the fabrication of aluminum molds, which offer cost savings and shorter lead times compared to steel molds used in traditional injection molding. Thermoforming molds are also cost-effective and can be fabricated more swiftly due to their single-sided design and lightweight materials.

Thankfully, domestic plastic mold manufacturers have sought to alleviate these challenges by providing streamlined processes, reducing costs while also providing the responsiveness and timeliness that businesses depend on.

Thermoforming often utilizes lightweight aluminum molds, minimizing both tooling costs and lead times. Thermoforming molds are typically single-sided and can be fabricated more swiftly due to the material's malleability, making it an efficient and cost-effective alternative to traditional injection molding.

Our highly-experienced personnel follow an SPC (statistical process control) system to maintain the highest standards of performance. Our team is capable of building high-production custom plastic molds and provides quick responses when mold repair and maintenance become necessary. Combined with our efficient equipment, we can complete your job and have it properly packaged and delivered well within schedule.

Streamline offers a full 3D CAD (computer-assisted design)/CAM (computer-assisted manufacturing) linked to SolidWorks modeling software. We can move seamlessly from mold design to the production of custom-molded plastic parts. Our 40,000-sq. ft. facility is capable of a complete lights-out, fully automated operation.

This approach not only reduces initial investment but also enhances the overall flexibility and scalability of the thermoforming process, making it well-suited for low to mid-volume production runs.

Low volume injection molding offers several distinct advantages that make it a preferred choice for small to medium-sized production runs:

Consider the anticipated production volume for your project. Low volume injection molding is typically suited for production runs of fewer than 10,000 pieces, making it ideal for smaller quantities. Thermoforming, on the other hand, offers flexibility for both low to mid-volume production runs, with the ability to scale up or down as needed.

With a commitment to precision, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness, our injection molding company specializes in providing comprehensive solutions tailored to your unique plastic part needs. Whether you're aiming for intricate details with low volume injection molding or seeking the versatility of thermoforming, our expertise ensures that you can make informed decisions to propel your project forward with confidence.

Take into account the size and weight of the parts you need to produce. Thermoforming is well-suited for forming large parts with minimal material thinning, making it ideal for applications requiring lightweight yet durable components. Low volume injection molding can also accommodate a range of part sizes but may be more suitable for smaller, more intricate parts.

Twin sheet forming is an advanced technique where two plastic sheets are heated simultaneously and formed together to create a hollow, double-walled structure, offering enhanced strength, insulation, and structural integrity for applications such as automotive components, farming equipment, outdoor furniture, and more.

Streamline Plastics provides cost-effective custom injection-molded plastics without sacrificing quality or responsiveness. You can trust us with all or part of a project, from the design phase all the way to packaging and shipping. We are a true turnkey operation with much to offer:

Get started today by receiving a free quote tailored to your project for plastic parts and products. Contact us now by calling us at  919-404-2080 or filling out the online contact form. Don't delay—unlock the potential of custom plastics manufacturing with us today.

Advanced Plastiform offers guidance on the optimal manufacturing process to maximize efficiency and cost-effectiveness for low run, plastic parts.

Low volume injection molding, also known as "short-run manufacturing," serves as the vital bridge between product prototyping and high-volume production, catering to orders typically fewer than 10,000 pieces.

Traditional plastic injection molding is renowned for its high-volume manufacture but entails significant upfront costs, primarily due to tooling expenses. Injection molds, usually crafted from steel or copper alloy, endure the intense pressures of the injection process, necessitating intricate and heavyweight designs, thereby escalating fabrication costs and lead times.

Low volume injection molding finds application across a wide range of industries where precision, flexibility, and cost-effectiveness are paramount. Some of the key industries utilizing low volume injection molding include medical, telecommunications, consumer packaging, and more.

Thermoforming boasts several advantages that make it an attractive plastic manufacturing method for low- to mid-volume production:

After cooling, the mold opens, and the newly formed plastic part is ejected. Depending on the complexity of the part and the requirements of the project, secondary operations such as trimming, machining, or assembly may be performed to achieve the final desired product.

Consider your project timeline and production speed requirements. Thermoforming typically offers faster lead times and shorter production cycles compared to low volume injection molding, making it a preferred choice for rapid prototyping and quick-turn projects. However, if precision and tight tolerances are critical, low volume injection molding may be the better option despite longer lead times.

Whether you need 1,000 or 100,000 custom plastic components, the thermoforming experts at Advanced Plastiform Inc. will work with you to determine the best method of manufacturing to provide you with the durable, high-quality plastics you need. This includes prioritizing a low per-unit price with as quick a lead time as possible.

Vacuum forming involves suctioning out the air between the plastic sheet and the tool to ensure a snug fit, ideal for larger pieces with less intricate details. Conversely, pressure forming utilizes highly pressurized air to blast the plastic sheet while simultaneously applying vacuum suction, allowing for sharper angles and finer details, making it a compelling alternative to injection molding.

Choosing between low volume injection molding or thermoforming methods requires careful consideration of various factors to ensure the optimal manufacturing solution for your specific project requirements.

Producing custom molded plastics can be costly, particularly when done in-house. Many manufacturers contract out to custom plastic molding companies, entrusting them with either all or simply a portion of the assembly process.

From the start, Streamline offers tremendous value, starting with the design phase. Many custom plastic parts get bogged down during this critical step. Streamline Plastics is eager to contribute during the design phase. We’re capable of taking your very basic napkin sketches and converting them into 3D models to the production of custom plastic molds.

Navigating the realm of manufacturing processes can be a daunting task, especially when considering options like low volume injection molding or thermoforming. At Advanced Plastiform Inc., we understand the critical importance of choosing the right method for your project.

We proudly serve the Mid-Atlantic and Southeast, including North Carolina, South Carolina,  Pennsylvania, Maryland, Tennessee, Georgia, and Virginia.

Thermoforming is a versatile manufacturing process involving the heating of large plastic sheets until pliable, which are then shaped around a custom-fabricated aluminum tool.

Evaluate the complexity of the parts you need to manufacture. Low volume injection molding excels in producing parts with intricate details, tight tolerances, and complex geometries, making it suitable for applications requiring high precision. Thermoforming is better suited for larger parts with simpler geometries, although pressure forming techniques can achieve finer details compared to traditional vacuum forming.

Some businesses go so far as to hire overseas companies. But what they may recover in labor costs is overshadowed by the slow responsiveness of the contracted custom plastics company, as well as costly delays in shipping and delivery.

Streamline plastics manufactures the custom molded plastics expected from a leading plastic parts company. We offer plastic injection molding and insert plastic molding tailored to solve your custom plastic mold challenges. Contact a Streamline Plastics representative to receive a quote for your latest molding project.

Consider the material requirements for your parts. Both low volume injection molding and thermoforming offer versatility in material selection, with a wide range of thermoplastic resins available. Evaluate factors such as material properties, performance requirements, and cost to determine the most suitable material for your application.

Since 1988, Advanced Plastiform, Inc., has been providing superior custom plastic molding and fabrication services to companies in North Carolina, South Carolina, Maryland, Georgia and Pennsylvania. Contact us to make an appointment Mon-Fri 8-5.

In contrast, low volume injection molding often employs aluminum molds, operating at lower pressures to safeguard against mold damage. This strategic choice significantly reduces tooling costs by 5 to 25 percent, with aluminum's malleability facilitating quicker mold creation, thereby expediting the overall injection molding process timeline.