Key Benefits of Low Volume Injection Molding

Plastic injection molding is one of the major processes in rapid manufacturing. It is a rapidly evolving model enabling faster production to market times. However, the traditional process is not as fast as you would like it.

The plastic market demands, in some ways, contradict the nature of production. The complexity of mold design may further increase the time needed to make the parts. However, low volume injection molding helps to address these problems effectively. Here are some of the advantages of low volume manufacturing methods:

Saves Costs

There is this popular belief that buying products often saves money. This not always true in some cases. Where it may be the case for household items, it may not be the same for construction items. In terms of manufacturing, the cost per unit depends highly on the materials used in the production. In some cases, large volume manufacturing companies may impose some minimum order requirements. They do this to offset large production investments and cover costs.

On the other hand, low-volume manufacturing often comes with much lower overheads. In this case, manufacturers can make products without demanding minimum order. Therefore, if you’re looking to get small batch plastic manufacturing, this can really be helpful. You will also avoid getting products from an outdated inventory. All of these translates to effective cost-saving.

Fastens Time to Market

Most of the manufacturing process today aims at getting products to the market as fast as possible. The market is highly competitive, leading to increased pressure to create high-quality parts within a short period. Markets such as the medical industry require products to meet FDA regulations. Therefore, improving efficiency and developing quality products in little time is crucial.

Low-volume injection molding helps to improve the efficiency of plastic part production. It works with a system that helps in a faster quotation of orders. The software also reviews the part design to ensure accurate and quick production.

Flexibility in Design

Low volume injection molding involves manufacturing smaller quantities in the short run. Therefore, there won’t be any major impact if a company decides to modify or alter the design. That way, the product can be perfect before it gets to the consumer.

A quality prototype injection molding process provides immediate feedback to help improve manufacturability. It enables the testing of new concepts in various industries before the mass production of parts.

Effective Inventory Management

Committing to higher quantities may wreak havoc on a company’s bottom line. Excess inventory will require more storage space, lower productivity, and you may need to dispose of some of the unsold products.

Small series injection molding helps to avoid the consequences of an excess inventory. It allows you to work at a range closer to the required quantities. This way, inventory management will be more straightforward.

Bridge for Scale

If a company plans to have a mass-produced product, low volume plastic manufacturing is the way to start. It helps to bridge the production gap between prototyping and production. Low volume injection molding brings a feasible prototype to production without requiring too much commitment. It also helps to fine-tune the product and the process.