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DeutschVosfox Medical offers injection molding for lower volumes (1-10.000 pieces) of smaller parts, also called micro-molding. Low-volume components can be made with 3D printing (SLA) or injection molding. We help you in selecting the best technology for your application.
Our table-top injection molding machine is perfect for making low-volume parts. An article written about the comparison between 3D printing and injection molding, including a comparison between printed plastic molds and metal molds, can be found in our article section.
3D printing versus injection molding
Small-volume production is typically used for prototypes, specialised products, or niche products with limited market demand. Small-volume production can be done using traditional manufacturing techniques such as injection molding or with methods such as 3D printing.
Micro-molding has become increasingly popular in recent years, allowing smaller parts to be produced at a lower cost than traditional methods. This has made injection molding a more viable option for smaller production runs and has narrowed the gap between injection molding and 3D printing for low-volume production of small parts. Another upside of micro-molding is the possibility of scaling up the output to large volumes with an unchanged design.
Small-scale production in a cleanroom environment
We can place the machines inside or outside the cleanroom depending on the project and requirements. When the parts are made inside the cleanroom, we will package the components in sealed bags to avoid contamination. We will ensure that the particles released during production will not affect the Cleanroom classification or contaminate other products.
If the quantities you need outgrow our table-top molder in due time, we can discuss if we grow with you to a larger injection molding machine or if we support the transfer to another CMO.
Printed versus metal molds
Plastic molds are usually used for very low-volume injection molding. The exact number of products made from the mold depends on different aspects (material, temperature, shape, required accuracy), but one should think in the range of 100s before the mold is worn out. A printed mold usually offers a lower production speed and less accuracy than metal molds. The lead time for designing and making 3D-printed molds is much shorter than for metal molds. So, during prototyping and initial production, 3D-printed molds can be considered.
Metal molds are always used for high-volume production with one or multiple cavities per mold. Steel is more expensive than aluminium, but is also more durable. The accuracy of metal molds is higher than that of 3D-printed molds. The complexity of the part geometry, the desired tolerances, and the quantity will play a role in determining the choice of mold. Metal molds are known for their long lifespan (hundred-thousands or millions of cycles) and durability.
The lifespan of a mold depends on the mold material, the polymeric material being molded, the operating conditions, and the maintenance schedule. Aluminium molds are less expensive and can be used for medium-sized volumes of tens of thousands to a few hundred-thousands parts. Stainless Steel molds can best withstand the high temperatures and pressures required for injection molding.