Injection molding services are an efficient way to create a large number of plastic components, thanks to their repeatability and relatively low costs for thousands of parts. But what about creating a few hundred parts, or even fewer?
Low volume injection molding services are achievable, but is it right for your project? Agape Plastics lists out a few considerations to thoroughly examine before electing for this service.
Defining the Project’s Parameters and Low Volume
Manufacturers have varying definitions of what constitutes low volume for a project. Standard injection molding services can create hundreds of thousands of components in a single production run because of how repeatable the services are.
Low volume can mean anywhere from a few dozen prototypes to roughly 10,000-20,000 parts. Knowing the demands of your project, including the needs and intended market for your component, is critical in determining if low volume is right for you and your customers.
Advantages of Low Volume Injection Molding
Many customers will opt for low volume injection molding services if they have design changes but want to see a physical product in order to determine which design is best suited for a potential mass production run.
Utilizing low volume injection molding services also means lower tooling costs due to material options and part-per-cost totals. And since there are fewer components being created, low volume production runs are faster, taking just a couple of weeks to create the components.
When Low Volume Services Are Right For You
There are a few instances where low volume injection molding services are right for you and your team. If your project fits into one of these categories, consider opting for a smaller run.
- Functional prototyping or market testing products
- Need products made of thermoplastics, which are the material used for standard injection molding runs
- Bridge production runs
- Connecting extremely low production runs — using 3D printing to create only a few components — to utilizing standard injection molding
- Short runs or seasonal products
- Limited time use but high demand
Contact Agape Plastics for Your Low Volume Injection Molding Needs
Agape Plastics got its start in 1973 by creating injection molded components for customers in and around Grand Rapids, Michigan.
Since then, we’ve evolved into one of the industry leaders in injection molding services across the country. Whether you need a standard run, or you’re just getting started and want to see what a few thousand products would look like, Agape Plastics is here for you.
Contact us today and partner with one of the leading injection molders in the United States.