Test real molded parts before committing to production tooling with injection molding prototypes. Aluminum prototype molds and molding trials confirm part design, material, and process.
ISO 9001:2015 | ISO 13485:2016 | IATF 16949:2016
| Comparison Factor | Plastic Injection | Insert Molding | Over Molding | Silicone Rubber Molding |
| Best For | Standard plastic parts | Parts with metal or other inserts | Soft-touch or multi-material parts | Flexible, heat-resistant rubber parts |
| Typical Materials | ABS, PC, PP, nylon, POM | Plastic with metal inserts | Rigid plastic with TPE/TPU | LSR and solid silicone |
| Typical Applications | Housings, covers, clips | Threaded inserts, connectors, electronics | Grips, seals, handles | Seals, medical and personal-care parts |
ABS is a tough, easy-to-mold thermoplastic with a good surface finish, widely used for housings and consumer products.
Good impact strength
Good surface finish and paintability
Cost-effective
General-purpose, flame-retardant, high-impact
Housings, enclosures, consumer products, automotive interior parts
Texturing, painting, plating, laser engraving
PC is a transparent, high-impact thermoplastic with good heat resistance, suited to lenses, covers, and structural parts.
Very high impact strength
Transparent options
Good heat resistance
General, flame-retardant, glass-filled, PC/ABS blends
Lenses, covers, electrical housings, medical devices
Polishing, hard coating, painting
PP is a lightweight, chemically resistant plastic with good fatigue resistance, often used for living hinges and containers.
Low density and low cost
Excellent chemical resistance
Good fatigue resistance
Homopolymer, copolymer, filled grades
Containers, caps, hinges, automotive parts
Texturing, printing
Nylon offers strength, wear resistance, and heat resistance, and can be glass-filled for added stiffness.
High strength and wear resistance
Good heat resistance
Glass-filled grades available
PA6, PA66, PA6+GF, PA66+GF
Gears, clips, structural parts, connectors
Natural, dyed, texturing
POM is a stiff, low-friction plastic with excellent dimensional stability for precision mechanical parts.
Low friction and high stiffness
Excellent dimensional stability
Good wear resistance
Homopolymer, copolymer
Gears, bearings, precision mechanical parts
Natural, dyed
Elastomers are used for soft-touch grips, seals, and flexible parts; liquid silicone rubber (LSR) suits medical and personal-care applications.
Soft, rubber-like feel
Good sealing performance
Suitable for over-molding
TPE, TPU, LSR (confirmed during project review)
Grips, seals, gaskets, wearable products, medical parts
Texturing, color matching
| Finishing Option | Typical Effect | Suitable Materials | Typical Use |
| Standard Mold Finish | Machined or lightly polished mold surface. | All plastics | Internal and functional parts |
| Texturing | Etched texture that hides flow lines and adds grip. | ABS, PC, PP, nylon | Housings, handles, consumer products |
| High-Gloss Polish | Mirror-like surface. | ABS, PC, PMMA | Lenses, visible covers |
| Painting & Plating | Colored or metallic cosmetic finish. | ABS, PC/ABS | Consumer electronics, automotive trim |
| Pad Printing & Laser Engraving | Logos, icons, and markings. | Most plastics | Buttons, panels, branded parts |
| Capability | Typical Value |
| General Tolerances | Typically ±0.05–0.1 mm, depending on part size and material |
| Tooling Lead Time | Confirmed after DFM review and mold design |
| Prototype Parts | Quick-turn samples through prototype tooling |
| Order Quantity | Flexible; from low volume to mass production |
Injection molding prototyping uses quick-turn prototype tooling, often aluminum, to make molded parts in the intended production material. Choose it for pre-production samples and design validation.
A range of materials is available, including ABS, Polycarbonate (PC), Polypropylene (PP), Nylon (PA), POM (Acetal), TPE / TPU / Silicone. The best choice depends on strength, appearance, operating environment, and budget. Our engineers can help you select the right one during the quote review.
Achievable tolerances depend on material, part size, and geometry. Typical values are listed on this page, and tighter tolerances can often be held on critical features. Share your drawing and we will confirm during the DFM review.
Yes. We support everything from a single prototype to ongoing production programs, so you can scale without changing supplier.
Cost depends on material, part size and complexity, quantity, tolerances, and finishing. Upload your CAD model and drawing to receive a quote, and our engineers can suggest design changes that reduce cost.
We accept common 3D CAD and 2D drawing formats, including STEP, STP, IGES, STL, SLDPRT, X_T, DXF, DWG, and PDF. If your format is not listed, please contact us.
Lead time depends on process, quantity, and finishing. Prototypes can often ship within a few business days, and we ship worldwide. Contact us with your requirements for a lead-time estimate.
Prototype tools are intended for small to medium quantities. The exact number depends on material and tool design.
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