{"id":2529,"date":"2024-01-22T11:12:53","date_gmt":"2024-01-22T15:12:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.teameliteonline.com\/?p=2529"},"modified":"2024-02-02T05:51:27","modified_gmt":"2024-02-02T09:51:27","slug":"rapid-prototyping-techniques-compared-injection-molding-3d-printing-and-cnc-machined-prototypes","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.teameliteonline.com\/rapid-prototyping-techniques-compared-injection-molding-3d-printing-and-cnc-machined-prototypes\/","title":{"rendered":"Rapid Prototyping Techniques Compared: Injection Molding, 3D Printing, and CNC Machined Prototypes"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Elite Mold & Engineering specializes in three of the most flexible high-speed prototyping services on the market: rapid injection molding (RIM), 3D printing, and low-volume CNC machining solutions. Each of the three processes comes with its own set of unique benefits and disadvantages.<\/p>\n

Namely, 3D printing and CNC machining both offer unbeatable quick turnaround, with the former typically being more cost effective and the latter offering increased material flexibility. On the other hand, prototype injection molding gives you a streamlined path to market if you plan on transitioning your project into ongoing production, or ramping up to high-volume runs.<\/p>\n

Let’s take a deeper look into what sets these three rapid prototyping services apart so that you can choose the most optimal method for your project.<\/p>\n

Injection Molded Prototyping Services<\/h2>\n

In general, injection molding is the best method to handle prototype projects that will transition into production molding down the line. Compared to both 3D printing and CNC machined plastics, injection molding is usually more cost-effective for large volume production runs – especially when it comes to less complex parts, or prototypes which have already successfully been carried through the iterative design process.<\/p>\n

When it comes to prototype injection molding<\/a>, we’ll often use special low-cost tooling to make your low-volume project more economical. Due to the shorter service life of prototype molds, we can use softer metals that are easier to machine – e.g. aluminum and softer steel alloys such as P20 mold steel.<\/p>\n

The advantage is the softer alloys are both quicker and easier to machine and polish, allowing us to streamline your project and minimize your upfront costs. Nevertheless, even the lower cost of tooling development is a disadvantage of injection molding compared to 3D printing and CNC machining, which essentially just require your custom part file before manufacturing is underway.<\/p>\n

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The Advantages of Prototype Injection Molding:<\/h3>\n