What is the difference between 3D printing and injection molding?

3D printing and injection molding are two common manufacturing processes, but their processing principles are indeed different. Through your project requirements, these two technologies can help you quickly prototype and produce. They all have their own advantages, which will bring more benefits to your manufacturing process, which is why you must first understand the differences between them.

What is the difference between injection molding and 3D printing?
Injection molding is a traditional industrial manufacturing technology. Through this process, you can create the contour of the part by injecting material into the cavity. By injecting molten material into the mold, this manufacturing technique can quickly shape your product, and then the material will cool down and reach the final solid shape.

How to use injection molding?
Want to use this kind of manufacturing technology must have large-scale production equipment, these injection molding machines contain a hopper, an injection plunger and a heating unit. Using injection molding to make molds is a bit expensive, and if your product requires multiple iterations, you need to remake the mold every time, which is very costly. Since these molds are usually made of steel, making changes is a bit complicated and not suitable for your prototype development. However, if you plan to mass produce, this is a good way to save time and cost.

There are dozens of printing technologies to choose from so far. If you need 3D printing filament, you can buy a 3D printer, such as FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling) printer. If you have higher requirements for materials and production processes, you can also expand your investment to purchase more professional industrial-grade 3D printers, such as SLS (Selective Laser Sintering) 3D printers. The purchase cost of a 3D printer depends on the specific needs of your company's project and budget. If the development of new products is fast, it will be more cost-effective.

Summary: 3D printing is a 3D printing process, which means that the entire manufacturing process is completed by adding materials layer by layer. You can use a 3D printer to produce parts without creating a mold. You only need a 3D printing model file, and there are many different 3D printing technologies and materials available on the market. Injection molding is a traditional industrial manufacturing technology. Through this process, you can create the contour of the part by injecting material into the cavity.