AM vs Injection Molding

Understanding the Cost and Flexibility Benefits of Additive Manufacturing

Benefits of Additive Manufacturing

Lower Initial Costs - No Tooling Required: Unlike injection molding, AM does not require expensive molds, making it a cost-effective solution for low-volume production runs and prototypes.

Design Flexibility - Complex Geometries: AM allows for the creation of intricate and complex designs that are often impossible or cost-prohibitive with injection molding. This includes internal channels, lattice structures, and more.

Rapid Prototyping and Production - Fast Turnaround: AM enables rapid prototyping, allowing for quicker iterations and faster time-to-market. This agility is crucial for innovative product development.

Customization - Personalized Products: AM is ideal for producing customized and one-off products without the need for retooling. This is particularly beneficial in industries such as healthcare, where custom solutions are often required.

Material Efficiency - Less Waste: AM uses only the material needed to build the part, significantly reducing waste compared to the subtractive nature of injection molding. This not only lowers material costs but also contributes to sustainability.

Lower Inventory Costs - On-Demand Production: With AM, parts can be produced on demand, reducing the need for large inventories and associated storage costs. This leads to a more efficient and lean production process.

Gloved hands holding a small black 3D-printed polymer part among a group of similar components, illustrating additive manufacturing benefits.

Cost Comparison

Comparison graph showing cost per part versus quantity for injection molding and 3D printing, illustrating that 3D printing suits low volumes.

Choosing the Right Method

The choice between Additive Manufacturing and Injection Molding depends on several factors, including production volume, design complexity, and time-to-market requirements. AM offers unmatched flexibility and lower initial costs, making it ideal for prototypes, small batches, and complex designs. On the other hand, Injection Molding excels in producing high volumes of consistent parts at a lower per-unit cost.

Explore our Materials

Benefits of Injection Molding

Economical for Large Volumes - Low Per-Unit Cost: For high-volume production runs, injection molding offers a lower cost per unit due to economies of scale.

Consistent Quality - High Precision and Repeatability: Injection molding is known for producing parts with high precision and consistency, making it ideal for large-scale production with tight tolerances.

Speed of Production - Fast Cycle Times: Once the mold is created, injection molding can produce large quantities of parts very quickly, which is advantageous for mass production.

Hands holding a green plastic injection mold with a white molded part, illustrating the benefits of precision and efficiency in injection molding manufacturing.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is additive manufacturing more cost-effective than injection molding?
At low volumes, during development, or when geometry is complex, which is typically where 3D printing vs injection molding shifts in favor of AM.
How do production volumes affect the choice between 3D printing and injection molding?
3D printing wins at low–mid volumes, while molding wins when volumes justify tooling costs, a common comparison in AM vs molding discussions.
What design limitations does injection molding have compared to additive manufacturing?
Undercuts, draft angles, uniform wall needs and limited internal features, which is why injection molding vs additive is more restrictive for rapid prototyping.

Need Help Deciding?

We are close by!

Have questions about which manufacturing method is best for your project? We’re here to help. Contact us today to discuss your needs and get expert guidance on the most suitable production process for your goals.

Row of traditional wooden houses along the river in Hudiksvall, Sweden, under a partly cloudy sky.
Contact us

Why Choose Norra AM?

  • Black and white target symbol with concentric circles and crosshairs.

    Easy

    From the moment you contact us, our streamlined processes and instant quoting system make ordering prototypes straightforward and hassle-free. We simplify the complex, so you can focus on innovation.

  • Silhouette of a running person icon with speed lines, depicting fast movement.

    Fast

    Our state-of-the-art manufacturing technology allows us to produce high-quality prototypes with rapid turnaround times. Whether you need a single prototype or a large batch, we deliver your parts quickly to keep your projects on track.

  • Black location pin icon with a circular base on a white background.

    Local

    Based in Hudiksvall, we provide personalized support and fast delivery times. Being local means we understand your needs better and can offer timely assistance and services, ensuring your prototypes meet your exact specifications.