What’s CNC Machining and Injection Molding?
Injection molding is a process in which molten plastic is pressurized and injected into a mold through an injection machine to be cooled and formed. It is mainly used to manufacture various plastic products, such as plastic containers, electrical appliance casings, toys and so on.
CNC machining is a computer-based processing method that guides machine tools to automatically process products through pre-written programs. CNC processing is more precise and efficient compared with traditional manual processing and mechanical processing. It is mainly used in the processing of mechanical parts, such as automobile parts, aerospace parts, etc.
Advantages of injection molding
Injection molding is recommended for large-scale production. Injection molding supports everything from toys to car engine parts—anything that needs to be mass-produced from moldable plastic.
Injection molding offers a variety of materials to meet the demand for high-performance plastic parts. Injection molding can also accommodate softer parts that require TPE or rubber materials.
Disadvantages of injection molding
The cost of equipment and molds is high, requiring high-precision molds and advanced injection molding machines. They are expensive and not suitable for small businesses and individuals.
There are strict requirements on raw materials, molds, environment and other aspects, and operation requires professional and technical personnel.
The difference between CNC machining and injection molding
- Injection molding is the process of melting plastic and injecting it into a mold to form a product, while CNC uses machines and equipment to automatically process products according to procedures.
- The processing objects of injection molding are usually plastic products, while CNC can process products made of metal, plastic, ceramics and other materials.
- CNC machining generally offers greater accuracy and repeatability. They can perform precise processing, such as high-speed CNC milling, high-precision CNC machining, multi-axis motion control, etc.
- Injection molding is typically used to make complex shapes and small or medium-sized parts, while CNC can be used to make parts of all shapes and sizes, from small parts to large work pieces. Injection molding is mainly used to manufacture plastic products, while CNC is widely used in various industries, such as aviation, automobiles, ships, electronics and especially in the processing of high-precision, complex-shaped products.
Both CNC machining and injection molding are advantageous. The typical considerations for CNC machining vs Injection molding are material, shape complexity, production volume . The corresponding production process needs to be selected according to specific production needs. YJC company offers manufacturing processes: CNC machining, Injection molding, 3D printing, die casting, compression molding, overmolding and tooling.