When does machining make more sense than molding?

Your application, product development, and marketing requirements will determine the best plastic manufacturing method. There are twelve main considerations when determining whether to machine or mold your part.

• Low volume requirements are most cost-effectively machined.
• Closer tolerances are possible with machined parts.
• There is more design flexibility when parts are machined.
• Faster delivery is often possible when parts are machined.
• Some parts are impractical or impossible to mold due to undercuts, heavy walls, long straight holes, etc.
• Machining leaves no gate scars.
• Machined parts have lower residual stress.
• Machined parts have consistent properties.
• Machined parts require no draft angles.
• Machined parts have no weld lines.
• Molded parts develop “skin” effects.
• Molded parts may be less expensive to produce in greater volumes.