3D Printing vs. Injection Molding: What’s the Difference?

The beauty of 3D printing is the ease of changing the design prior to the printing method. Before anything is set into stone, companies can accurately test the product, ensuring everything is just right before printing begins. Mold design engineers can build each product to order, ensuring each client’s needs are met without the extra cost. Because of this, the cost of 3D printing is far less expensive than traditional injection molding.

Some other advantages of 3D printing include:

• A quick turnaround time: Usually, the product can be completed within a couple of weeks instead of the 7-week turnaround for injection molding. This makes 3D printing especially ideal for the medical industry, that needs products quickly.
• Low volume production runs: Injection molding is excellent if you need a massive order. But if you’re looking for a smaller production run, 3D printing is the way to go. Typically 3D printing works best for runs with fewer than 100 parts.
• Smaller products: Sometimes, injection molding has trouble getting smaller, more intricate parts. But 3D printing gives the designer more freedom to design, allowing them to handle small products with better precision.

Looking for a 3D Steel Printed Mold Design? Anova Can Help!

Are you sold on 3D steel printing yet? Even if you’re not, it’s best to learn your options before choosing one method over another. Contact the mold design experts at Anova Innovations. We can help you with your product, offer the best design solutions, and build your product with the latest technology on the market today. Check us out now!