Short Run Injection Molding

Using the latest in injection molding technology, Fathom can deliver high-quality parts to its customers. Whether time-sensitive, highly complex, high-precision, or short production run related, Fathom will meet the requirements of your project.

What is Short Run Injection Molding? / /

Sometimes called small batch injection molding, short run injection molding uses the same process as injection molding with some key differences. First, while most injection molding manufacturers set a higher minimum order, short run injection molding allows for a lower minimum quantity requirement. Short run injection molding results in a quicker turnaround, reduced costs, and the ability to test a design prior to a large production run. Small batch injection molding is ideal for industries that require specialized parts in lower order quantities, including aerospace, automotive, medical and more.

Benefits of Short Run Injection Molding / /

There is a wide range of benefits to short run injection molding. As mentioned, short run injection molding allows companies to order a smaller quantity of parts. In addition to lower order minimums, some of the benefits of short run injection molding include:

Shorter Time to Market

Short run injection molding allows for businesses to get their product in front of customers at a rapid pace. Being the first to market with a new design is critical. With short run injection molding, a high-quality prototype can be rapidly produced. As an added benefit, profits from the initial run can be used towards final production.

Resolve Design Issues

Short run injection molding allows designers to produce production quality prototypes. As a result, the design can be tested for functionality and performance, and can also be used to gather valuable feedback. This means that any design issues can be resolved before committing to a larger production run.

Lower Cost

Thanks to a lower order minimum and inexpensive mold, short run injection molding is accessible for small to medium sized businesses who were previously unable to invest in the larger minimum quantities associated with injection molding. Additionally, modifying the design of a part is easier and less expensive with small batch injection molding.

Short Run Injection Molding Services Offered by Fathom / /

Fathom can help you manufacture high-quality and cost-effective short run injection molded parts. Fathom is a single-source global solution ready to support both low- and high-volume jobs. Our team incorporates both additive and advanced technologies, resulting in high-quality parts that will meet your customers’ needs.

Injection Molding is just one of 28 manufacturing processes offered by Fathom.

Additive Manufacturing

• FDM
• SLS
• SLA
• Polyjet
• MJF
• DMLS
• DLS
• STEP (Evolve)

CNC Machining

• CNC (3 & 5 Axis)
• CNC Lathe
• Precision Grinding
• Wire & Sinker EDM

Injection Molding

• Injection Molding
• Tooling
• Compression Molding

Metal Cutting and Forming

• Thermoforming
• Sheet Metal Punching
• Sheet Metal Cutting
• Metal Forming
• Laser Cutting
• Water Jet Cutting
• Chemical Etching
• Welding
• Micro Cutting

Standalone

• Die Casting
• Urethane Casting
• Composite Layups
• Extrusion
• Post Processing & Finishing
  • Pad Printing
  • Powder Coating
  • Bead Blasting
  • Surface Grinding
  • Polishing
  • Anodize
  • Powder Coat Passivate
  • Chemfilm
  • Vacuum Metallization
  • Silkscreen
  • Plating
  • Tumbled

Short Run Injection Molding Quote Times / /

Use Fathom’s SmartQuote online platform to receive a quote in as fast as 1 hour, usually within 24 hours. Whether you need short run injection molding or another manufacturing service, Fathom’s injection molding lead times are as follows:

• Prototype Tool In as Soon As 10 Days
• Production Tool In As Soon As 3 Weeks
• 10k Parts in as soon as 10 Days

Fathom’s Locations for Short Run Injection Molding / /

Fathom has 2 US-based locations that offer injection molding, offering nationwide coverage to the entire United States. Fathom’s advanced prototyping and manufacturing services include wire EDM, CNC machining, chemical etching, metal 3D printing, and more. We have provided over 200,000 quotes to leading US companies and are ready to provide you with a quote today.

Locations include:

HEADQUARTERS
1050 Walnut Ridge Drive
Hartland, WI 53029
ISO 9001:2015
AS9100:2016
ITAR

ILLINOIS
1207 Adams Drive
McHenry, IL 60051

Short Run Injection Molding Specifications and Tolerances / /

The specifications and tolerances of injection molding can ensure that a part fits correctly once it is assembled. Tolerances and specifications also determine how a part should be shaped to maximize function. The optimal tolerance for a part is critical for making a premium part at an affordable price.

Injection Molding Materials List / /

Fathom can help you find the best material for your short run injection molding project. Our materials include crystalline, amorphous, imidized plastics and more. Selecting the best material for your part is complex as each plastic has a range of characteristics.

• Crystalline Plastics: Polyethylene, polypropylene, polyetheretherketone and more are crystalline plastics. Crystalline plastics are known for their chemical resistance, strength and stiffness. They are hydrophobic.
• Amorphous Plastics: Amorphous plastics include polystyrene, polycarbonate, ABS and more. Amorphous plastics have good dimensional stability and are less likely to warp. They are also known for offering excellent impact strength.
• Imidized Plastics: Polyamide-imide, polybenzimidazole, and polyimide are all imidized plastics. Imidized plastics have a good load bearing and chemical resistance. They can be used for applications that will be used in high temperature environments.
• Polyethylene (PE): Polyethylene is perfect for applications that require warp resistance and stiffness. Polyethylene is durable sustainable, and suitable for products that come in contact with food. PE is used to make everything from buckets to appliance housings.
• Polypropylene (PP): Polypropylene is known for its heat, chemical, and fatigue resistance. Polypropylene can be combined with additives. It is flammable vulnerable to UV radiation. Polypropylene is used to produce many items including water bottles, food containers and outdoor furniture.
• Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS): ABS is cost effective and easy to manufacture. ABS is known for being strong, impact resistant, and stiff. ABS is not sensitive to humidity or temperature. ABS is commonly used for appliances, automotive parts and toys.
• Polyoxymethylene (POM): POM offers good dimensional stability, high rigidity, and low friction. Polyoxymethylene is heat, flame, and chemical resistant. POM is used to manufacture medical devices, eyeglass frames, guns, automotive parts and more.
• Polystyrene (PS): Polystyrene is another common plastic used in manufacturing. It is known for being odorless and nontoxic. PS is used for single use products like cutlery and electronics.

Injection Molding Finishing Processes / /

After short run injection molding, a part moves on to the finishing process. Some finishes may be for cosmetic reasons, but others may add to the physical properties of a workpiece. Here are some of the finishing processes offered by Fathom.

Short Run Injection Molding FAQs / /

Q: Does Fathom offer injection molding?

A: Yes, Fathom offers injection molding services.

Q: What is injection molding?

A: Injection molding is a manufacturing process commonly used for plastic parts. During injection molding, molten plastic is injected into a mold using high pressure. Once the part has cooled inside the mold, it is ejected. The part may or may not require a secondary finish.

Q: Is Fathom ISO certified?

A: Fathom’s certifications include ISO 9001:2015, ISO 9001:2015 Design, and ISO 13485:2016. For site-specific certifications, please visit https://fathommfg.com/fathom-manufacturing-certifications.

Q: Is Fathom ITAR certified?

A: Yes, Fathom is ITAR certified. For site-specific certifications, please visit https://fathommfg.com/fathom-manufacturing-certifications.

Q: Is Fathom AS9100:2016 certified?

A: Yes, Fathom is AS9100:2016. For site-specific certifications, please visit https://fathommfg.com/fathom-manufacturing-certifications.

Q: Is Fathom NIST 800-171 certified?

A: Yes, Fathom’s certifications include NIST 800-171. For site-specific certifications, please visit https://fathommfg.com/fathom-manufacturing-certifications.

Q: How much does injection molding cost?

A: The cost of injection molding depends on the complexity of the part, part size, tooling cost, equipment setup and configuration, materials used, and more. Contact Fathom today for a quote.

Q: Why are injection molds so expensive?

A: Injection molds have a higher upfront cost because they can be used repeatedly to produce thousands of identical parts.

Q: How do you calculate injection molding costs?

A: The best way to estimate the cost of your injection molding part is to use the SmartQuote platform and receive a quote in as fast as 1 hour.

Q: How long do injection molds last?

A: A high-quality, well-maintained injection mold can last from 100,000 to 1 million cycles.

Related Topics / /

• Rapid Tooling & Injection Molding
• 3D Printing vs Injection Molding
• Injection Molding Training

How to Get Injection Molding Quotes / /

Are you ready to get a quote or calculate costs on short run injection molding? Get a fast quote on any file.