Vacuum Forming vs. Injection Molding: What’s the difference?

a plastic injection molding manufacturer

Numerous methods may be used to manufacture plastic parts. However, the most common ones are injection molding and vacuum forming. Both these methods have their own benefits and drawbacks, which means one method may be better for producing a specific plastic part than the other.

Here, our custom injection molding service provider discusses how vacuum forming and injection molding are different.

What is injection molding?

Injection molding is a detailed, complex process. During this process, plastic granules are plasticized. This is done by heating them in a barrel. Then, this plastic is given to the injection mold tools. After it’s cooled, special ejector pins are used to eject the final component in its solid form.

What is vacuum forming?

Vacuum forming is a process where a piece of automated equipment is used to heat the plastic sheets until they’re malleable and soft. When soft, they’re formed around a shape. To suck the plastic sheet to the mold shape, a vacuum source is turned on. Then, the formed sheet of plastic is allowed to cool—the finished, final component is made by trimming the excess sheet off.

Plastic injection molding: the advantages

Little to no waste is generated, which can be reused
Very cost-effective on large run or repeat disorders
More intricacy and closer tolerances within the design are possible
Inserts can be used within the molding process
Parts can be manufactured from any required color
A range of different materials, along with different mechanical properties, can be used

a part produced by a plastic injection molding company

Plastic injection molding: the disadvantages

Initial tooling manufacture has a long lead time
More experience, knowledge, and skill are needed
Due to the tooling required, the initial startup costs are higher

Vacuum forming: the advantages

Lower costs for smaller batch requirements
This method can create larger plastic parts
Far lower tooling startup costs
The lead times of vacuum forming on new tooling are shorter

Vacuum forming: the disadvantages

More cost and time involved in the finishing process
This method isn’t cost-effective on larger batch runs
Limited in the complexity and detail of parts
Uniformity of plastic products or consistency in wall thickness isn’t always achievable

Get valuable project solutions with PTMS' injection molding services

PTMS is the leading injection mold maker in China. It’s an ISO 9001-2008 certified company since 2002, offering one-stop service from plastic injection mold design to mold making, plastic injection molding production and products assembly.

Give them a call directly for more information on their injection molded parts!

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