Plastic Machining vs. Plastic Molding of Components

Recently, Connecticut Plastics  exhibited at a device design show in New England.  At the show,  I could not help but notice how many engineers approached our booth and picked up our parts.  They were attracted by the various shapes, the colors, and the way the overhead lights shown off the many sharp angles that only precision machining can produce.  They each would turn the part over and over, show their companions, discuss among themselves, then every time, the visitor would look up and ask this same question:
“Are these parts injection molded?”   “No, they are not”  I’d reply, and sigh inwardly knowing that I was confronting yet another design engineer who believes that molded parts are more cost effective and a better choice.

It has been our experience and that of many of our customers’, that precision machined plastic parts made to exacting specifications, not only save money, but saves time as well, by getting the device to market faster.  When precise measurements, clear finishes and  no burrs or metal contamination are critical requirements, then plastic machining is your best option.

Samples of Plastic Machining & Small Assembly

Samples of Plastic Machining & Small Assembly

Plastic machining has advantages worth considering.

  • Greatest design change flexibility
  • Greatest cost efficiency for lower quantities
  • No parting lines, ejector marks or flash
  • No draft angles required
  • Closest tolerance possible
  • Lower component stress
  • Fastest turnaround time
  • Low or no tooling costs
  • Great material choices
  • Ease of producing features such as threads, undercuts and channels.

Of course there are applications for which only a molded plastic part will do. Cell phones, toys, computers. Millions and millions of these products are produced each day, and molded parts is the only way to keep costs down.  However, for our customers in the medical device industry, the nuclear industry, or measurement and instrumentation, just to name a few, a precision machined plastic part,  made to their exact specifications, meeting tolerances of +/- .0005, if need be, that has been inspected, individually packed, and is ready for assembly upon arrival, provides both the cost savings and peace of mind that  molded parts cannot accomplish.  Best of all, our plastic parts fit!  Every time.

Sample of Plastic Machined Component

Sample of Plastic Machined Component

Our customers tell us what they expect from Connecticut Plastics, and we listen. We have a reputation for 100% quality and 100% on time delivery. We have been in business for 30 years. And we will be here for the next 30 years. Our customers are located all over the globe. Our plastic parts are used in thousands of devices used in hospitals, nuclear plants, the food industry, automotive industry, aerospace and military. Please contact us for help with your design project. We can help you get costs out and get you to market faster. Our engineers can help you with material selection. Please visit our website www.connecticutplastics.com to learn more about our capabilities, or request a quote and upload your drawing at our inquiry page.  Thank you for your interest in Connecticut Plastics, Inc.


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Posted in Plastic Machining