Micro Injection Molding in-depth Demand Report

The micro injection molding is a product developed by F&Q TECH to be a good addition to the product category. Its design is completed by a group of people with different skills and training, depending upon the nature and type of product involved. The production is strictly controlled at every step. All this contributes to the excellent product property and the appropriate applications.

F&Q TECH delivers mind-boggling market value, which is reinforced by such efforts to strengthen our relationship with customers that we have already cooperated with through sound after-sales service and to develop new customers by displaying our proper brand values to them. We also adhere to the strong brand principle of profession, which has helped us gain strong trust from customers.

Our mission is to be the best supplier and a leader in services to customers seeking both quality and value. This is safeguarded by continuous training for our staff and a highly collaborative approach to business relationships. At the same time, the role of a great listener that values customer feedback allows us to render world-class service and support.

Step 1: Provide Your Product Details

To begin the process, please provide us with the following details:

· Product Drawings: CAD files or detailed technical drawings of the product you want to produce.

· Preferred formats: .dwg, .dxf, .step, .iges, or .pdf.

· Samples: If you have a physical sample, please send it to us for analysis.

· Shipping Address: [Your Company Name, Your Company Address, City, State, ZIP Code, Country].

· Material Requirements: Specify the type of plastic material you want to use (e.g., ABS, PC, PP).

· Quantity: Indicate the number of units you wish to produce.

· Color and Finish: Specify any color preferences or Pantone codes, and any specific surface finish requirements (e.g., glossy, matte).

You can submit this information via email to [lyy@fsqj-tech.com].

Step 2: Review and Quotation

Once we receive your product details, our engineering team will review the information and assess the feasibility of the mold design. We will then provide you with a detailed quotation that includes:

· Mold Design and Manufacturing Costs: The cost associated with designing and manufacturing the custom mold.

· Production Costs: Costs based on the number of units, material type, and other specifications.

· Shipping Costs: Estimated shipping fees to your desired location.

The quotation will be sent to you within [1-3] business days. Please review it carefully and confirm your approval by replying to the email.

Step 3: Mold Design and Approval

After you approve the quotation, our design team will create a 3D model of the mold. We will send you the design for your review and approval. Please check the following:

· Design Accuracy: Ensure that the mold design matches your product requirements.

· Dimensions and Tolerances: Verify that all dimensions and tolerances are as specified.

· Any Modifications: Let us know if any modifications are needed.

Please review the design within [1-3] days and provide feedback or approval. Delays in approval may affect the production timeline.

Step 4: Mold Manufacturing

Once the mold design is approved, we will begin the manufacturing process. Our skilled technicians will:

· Machine the Mold: Use advanced machinery to fabricate the mold.

· Conduct Quality Checks: Perform thorough quality checks to ensure the mold meets the required standards.

· Test the Mold: Conduct test runs to ensure the mold functions correctly and produces parts to specification.

The mold manufacturing process typically takes [5] weeks. We will keep you updated on the progress.

Step 5: Production and Quality Assurance

With the mold ready, we will proceed to production. Our team will:

· Set Up the Mold: Install the mold in our injection molding machines.

· Start Production: Begin the injection molding process to produce your parts.

· Conduct Quality Assurance: Perform quality checks on the produced parts to ensure they meet your specifications.

If you have any specific quality requirements, please inform us during the order confirmation stage.

Step 6: Delivery and Feedback

Once production is complete and quality checks are passed, we will arrange for the delivery of your products. You can choose from the following delivery options:

· Ship to Your Address: We will ship the products to your specified address.

· Pick Up at Our Facility: You can arrange to pick up the products at our facility.

After you receive your order, we would appreciate your feedback. Please let us know if you have any comments or suggestions by contacting us at [ lyy@fsqj-tech.com].

Contact Information

For any questions or assistance throughout the ordering process, please contact us:

· Email: [lyy@fsqj-tech.com]

· Tel / WhatsApp:[+86 136 1605 5490]

Additional Notes

· Mold Storage: If you plan to place future orders using the same mold, we offer mold storage services. Please inquire about this option during the order process.

· Rush Orders: If you need a rush order, please inform us as soon as possible so we can accommodate your request.

What are the 4 stages of injection molding?

Stage 1: Plasticization

1. Overview

When the factory starts injection molding production, it will purchase the corresponding raw materials according to the product requirements. Commonly used raw materials are ABS\PC\PP, etc. After the raw materials are ready, we start our first step: plasticization. The main purpose of the plasticization process is to heat and melt the raw materials (plastic particles) into a flowable liquid form.

2. Detailed process

Feeding: Feed the plastic particles into the barrel of the injection molding machine through the feeding port.

Heating: A heater inside the barrel heats the plastic pellets above the melting point, usually between 150°C and 350°C, depending on the type of plastic used.

Mixing and shearing: The screw rotates in the barrel, mixing and shearing the molten plastic to ensure that the material can be uniformly and consistently transferred to the next step.

3. Key Factors

Temperature control: ensures that the plastic is fully melted but not excessively degraded.

Screw speed: affects plasticization and mixing effects.

Stage 2: Injection

1. Overview

The injection stage is the process of injecting the molten liquid into the mold.

2. Detailed process

Mold Closure: The two halves of the mold are tightly closed to form a cavity.

Injection: The screw moves forward, injecting the molten plastic into the mold cavity through the nozzle.

Pressure Holding: During the cooling and solidification of the plastic, a certain pressure is maintained to ensure complete filling and dimensional stability.

3. Key Factors

Injection speed: affects filling time and filling quality.

Holding time: affects the dimensional stability and internal stress of the product.

Stage 3: Coolding

1. Overview

The cooling phase is the process by which the plastic cools and solidifies within the mold.

2. Detailed process

Cooling time: Determine the appropriate cooling time based on product thickness and material properties.

Cooling medium: Use water or other cooling medium to exchange heat through the cooling channels in the mold.

3. Key Factors

Cooling rate: affects the crystallinity and internal stress of the product.

Mold temperature: affects the surface quality and dimensional accuracy of the product.

Stage 4: Demolding

1. Overview

The demoulding stage is the process of removing the solidified plastic product from the mold.

2. Detailed process

Mold opening: The two halves of the mold separate.

Ejection: The ejection mechanism pushes the product out of the mold.

Removal: The product is removed from the mold manually or by a robot.

3. Key Factors

Ejection force: Ensure that the product is smoothly released from the mold without excessive deformation.

Ejection position: avoids scratches or damage to the product surface.

Conclusion

The four stages of the injection molding process - plasticization, injection, cooling and demolding - are each critical and affect the quality and performance of the final product. By deeply understanding and optimizing these stages, manufacturers can improve production efficiency, reduce scrap rates, and produce high-quality plastic products.

Hopefully this article will help you better understand the four key stages of the injection molding process. If you have any questions or need further advice, please feel free to contact us.

Global CNC machining and mold injection molding customization service trends: Why are Chinese manufacturers the first choice for European and American companies?

In April 2025, Apple CEO Tim Cook said in an interview: "The core reason why Apple insists on manufacturing in China is not cheap labor, but China's irreplaceable 'skill density'." This view not only reveals the underlying logic of Apple's supply chain, but also reflects China's global competitiveness in the field of precision manufacturing. This article will deeply analyze how China has become the preferred partner for CNC processing and mold injection services for European and American companies by relying on its technical talent reserves, supply chain efficiency and innovation ecology.

1. The core competitiveness of China's manufacturing: the transition from "cheap" to "skill density"

1.1 “Skill Density” in Cook’s Eyes

Cook has repeatedly stressed that the core advantage of China's manufacturing industry lies in its large-scale and systematic talent pool. For example, the number of mold engineers in a certain province in China can "fill several football fields", while the United States "can't even gather enough engineers for a meeting." This gap stems from:

Education system support: China's vocational education system focuses on training technical workers, covering high-skilled fields such as CNC programming and mold design.

Industry chain collaboration: From raw materials (such as aluminum alloys and engineering plastics) to precision processing, China has formed a "one-hour industrial circle" to achieve rapid response and cost optimization.

1.2 The “micrometer-level” threshold for precision manufacturing

Apple products require mold precision up to micron level (such as the surface fit of iPhone shell), which relies on the following technological breakthroughs:

Popularization of 5-axis CNC machining: China's leading factories have widely used 5-axis linkage machine tools, which can process complex curved parts with an accuracy of ±0.01mm.

Injection molding process innovation: For example, the glass panel produced by Lens Technology for Apple Vision Pro uses high-precision hot bending technology, with a yield rate of over 99%.

2. Four major driving forces for European and American companies to choose Chinese suppliers

2.1 The ultimate balance between cost and efficiency

Dimensions

Comprehensive cost

Delivery cycle

Technical adaptability

Chinese Manufacturers

Labor + equipment depreciation costs are 30%-50% lower

Average 2-4 weeks (relying on clustered supply chain)

Support flexible production from prototype to mass production

European and American local suppliers

High labor cost, suitable for small batch customization

Prefer standardized large-volume orders

Complex parts take 6-8 weeks

Case:

A German car brand transferred its aluminum alloy wheel CNC processing orders to China, reducing costs by 40% and shortening delivery time to 3 weeks.

A US medical company commissioned a Chinese manufacturer to produce disposable endoscope housings by injection molding, which passed ISO 13485 certification and had a defect rate of less than 0.1%.

2.2 Green Manufacturing and Compliance

Carbon neutrality goal: China's leading suppliers (such as BYD and Luxshare Precision) have pledged to achieve carbon neutrality for Apple orders by 2030, using environmentally friendly materials such as recycled aluminum and bio-based plastics.

Process optimization: Through AI-driven tool path planning, material waste in CNC processing is reduced, and the waste recovery rate exceeds 90%.

3. The hidden advantages of China’s supply chain: Taking Apple as an example

3.1 Upgrading from “assembly” to “core technology”

Cook clarified: "The iPhone is not only 'assembled in China', its core components (such as glass cover and metal structural parts) rely on the precision processing capabilities of Chinese manufacturers." For example:

Lens Technology: Provides super-ceramic glass panels for iPhone, with 4 times higher drop resistance, relying on nano-level CNC polishing technology.

Everwin Precision: Uses 100% recycled aluminum to manufacture MacBook shells, taking into account lightweight and environmental protection requirements.

3.2 Intelligentization and Digital Empowerment

Industrial 4.0 factory: For example, BYD's "Using iPad to Produce iPad" project uses automated optical inspection (AOI) equipment to achieve real-time defect identification.

Cross-border collaboration: Chinese manufacturers provide online quotation systems and production progress tracking platforms, and European and American customers can remotely monitor order status.

4. Cooperation Guide for European and American Enterprises: How to Select High-Quality Chinese Suppliers?

4.1 Key Evaluation Indicators

Certifications: ISO 9001 (quality management), IATF 16949 (automotive), ISO 13485 (medical).

Equipment list: factories equipped with high-end machine tools such as DMG MORI and MAZAK are preferred.

Intellectual property protection: Sign an NDA agreement and select compliant suppliers that have served Apple, Tesla and other companies.

4.2 Risk Avoidance Strategies

Phased cooperation: Start with small batch trial production (e.g. 500 pieces) to verify quality stability, and then expand to large-scale orders.

Third-party quality inspection: CMM test report and material composition analysis certificate are required.

5. Future Trends: Challenges and Opportunities of Made in China

Challenges: low-cost competition in Southeast Asia, and the "nearshore outsourcing" policy in Europe and the United States (such as the US "CHIP Act").

Opportunities:

High-end technology: China's 5-axis CNC machine tool localization rate is expected to reach 29.2% in 2029, breaking the monopoly of Germany and Japan.

Globalization of services: China-Europe Express and RCEP agreements reduce cross-border logistics costs, and door-to-door time is compressed to 15 days.

Conclusion：

Cook's affirmation of Made in China confirms the core logic of "technological density" replacing "low cost" in the reconstruction of the global industrial chain. For European and American companies, choosing Chinese CNC processing and mold injection molding service providers is not only a cost consideration, but also a strategic investment in precision manufacturing capabilities and supply chain resilience.

3D Printing vs. Injection Molding Selection Guide

In the development of plastic products, choosing between 3D printing and injection molding requires comprehensive consideration of factors such as cost, precision, batch size, and design complexity. The following is an analysis of the two processes from the two core dimensions of cost optimization and high-precision requirements, combined with the characteristics of the two processes, and provides a basis for decision-making.

1. Cost minimization: How to choose?

1) Production batches determine the core cost structure

3D printing: suitable for small batches (usually <1000 pieces) or single-piece production. It does not require mold costs, has low material loss (only the support structure may waste a small amount of material), and is flexible in iteration. For example, when using FDM technology to print a prototype, the cost per piece may be only 1/10 of that of injection molding.

Injection molding: more cost-effective in large-scale (>1000 pieces) production. Although the mold development cost is high (thousands to tens of thousands of yuan), the cost per piece decreases significantly as the batch increases. For example, in one case, the injection mold cost $10,000, but the cost per piece was only $0.1 when producing 100,000 pieces.

2)Design and iteration cost comparison

3D printing: CAD models can be directly printed after modification, without additional costs, suitable for the prototype stage where the design is frequently adjusted. For example, a company shortened the R&D cycle from 4 weeks to 48 hours by using 3D printing molds.

Injection molding: Mold modification costs are high (especially metal molds), suitable for mass production after the design is finalized. If the mold structure needs to be adjusted, it may be necessary to re-open the mold, which will increase the cost by tens of thousands of yuan.

3)Material And Post-Processing Costs

3D printing: limited material types (such as PLA, nylon, resin, etc.), some high-performance materials (such as PEEK) are expensive; post-processing usually only requires grinding or sandblasting.

Injection molding: wide selection of materials (such as ABS, PP, PC, etc.), lower prices; but post-processing such as mold polishing and electroplating may increase costs.

Decision suggestions:

Small batch/prototype: choose 3D printing (FDM, SLA or SLS);

Large batch/finalized product: choose injection molding.

2. High-precision requirements: How to make a choice?

1) Process accuracy comparison

3D printing:

SLA/DLP: accuracy of ±0.01 mm, smooth surface, suitable for precision medical or electronic parts.

SLS/MJF: accuracy of ±0.1 mm, suitable for complex structures but slightly rough surface.

FDM: lower accuracy (±0.2 mm), obvious layer pattern, need post-processing.

Injection molding:

accuracy is usually ±0.05 mm, high surface finish (Ra 0.8~1.6 μm), no additional processing required.

2)Material strength and stability

3D printing: weak interlayer bonding, which may affect mechanical properties; easy to deform at high temperatures (such as PLA softening point is 55°C).

Injection molding: The material is dense, high in strength and isotropic, and has better temperature resistance (such as ABS can withstand 80~100°C).

3) Complex structure adaptability

3D printing: It can manufacture complex structures that are difficult to achieve with traditional processes, such as hollowing and conformal water channels. For example, the curved cooling channel in the mold can improve the injection efficiency.

Injection molding: Due to the mold demolding requirements, the design must avoid internal right angles or too deep cavities, otherwise it will increase the difficulty of processing.

Decision suggestions:

High precision + complex design: choose SLA or metal 3D printing (such as SLM), but you need to accept higher costs;

High precision + large batch: injection molding combined with CNC precision mold to ensure dimensional stability.

3. Comprehensive Decision-making Process

Clear requirements: batch, budget, design complexity, precision level, material performance.

Cost accounting: compare mold costs, single-piece material costs and post-processing costs.

Technology matching:

If fast iteration or small batches are required, 3D printing is preferred;

If high strength or surface finish is required, injection molding is preferred.

Hybrid solution: For example, use 3D printing to make prototypes or conformal water channel molds, and then mass produce them through injection molding.

4.Typical Case References

1) Pepsi bottle mold: By combining 3D printed inserts with traditional metal molds, the cost is reduced by 96%, and the production cycle is shortened from 4 weeks to 48 hours.

2) Medical implants: Use SLA to print high-precision prototypes, and then switch to injection molding for mass production after verification.

3) Shoe mold manufacturing: 3D printing can achieve complex patterns, replacing traditional CNC, and increasing efficiency by 50%.

Summary

Between low cost and high precision, a balance needs to be made according to specific scenarios:

3D printing: the first choice for small batches, complex designs, and rapid iterations;

Injection molding: an economical solution for large batches, high precision, and high-strength scenarios.

In the future, hybrid manufacturing (such as 3D printing molds + injection molding mass production) may become the mainstream direction for balancing cost and performance.

How accurate is plastic injection molding?

Plastic injection molding is one of the most widely used manufacturing processes, and its accuracy directly determines product quality and production efficiency. The precision of injection molding affects not only the size of the parts but also surface quality, shape accuracy, and other aspects. Understanding the accuracy of plastic injection molding, the factors influencing it, and the methods of controlling it can help improve product consistency and production efficiency. This article will explain the accuracy of plastic injection molding and the relevant control techniques.

1. Precision Requirements for Plastic Injection Molding

The accuracy of plastic injection molding can be divided into multiple aspects, with the most important being dimensional accuracy, shape accuracy, and surface finish. In industries with high precision requirements, such as automotive, electronics, and medical devices, the precision of injection molding is particularly critical, requiring each part's size error to be minimized, and shape and surface finish to meet certain standards.

Dimensional Accuracy: Refers to the deviation range of the product's various dimensions, usually measured in tolerances. For high-precision parts, tolerances can reach micron levels.

Shape Accuracy: Refers to whether the part's shape meets design requirements, with common issues including warping and deformation.

Surface Finish: The surface quality directly impacts the part's performance and appearance. Smooth surfaces reduce friction and enhance aesthetics.

2. Factors Affecting the Accuracy of Plastic Injection Molding

The accuracy of plastic injection molding is influenced by several factors, including the following key elements:

Mold Design and Manufacturing Precision: The design and manufacturing precision of the mold are crucial for ensuring injection molding accuracy. If the mold design is unreasonable or manufacturing errors occur, the molded products may have dimensional deviations or inaccurate shapes. High-precision molds can ensure product consistency and high quality.

Injection Molding Machine Precision: The precision of the injection molding machine includes the accuracy of mechanical parts (such as the screw and injection system) as well as the control system. If the machine's operational precision is inadequate, issues such as uneven temperature and unstable pressure may arise during molding, reducing product accuracy.

Material Selection and Control: The type and quality of plastic used also significantly impact injection molding accuracy. Different plastic materials have different shrinkage rates and flow properties during molding, so selecting the right material based on the product design is essential for ensuring accuracy.

Temperature and Pressure Control: Temperature and pressure control directly affects the precision of molded products. If the temperature is unstable, the plastic may flow unevenly, affecting dimensional accuracy. If pressure is uneven, it may cause irregular shape changes in the product.

3. Methods to Improve Injection Molding Accuracy

To improve the accuracy of plastic injection molding, various control methods can be used:

Optimize Mold Design: Reasonable mold design is the first step in ensuring molding accuracy. Optimizing the mold’s cooling and venting systems can ensure more even plastic flow, preventing dimensional deviations caused by local temperature differences. Additionally, using high-precision equipment to manufacture the mold can improve manufacturing accuracy and reduce product dimensional errors.

Precise Injection Molding Machine Adjustment: The precision of the injection molding machine directly affects the molding result. Regularly checking and adjusting parameters such as injection speed, pressure, and temperature ensures consistency and accuracy in each injection process. Real-time monitoring and adjustment via automated control systems ensure each step of the molding process is executed precisely.

Select High-Quality Materials: Using high-quality materials that ensure stable flow properties and shrinkage rates is essential for improving molding accuracy. Enterprises should choose plastic materials that match product design requirements to avoid accuracy issues caused by material inconsistencies or excessive impurities.

Focus on Temperature and Pressure Control: Strictly controlling temperature and pressure during the molding process ensures uniform plastic flow in the mold. Using advanced temperature control systems to

monitor and adjust mold temperature in real-time helps improve product consistency and accuracy.

4. Balancing Molding Accuracy with Production Efficiency

The precision of plastic injection molding and production efficiency are often two factors that need to be balanced in production. Typically, the higher the precision requirement, the longer the production cycle and the higher the cost. However, businesses can optimize production processes and automation systems to improve efficiency without compromising accuracy.

For example, increasing the automation level of injection molding machines can reduce errors caused by manual operation. Optimizing the production schedule to avoid over-prioritizing precision at the cost of efficiency helps improve overall production while maintaining product quality.

Conclusion

The accuracy of plastic injection molding is crucial for ensuring product quality and production efficiency. Several factors, including mold design, injection machine precision, material selection, and temperature-pressure control, affect accuracy. By optimizing these factors and adopting scientific production processes and management methods, businesses can significantly improve injection molding accuracy and ensure product consistency and high quality.

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F&Q TECH is a professional manufacturer of CNC processing, metal products and plastic products with more than 17 years of experience. We have German precision CNC processing equipment, complete German production technology, an experienced technical team, and a complete production system!

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