What Is Micro Plastic Part Manufacturing?
F&Q TECH is dedicated to the pursuit of micro plastic part manufacturing's performance by improving the production process and design. This product is high in accordance with the first-class quality inspection standards. The defective raw materials are eliminated. Therefore, it outperforms well among similar products. All these actions make it highly competitive and qualified.
F&Q TECH branded products are manufactured in the guideline of ' Quality First', which have received certain reputation in the global market. The practicability, unique design and strict quality control standards have helped obtain a steady stream of new customers. Moreover, they are offered at affordable prices with cost-efficiency thus most of the customers are willing to achieve deep cooperation.
At F&Q TECH, excellent service is available. This includes product, packaging and even service customization, sample offering, minimum order quantity, and the delivery. We make every effort to provide up to expectation service so that every customer can enjoy excellent purchase experience here. The micro plastic part manufacturing is no exception.
In the world of CNC precision machining, the possibilities extend far beyond just shaping and cutting materials. One of the most exciting aspects of modern machining is the ability to customize the surface color of your parts, enhancing both aesthetics and functionality. At F&Q-Tech, we offer a wide range of color customization options to meet your specific needs. In this article, we'll explore the different color surface treatment methods we use, their advantages and disadvantages, and which materials they are best suited for.
1. Electroplating
Electroplating involves depositing a thin layer of metal onto the surface of a part using an electric current. Common plating metals include chromium, nickel, zinc, and gold.
• Advantages:
Enhanced Durability: Provides excellent corrosion and wear resistance.
Aesthetic Appeal: Offers a shiny, reflective finish.
Versatility: Can be applied to various metals, including steel, brass, and copper.
• Disadvantages:
Environmental Concerns: The process can involve hazardous chemicals.
Cost: Can be more expensive due to the need for specialized equipment and materials.
• Suitable Materials:
Metals: Steel, brass, copper, and other conductive materials.
Not Ideal For: Non-conductive materials like plastics and ceramics.
2. Anodizing
Anodizing is an electrochemical process that converts the metal surface into a decorative, durable, corrosion-resistant oxide layer, most commonly used on aluminum.
• Advantages:
Corrosion Resistance: Excellent for protecting aluminum parts.
Color Stability: Colors are embedded in the oxide layer, making them resistant to fading.
Hardness: Increases the surface hardness of the material.
• Disadvantages:
Corrosion Resistance: Excellent for protecting aluminum parts.
Color Stability: Colors are embedded in the oxide layer, making them resistant to fading.
Hardness: Increases the surface hardness of the material.
• Disadvantages:
Limited to Aluminum: Primarily used for aluminum and its alloys.
Color Limitations: While versatile, the color range is not as extensive as some other methods.
3. Powder Coating
Powder coating is a dry finishing process where finely ground particles of pigment and resin are electrostatically charged and sprayed onto the part, then cured under heat.
• Advantages:
Durability: Highly resistant to scratches, chips, and fading.
Environmentally Friendly: Produces less hazardous waste compared to liquid paints.
Versatile Color Range: Offers a wide variety of colors and finishes.
• Disadvantages:
Thickness: Can be thicker than other coatings, which may not be suitable for precision parts.
Curing Time: Requires heat curing, which can be time-consuming.
• Suitable Materials:
Metals: Steel, aluminum, and other metals.
Plastics: Certain types of heat-resistant plastics.
Not Ideal For: Materials that cannot withstand the curing temperature.
4. Chemical Coloring
Chemical coloring involves immersing the part in a chemical solution that reacts with the metal to produce a colored oxide layer.
• Advantages:
Uniform Color: Provides a consistent and even color distribution.
Cost-Effective: Generally less expensive than other methods.
Simple Process: Requires less equipment and setup.
• Disadvantages:
Limited Color Range: Typically limited to black, blue, and brown shades.
Durability: Less resistant to wear and corrosion compared to other methods.
• Suitable Materials:
Stainless Steel: Commonly used for stainless steel parts.
Copper Alloys: Suitable for brass and bronze.
Not Ideal For: Aluminum and other reactive metals.
5. Laser Coloring
Laser coloring uses a laser to create microstructures on the surface of the material, which interact with light to produce colors without the use of pigments or dyes.
• Advantages:
Permanent Colors: Colors are embedded in the material and do not fade.
Eco-Friendly: No chemicals or pigments are used.
Precision: Allows for intricate designs and patterns.
• Disadvantages:
Cost: Can be more expensive due to the high cost of laser equipment.
Limited to Certain Materials: Primarily used for metals and some plastics.
• Suitable Materials:
Metals: Stainless steel, titanium, and other reflective metals.
Plastics: Certain types of transparent and reflective plastics.
Not Ideal For: Materials that are not reflective or cannot withstand laser energy.
6. Hot-Dip Galvanizing
Hot-dip galvanizing involves immersing the part in a bath of molten zinc, creating a protective coating that is highly resistant to corrosion.
• Advantages:
Long-Lasting Protection: Provides excellent corrosion resistance.
Cost-Effective: Generally less expensive than other corrosion protection methods.
Durability: The coating is thick and robust.
• Disadvantages:
Aesthetic Limitations: The finish is not as smooth or visually appealing as other methods.
Weight: Adds a significant amount of weight to the part.
• Suitable Materials:
Steel: Commonly used for steel structures and components.
Not Ideal For: Aluminum, copper, and other non-ferrous metals.
Conclusion
At F&Q-Tech, we understand that the color of your CNC machined parts is just as important as their functionality. That's why we offer a variety of color surface treatment methods to ensure that your parts not only perform well but also look great. Whether you're looking for corrosion resistance, aesthetic appeal, or a combination of both, we have a solution for you.
Key Takeaways:
Electroplating is ideal for metals requiring high durability and a shiny finish.
Anodizing is perfect for aluminum parts needing corrosion resistance and color stability.
Powder Coating offers a wide range of colors and is highly durable.
Chemical Coloring is cost-effective and suitable for stainless steel and copper alloys.
Laser Coloring provides permanent, eco-friendly colors with high precision.
Hot-Dip Galvanizing is best for steel parts needing long-lasting corrosion protection.
By understanding the different methods and their applications, you can make an informed decision about which color surface treatment is right for your CNC machined parts. Contact us today to discuss your project and discover how we can help you achieve the perfect finish.
Call to Action
To ensure we deliver exactly what you envision, we require two crucial elements for our quoting process: detailed drawings and color swatches.
Ready to explore the possibilities of color customization for your CNC machined parts?
Contact us to learn more about our services and how we can help bring your vision to life.
——Unveiling the secrets and application scenarios of the two processes
In the world of plastic products, blow molding and injection molding are two major molding technologies, but their relationship is often misunderstood. Some people say that "blow molding is a type of injection molding", but in fact, the two are completely different! They are like a pair of "twin flowers". Although they belong to the field of plastic molding, they have their own advantages in principle, application and cost. This article will take you to explore the mysteries of these two processes in depth to help you find the most suitable solution.
1. Process principle: the game between air and pressure
Blow Molding
Core principle: Use compressed air to blow the softened plastic parison to fit the inner wall of the mold to form a hollow product.
Steps: Heat the plastic → Extrude the parison → Close the mold and blow air → Cool and shape → Demold and trim.
Key equipment: Blow molding machine, mold, air compressor.
Typical applications: Hollow products such as plastic bottles, fuel tanks, and medical device containers.
Injection Molding
Core principle: Inject molten plastic into a closed mold at high pressure, and form solid or complex structural parts after cooling.
Steps: molten plastic → high pressure injection → cooling and solidification → demoulding.
Key equipment: injection molding machine, precision mold.
Typical applications: solid or high-precision parts such as mobile phone cases, gears, and auto parts.
Comparison highlights:
Blow molding relies on air molding and is suitable for "hollow"; injection molding relies on high-pressure filling and specializes in "solid".
Injection molds require extremely high precision (such as CNC processing), while blow molding molds are more flexible, but are prone to problems such as flash.
2. The competition between materials and design
Material selection
Blow molding: commonly used soft plastics (such as HDPE, LDPE, PP), suitable for containers with high flexibility requirements.
Injection molding: compatible with hard plastics (such as ABS, PC, nylon), can add glass fiber to enhance performance.
Design freedom
Blow molding is limited to hollow structures, but can achieve complex curved surfaces (such as bottles with handles).
Injection molding can produce precision parts with details such as threads and bosses, and even multi-color one-piece molding.
Case highlights:
The "star product" of blow molding: carbonated beverage bottles (stretch blow molding technology improves pressure resistance).
The "masterpiece" of injection molding: foldable safety seats (complex structure + high-strength materials).
3. Trade-off between cost and efficiency
Initial investment
Blow molding molds are low cost (only one side mold is needed), and the machine price is more affordable.
Injection molds are expensive (precision machining), but suitable for mass production to dilute the cost.
Production cycle
Blow molding is fast for single-piece molding, but post-processing (such as trimming) may increase the time consumption.
Injection molding cycle is stable, and multi-cavity molds can produce dozens of parts at the same time, which is more efficient.
Economic recommendations:
Choose blow molding for small batches of hollow parts (such as customized containers);
Choose injection molding for complex solid parts (such as electronic component housings).
4. Future Trends: Innovation Drives Process Upgrading
Blow molding technology:
Multi-layer coextrusion: Improve barrier properties (such as anti-oxidation layer of food packaging).
Biodegradable materials: Respond to environmental protection needs, such as PLA blow molding bottles.
Injection molding technology:
Micro injection molding: Produce millimeter-level precision parts (such as medical catheters).
Smart mold: Integrated sensors monitor pressure and temperature in real time
5. How to choose? One table to help you choose!
Comparison Items
Blow molding
Injection molding
Applicable Products
Hollow containers (bottles, barrels)
Solid parts (gears, housings)
Material Type
Soft plastics (HDPE, PP)
Hard plastic (ABS, PC)
Mold Cost
Low
High
Design complexity
Medium (limited to hollow structures)
High (supports fine details)
Production batch
Small and medium batches
Large quantities
Conclusion
Blow molding and injection molding seem similar but each has its own advantages. Whether it is a lightweight mineral water bottle or a precision automotive component, the two technologies work together in a precise manner. When choosing, you need to consider product requirements, cost budget and design goals to maximize benefits.
Plastic injection molding is celebrated for its ability to produce complex, consistent parts at scale—but just how precise can it get? For manufacturers and buyers seeking parts with tight tolerances, understanding the limits of injection molding accuracy, which industries demand it, and how to find the right partner is critical. In this guide, we’ll break down the precision capabilities of injection molding, its high-requirement applications, and actionable tips for selecting a qualified factory.
What’s the Maximum Precision of Plastic Injection Molding?
The accuracy of plastic injection molding is measured by tolerances (allowable deviation from design dimensions), shape consistency, and surface finish. While standard injection molding can achieve tolerances of ±0.01mm to ±0.1mm, advanced processes push these limits even further:
What’s the Maximum Precision of Plastic Injection Molding?
The accuracy of plastic injection molding is measured by tolerances (allowable deviation from design dimensions), shape consistency, and surface finish. While standard injection molding can achieve tolerances of ±0.01mm to ±0.1mm, advanced processes push these limits even further:
● High-precision injection molding can reach tolerances as tight as ±0.001mm to ±0.005mm (micron-level precision). This is comparable to the thickness of a human hair (≈0.05mm), making it suitable for parts that require exact fits or functional precision.
● Shape accuracy in high-precision molding minimizes warping, twisting, or distortion—critical for parts that must interlock or seal (e.g., medical valves or electronic connectors).
● Surface finish can achieve mirror-like smoothness (Ra values as low as 0.02μm) or controlled textures, depending on the mold’s quality and material.
Which Products Require Ultra-Precise Injection Molding?
Not all parts need micron-level precision, but certain designs demand tight tolerances to function correctly. Examples of high-precision injection-molded products include:
● Medical components: Syringes, catheter tips, surgical instrument housings, and implantable parts (e.g., orthopedic spacers). These require consistent dimensions to ensure patient safety and compatibility with other devices.
● Electronic parts: Micro-connectors, sensor housings, and PCB (printed circuit board) components. Even tiny deviations can disrupt electrical conductivity or signal transmission.
● Automotive critical parts: Fuel injector nozzles, sensor brackets, and transmission components. These must withstand extreme temperatures and vibrations while maintaining precise fits.
● Aerospace components: Valve bodies, avionic housings, and lightweight structural parts. Precision here is non-negotiable for safety and performance at high altitudes.
● Optical parts: Lens holders, light guides, and camera components. Surface finish and dimensional accuracy directly impact light transmission and focus.
Industries That Demand High-Precision Injection Molding
The need for tight-tolerance parts is concentrated in industries where performance, safety, and reliability are paramount:
What Capabilities Should a High-Precision Injection Molding Factory Have?
If you need ultra-precise parts, your manufacturing partner must demonstrate specific capabilities. Look for these key traits:
1. Advanced Mold Design & Manufacturing
● High-precision mold making: Molds must be machined with CNC (Computer Numerical Control) equipment, EDM (Electrical Discharge Machining), or wire cutting to achieve tolerances as low as ±0.002mm.
● Mold simulation software: Tools like Moldflow to predict shrinkage, warpage, or flow issues before production—critical for avoiding costly errors.
● Material-specific mold engineering: Experience designing molds for high-performance plastics (e.g., PEEK, PEI, or LCP) that have unique shrinkage or flow properties.
2. Precision Injection Molding Machines
● Servo-electric or hybrid machines: These offer tighter control over injection speed, pressure, and temperature compared to traditional hydraulic machines, reducing variability.
● Closed-loop control systems: Real-time monitoring and adjustment of pressure, temperature, and cooling to maintain consistency across production runs.
● Micro-injection capabilities: For tiny parts (e.g., 0.1g weight), machines with precise screw diameters (12-18mm) and high-pressure control (up to 2,000 bar).
3. Rigorous Quality Control
● Advanced inspection tools: Coordinate Measuring Machines (CMMs), 3D scanners, and optical comparators to verify dimensions at micron levels.
● Statistical Process Control (SPC): Continuous tracking of tolerances, shrinkage, and defects to catch deviations early.
● Industry certifications: ISO 9001 (quality management), ISO 13485 (medical devices), or IATF 16949 (automotive) to ensure compliance with strict standards.
4. Material Expertise
● Access to high-grade materials: Ability to source certified resins (e.g., medical-grade ABS, aerospace-grade PEEK) with consistent shrinkage and flow properties.
● Material testing: In-house labs to verify material purity, melt flow rate (MFR), and shrinkage rates for each batch.
How to Screen a High-Precision Injection Molding Factory
Follow these steps to identify a reliable partner:
1）Review their portfolio: Ask for case studies or samples of parts with tolerances similar to yours (e.g., “Can you show me a medical part you produced with ±0.003mm tolerance?”).
2）Audit their facilities: Check if they use advanced mold-making equipment, precision machines, and inspection tools. Look for cleanrooms if your parts require sterility (e.g., medical devices).
3）Verify certifications: Ensure they hold relevant industry certifications (e.g., ISO 13485 for medical) and can provide documentation of compliance.
4）Test with a prototype: Request a small batch of prototypes to evaluate dimensional accuracy, surface finish, and consistency. Use your own inspection tools to verify results.
5）Assess communication: A qualified factory will ask detailed questions about your part’s function, material, and tolerance requirements—avoid partners who rush to quote without understanding your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What’s the smallest tolerance achievable with injection molding?
A: With advanced equipment and mold design, tolerances as tight as ±0.001mm are possible for small, rigid parts (e.g., micro-electronics).
Q: Do high-precision parts cost more?
A: Yes—they require specialized molds, slower production cycles, and rigorous testing. However, partnering with an experienced factory can optimize costs by reducing waste and rework.
Q: Can flexible plastics (e.g., TPE) achieve tight tolerances?
A: Flexible materials have higher shrinkage rates, making tight tolerances harder to achieve. However, with material-specific mold design, tolerances of ±0.01mm to ±0.05mm are possible.
Q: How does volume affect precision?
A: High-volume production (100,000+ parts) requires molds with wear-resistant materials (e.g., H13 steel) to maintain precision over time. A reputable factory will plan for mold maintenance to prevent dimensional drift.
Conclusion
Plastic injection molding can achieve remarkable precision—from ±0.01mm for standard parts to ±0.001mm for high-end applications—making it indispensable for medical, electronics, automotive, and aerospace industries. When seeking a factory for your high-precision needs, prioritize advanced mold-making capabilities, precision machines, rigorous quality control, and industry expertise.
By partnering with a qualified manufacturer, you can ensure your parts meet tight tolerances, function reliably, and comply with industry standards. Ready to find the right partner? Start by sharing your part’s specifications with factories that specialize in your industry—precision starts with understanding your needs.
In the manufacturing world, CNC machining has become a cornerstone for producing precision parts—from auto components to aerospace components—thanks to its unmatched accuracy and efficiency. If you’re considering CNC machining for your project, one question likely tops your list: How much does it cost to machine a part with CNC?
The truth is, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. CNC machining costs depend on a mix of factors, from the materials you use to the complexity of the part. Below, we’ll break down these factors, explain how costs are calculated, and share tips to keep your expenses in check. Let’s dive in.
Key Factors That Influence CNC Machining Costs
Material Costs
The type of material you choose is one of the biggest cost drivers. Common metals like aluminum, copper, and steel are budget-friendly, with prices often ranging from tens of yuan per kilogram. On the other hand, high-performance materials—such as titanium alloys (used in aerospace) or specialty alloys—are far pricier. For example, aviation-grade titanium can cost thousands of yuan per kilogram, due to its scarcity, difficult refining process, and tough machining properties.
Material specifications also matter. Higher-quality, precision-grade materials (with tighter tolerances or better surface finishes) will cost more than standard grades, as they meet stricter industry standards.
Part Complexity
A part’s shape and structure directly impact how much time and effort go into machining it—and thus, the cost.
● Simple parts: Basic shapes like cubes, cylinders, or flat plates are easy to machine. They require fewer tool changes, simpler programming, and minimal setup, keeping costs low. A simple aluminum cylinder, for instance, might cost just 1.5 USD.
The following example is a project we processed, which is a component of the gear lever for racing cars.
● Complex parts: Parts with intricate curves, irregular shapes, tiny features (like micro-holes), or internal channels are far more challenging. They need advanced programming to map tool paths, multiple setups (to reach all angles), and sometimes specialized tools. For example, an aircraft engine blade—with its complex, aerodynamic curves—can cost hundreds of dollars or more to machine.
The picture below is a project we processed, which is an aluminum automobile intake manifold.
Precision Requirements
Tighter tolerances and smoother surface finishes mean higher costs.
● Standard precision: Most everyday mechanical parts need tolerances around ±0.1mm. These are straightforward to achieve with basic CNC equipment, so costs stay reasonable.
● High precision: Parts for medical devices or aerospace often require tolerances as tight as ±0.01mm (or even less). To hit these targets, manufacturers must use high-end, ultra-precise machines, run multiple finishing passes, and conduct rigorous quality checks—all of which add time and expense.
Production Volume
How many parts you need affects the cost per unit.
CNC machining has “fixed costs” upfront: programming the machine, setting up tools, and debugging. For small batches (e.g., 1–10 parts), these fixed costs get spread across fewer units, making each part more expensive. For example, 1 custom part might cost 15 USD.
But with larger volumes (e.g., 100+ parts), those fixed costs are divided among more units, driving down the per-piece price. That same part could drop to 8 USD each when produced in bulk.
Machinery and Technology
Not all CNC machines are created equal—and their costs reflect that.
● 3-axis machines: These handle flat or simple 3D parts (like plates or blocks) and are affordable, with hourly rates often between 100–300 yuan.
● 4-axis or 5-axis machines: These tackle complex, multi-angle parts (like turbine blades) but are pricier to buy and operate. Hourly rates for 5-axis machines can range from 500–1000 yuan or more.
Processing techniques also matter. Milling, turning, and drilling are standard (and cheaper), while specialized methods like EDM (electrical discharge machining) or grinding cost more due to unique equipment and longer processing times.
The following pictures are the 5-axis machines and EDM machines in our factory.
How CNC Machining Costs Are Calculated
Manufacturers use three main pricing models, depending on your project’s needs:
▶ Hourly Billing
This is common for projects with hard-to-estimate timelines (e.g., one-off complex parts). The formula is simple:
Total cost = Processing time × Hourly rate
The hourly rate covers everything: machine depreciation, energy use, labor, and overhead. As noted earlier, rates vary by machine type—3-axis machines are cheaper than 5-axis ones.
▶ Per-Piece Billing
Ideal for mass production (e.g., 1000+ identical parts) where processing time and complexity are consistent. The per-piece price includes:
● Material costs
● Machining time
● Tool/equipment wear
● A small profit margin
For example, a simple plastic bracket might cost a few yuan per piece, while a complex metal gear could cost hundreds.
▶ Comprehensive Billing
Best for mixed projects (e.g., multiple part types) or long-term partnerships. This model combines material costs, processing time, complexity, and volume to create a custom quote. For instance, an order with 5 different parts would have each part’s costs calculated individually, then adjusted based on total volume and project difficulty.
Tips to Reduce CNC Machining Costs
Want to keep costs low without sacrificing quality? Try these strategies:
1. Optimize Your Part Design
Simplify shapes to cut down on machining steps. Avoid unnecessary curves, tiny features, or overcomplicating structures—ask: Does this detail serve a critical function?
Also, design for material efficiency. For example, combining two small parts into one larger piece reduces assembly time and material waste.
2. Choose the Right Material
Balance performance and cost. If a part doesn’t need aerospace-grade titanium, try a cheaper alternative with similar properties (e.g., aluminum alloys for non-critical components).
Buy in bulk or use standard-sized materials—custom cuts or rare sizes often come with premiums.
3. Order in Larger Volumes
If your project allows, scale up production. As we saw earlier, bulk orders lower the per-piece cost by spreading fixed costs across more units.
4. Partner with Experienced Suppliers
A skilled manufacturer can optimize tool paths, reduce setup time, and avoid errors—saving you money. Look for suppliers with advanced equipment, a track record of efficiency, and transparent pricing.
5. Plan for Long-Term Partnerships
Building a long-term relationship with a supplier often leads to better rates, priority scheduling, and tailored cost-saving solutions (e.g., bulk material discounts).
Final Thoughts
CNC machining costs depend on materials, complexity, precision, volume, and machinery—but with the right strategies, you can keep expenses manageable. Whether you need a single prototype or 10,000 production parts, the key is to align your design and volume with your budget.
If you’re ready to get a custom quote, reach out to us. Our team uses state-of-the-art CNC machines and decades of experience to deliver accurate, cost-effective parts—on time, every time. Share your part drawings and requirements, and we’ll craft a detailed, transparent estimate tailored to your project.
Let’s make your next project a success—contact us today!
