Key principles.
Major
CNC: no tooling. Mold: $20-100K tool. Crossover above 1-5K parts.
High vs low
CNC $20-200/part. Molded $0.50-10/part. 5-20× difference.
Fast vs slow
CNC 5-10 days. Mold 8-12 weeks build + parts.
CNC tighter
CNC ±0.025 mm. Mold ±0.1-0.3 mm typical.
CNC any / Mold molded
CNC any geometry. Mold draft + uniform walls + no undercuts.
Bar vs molded grade
CNC bar stock. Mold plastic injection grade. Slightly different properties.
FAQ
1-5K parts depending on complexity. Below: CNC. Above: mold investment pays back.
Aluminum mold tooling for low-volume bridge production. Urethane casting for short-run.
CNC bar/sheet stock. Injection-grade material has different rheology. Specs may differ.
CNC ±0.025 mm achievable. Injection ±0.1 mm typical. Tight features post-machined.
Molding: 1-2° draft, uniform walls, no undercuts (or slides). CNC: any geometry within tool reach.
CNC prototype + injection production. Standard product development path.
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