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Vacuum Casting vs Rapid Injection Molding

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  For runs of 20 to 200 parts, vacuum casting usually suits the low end and rapid injection molding prototyping the high end, with the crossover set by part geometry and material. Vacuum casting starts fast from a silicone mould. Injection molding needs a tool but gives you production resin from the real process.   KEY FACTS ·         Vacuum casting, also called urethane casting, makes parts from silicone moulds taken from a master pattern. ·         Rapid injection molding makes parts from a metal tool in production plastics. ·         HLH Prototypes Co LTD offers a minimum order quantity of 1 for prototypes, typically rising to 100,000 parts. ·         Silicone moulds wear with use, so vacuum casting suits short runs.   When does vacuum casting make ...

Should You Order a CNC or 3D-Printed Prototype First?

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Order a 3D-printed prototype first if you only need to check shape, fit and look. Order a CNC prototype first if the part must be made in a real production material and hold tight tolerances. At HLH Prototypes Co LTD we decide by asking what the prototype has to prove.   KEY FACTS ·         HLH Prototypes Co LTD has been helping people make parts and products since 2008. ·         Our minimum order quantity starts at 1 for prototypes. ·         We offer CNC milling, SLA and SLS 3D printing, vacuum casting, sheet metal and rapid injection moulding under one roof. ·         Our 12000 sq/m manufacturing facility in China is split across six dedicated zones.   When should you order a 3D-printed prototype first? Order a 3D print first when the design is still moving. A ...

Best Plastics for Injection Molding: A Material Selection Guide

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  Quick answer: Some of the best plastics for injection molding include polypropylene (PP) and ABS, but China plastic injection molding companies also offer a wider range of thermoplastics, from nylon (PA) and polycarbonate (PC) to polyethylene (PE) and acetal (POM) . Ultimately, the right material depends on your part’s requirements, including temperature and mechanical loads. HLH Prototypes is one of the trusted names in injection molding in China and they can make your part from a wide range of high-quality plastics based on your application and needs. The resin you choose can affect how well your part holds up and meets the tolerances required for assembly. The last thing you want is to choose the wrong material that can result in warped parts and poor fits. So before sending your files to a manufacturer in China for plastic injection molding , use this guide to compare some of the best plastics for your project. The most common plastics for injection molding You’ll come...

Common Injection Mould Defects and Their Solutions

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  China injection moulds can deliver efficient high-volume production, provided that you catch defects early. Left unchecked, minor flaws can ruin the aesthetics of your moulded parts, while serious issues destroy their strength and safety. You can avoid many of these problems as long as you understand what causes them. When you know what to look for, you can reduce waste and avoid costly rework. Plus, you can prevent your products from becoming unsellable. Here are some of the most common China injection mould defects, along with why they happen and how manufacturers can minimise them. Flow lines Flow lines are those wavy marks or bands you might see on the surface of your moulded part. They're often a slightly different colour from the surrounding material and usually show up around narrow sections or near the mould gates where the molten plastic enters the cavity. Although flow lines don't usually affect your part’s function, they can be a problem for products wher...