Is injection molding cheaper than machining?

1, Raw material cost
There is a difference in raw material costs between injection molding and mechanical processing. Injection molding mainly uses plastic pellets, masterbatch, additives, and other raw materials, which have relatively stable prices and are easy to purchase. Mechanical processing mainly uses hard materials such as metals and alloys, with significant price fluctuations and usually high procurement costs. Therefore, in terms of raw material costs, injection molding often has certain advantages.
However, it should be noted that the raw material cost of injection molding is not constant. The price of plastic raw materials is influenced by various factors such as market supply and demand, fluctuations in raw material prices, and may fluctuate within a certain range. In addition, the waste generated during the injection molding process also needs to be taken into account. Although these wastes can be recycled and reused, they will also increase certain costs.
2, Labor cost
In terms of labor costs, there are also differences between injection molding and mechanical processing. Injection molding usually uses automated production lines, which can significantly reduce manual operations and lower labor costs. Mechanical processing, on the other hand, relies more on manual operation and requires more skilled workers for processing and testing, resulting in relatively high labor costs.
However, with the continuous development of automation technology, the field of mechanical processing is also gradually achieving automated production. By introducing automation equipment such as CNC machine tools and robots, the labor cost of mechanical processing is gradually decreasing. In addition, multiple processing and testing may be required during the mechanical machining process, and these steps also need to consider labor costs.
3, Production efficiency
Production efficiency is one of the important indicators for measuring production costs. Injection molding adopts an automated production line, which can achieve efficient and continuous production, greatly improving production efficiency. Mechanical processing usually requires multiple processes and inspection steps, resulting in relatively low production efficiency.
However, it should be noted that the production efficiency of injection molding does not entirely depend on the equipment itself. Factors such as mold design, manufacturing, and maintenance can also affect production efficiency. If the mold design is unreasonable or not maintained properly, it may lead to a decrease in production efficiency and even cause quality problems.
4, Equipment investment and maintenance
In terms of equipment investment and maintenance, there are also differences between injection molding and mechanical processing. Injection molding requires a significant investment in purchasing production equipment such as injection molding machines and molds, as well as establishing corresponding production lines and auxiliary facilities. The investment cost of these devices is relatively high, but once they are put into production, their high production efficiency and low maintenance costs will gradually become apparent.
Mechanical processing requires a significant investment in purchasing production equipment such as CNC machine tools and machining centers, as well as corresponding auxiliary tools such as cutting tools and fixtures. These devices also have high investment costs and require regular maintenance and upkeep. If the equipment malfunctions or wears out, it will directly affect production efficiency and product quality.
5, Comprehensive cost comparison
Taking into account multiple factors such as raw material costs, labor costs, production efficiency, equipment investment, and maintenance, injection molding and mechanical processing have differences in overall costs. In some cases, injection molding may have lower overall costs. For example, when producing large quantities of plastic products with simple structures, injection molding can fully leverage its advantages of high production efficiency and low raw material costs, thereby reducing overall costs.
However, in other cases, mechanical processing may have lower overall costs. For example, when producing small batches and structurally complex metal products, mechanical processing can flexibly respond to various processing needs, and the requirements for raw materials are relatively low. In addition, if the enterprise already has relatively complete mechanical processing equipment and production lines, optimizing the production process and improving production efficiency can also reduce the overall cost of mechanical processing.