Fathom delivers high-quality parts to its customers by using the latest injection molding technology. Whether time-sensitive, highly complex, high-precision, or short production run related, Fathom will meet the requirements of your project.
The injection molding process is a highly efficient manufacturing technology that can result in uniform parts of excellent quality. To be successful in the injection molding process, some common factors are involved:
When designing for injection molding, take the size of the part into consideration. Every manufacturer has size guidelines that must be followed. In addition, the machining tolerance must also be factored into the part’s design.
There are key parameters to follow when designing a part. Tolerances, wall thickness, quality control, cost, mold shrinkage, weld lines and more should be taken into consideration to maximize design. Fathom can help you simplify your design to reduce costs and increase efficiency.
Lower production runs can be accomplished using a soft mold. Higher volume production runs cost more because the mold is designed to produce thousands to millions of parts. The high cost of a large production mold decreases per part as more parts are made.
For all injection molding projects, a mold must be created. The mold contains the shape of the part. Molds are made from metal, usually steel, aluminum or another alloy. The mold consists of the A-side which contains the cavity and the B-side which houses the ejector pins.
When selecting a material for your project, pick a material with the best properties for your design. Determine whether your part must be chemical, heat, or UV resistant. Fathom can help you select a material that fits your budget and meets the requirements of your unique project.
The injection molding machine is shut off while a new mold is loaded. Improper setup can result in tool damage, flawed parts, reworking and delayed product. Work with a renowned manufacturer like Fathom to avoid a mismanaged manufacturing experience.
Partner with Fathom for high-quality and cost-effective injection molded parts. As a single-source global solution, Fathom can support your low- and high-volume projects. Our team incorporates both additive and advanced technologies, resulting in high-quality parts that will meet your customers’ needs.
Injection Molding is just one of 28 manufacturing processes offered by Fathom.
Use Fathom’s SmartQuote online platform to receive a quote in as fast as 1 hour, usually within 24 hours. Whether you need injection molding or another manufacturing service, Fathom’s injection molding lead times are as follows:
Fathom has 2 US-based locations that offer injection molding, offering nationwide coverage to the entire United States. Fathom’s advanced prototyping and manufacturing services include wire EDM, CNC machining, chemical etching, metal 3D printing, and more. We have provided over 200,000 quotes to leading US companies and are ready to provide you with a quote today.
Locations include:
HEADQUARTERS
1050 Walnut Ridge Drive
Hartland, WI 53029
ISO 9001:2015
AS9100:2016
ITAR
ILLINOIS
1207 Adams Drive
McHenry, IL 60051
The specifications and tolerances of injection molding can ensure that a part fits correctly once it is assembled. Tolerances and specifications also affect how a part should be shaped to maximize function. Some variation is inevitable in manufacturing but working with an experienced manufacturer can ensure any deviation is within an acceptable range.
| TOOL OPTIONS | LEAD TIME | PART QUANTITY | MAXIMUM PARTING LINE MISMATCH | MAXIMUM FLASH | TOOL TOLERANCES LINEAR DIMENSIONS | PART COLOR | PART FINISH (COLOR) | PART FINISH (TEXTURE) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rapid Tool (Master Unit Die Base) | 1.5-3 Weeks | 5,000 Shots | 0.010in | 0.010in | ±0.003 + 0.002in/in | Pantone Colors | A2 | Yes |
| Prototype Tool (Stand Alone) | 2-4 Weeks | 5,000-50,000 Shots | 0.010in | 0.007in | ±0.005 + 0.002in/in | A2 | ||
| Production Tool | 5-10 Weeks (Depends on Size and Complexity) | 250,000 - 1,000,000 Shots (Depending on Class of Tool Selected) | 0.005in | 0.005in | SPI (Commercial) | A1 |
Let Fathom help you select the best material for your project. Crystalline, amorphous, and imidized plastics are all available for use. Each plastic has its unique characteristics, as mentioned below.
After a part has been injection molded, it transitions to the finishing process. Some finishes may be purely cosmetic, but others may add to the physical properties. Here are some of the finishing processes offered by Fathom.
| SURFACE FINISH | GUIDE | TYPICAL APPLICATIONS |
|---|---|---|
| Standard No Machine Mark | Tool Marks Removed | Low Cosmetic |
| SPI-C1 | 600 Stone | Low Polish Parts |
| SPI-B1 | 600 Grit Paper | Medium Polish Parts |
| SPI-A2 | Grade #6 Diamond | High Polish Parts |
| SPI-A1 | Grade #3 | Lens or Mirror |
| IM-1 Light Bead Blast | Need 1 Degree Draft Angle | |
| IM-2 Medium Bead Blast | Need 1.5 Degree Draft Angle | |
| IM-3 Heavy Bead Blast | Need 3 Degree Draft Angle |
A: Yes, Fathom offers injection molding services.
A: Injection molding is a manufacturing process commonly used for plastic parts. During injection molding, molten plastic is injected into a two-part mold using high pressure. Once the part has cooled inside the mold, it is ejected. The part may or may not require a secondary finish.
A: Fathom’s certifications include ISO 9001:2015, ISO 9001:2015 Design, and ISO 13485:2016. For site-specific certifications, please visit https://fathommfg.com/fathom-manufacturing-certifications.
A: Yes, Fathom is ITAR certified. For site-specific certifications, please visit https://fathommfg.com/fathom-manufacturing-certifications.
A: Yes, Fathom is AS9100:2016. For site-specific certifications, please visit https://fathommfg.com/fathom-manufacturing-certifications.
A: Yes, Fathom’s certifications include NIST 800-171. For site-specific certifications, please visit https://fathommfg.com/fathom-manufacturing-certifications.
A: The cost of injection molding depends on the complexity of the part, part size, tooling cost, equipment setup and configuration, materials used, and more. Contact Fathom today for a quote.
A: Injection molds are expensive because they are designed to make thousands to millions of parts from a single mold.
A: The cost of injection molding depends on the design, materials selected, labor cost, tooling and more. To calculate injection molding costs, submit your file to the Fathom SmartQuote platform for a quote within 1 to 24 hours.
A: A single mold can produce thousands to millions of parts.
Are you looking to get a quote on injection molding or calculate costs for an upcoming project? Fathom’s SmartQuote application provides fast quotes for any file.
