Is Injection Molding an Additive Manufacturing Technology?
As the world of manufacturing continues to evolve, various techniques are utilized to produce parts and components with varying levels of complexity. Among these techniques, two prominent methods that often spark confusion are injection molding and additive manufacturing. But can injection molding be classified as an additive manufacturing technology? In this article, we’ll explore the fundamental differences between injection molding and additive manufacturing and answer the question at hand. What is Injection Molding? Injection molding is a widely used manufacturing process in which molten material—typically plastic, rubber, or metal—is injected into a mold to create parts and components. The material is heated until it reaches a liquid state, then forced into a mold under high pressure. Once the material cools and solidifies, the mold is removed to reveal the final product. This process is commonly used in mass production for industries such as automotive, consumer goods, electronic...