Injection Molding

Injection Molding with Ucodo

Create parts of all complexities sized from 3 mm (0.12 in) to 2 m (79 in) with Protolabs Network (formerly Hubs). Lead times are as fast as 10 days, and we offer local or global production options. Our manufacturing partners typically use 20 to 3,000 ton injection machines, depending on part size, complexity, and volume. DIN 16901-130 and tighter tolerances are available on request.

How Custom Plastic Injection Molding Works

The plastic injection molding process requires an injection molding machine, raw plastic material, and a machined mold. The raw plastic material is first melted in the injection unit and is then injected into the mold—most often machined from steel or aluminum—where it cools and solidifies into the final plastic part. 

At Ucodo, we first review your plastic injection molding online quote and parts for manufacturability, then consult with you to ensure your specifications, lead time, and price fit your project needs. We use your 3D CAD to CNC machine a high-quality injection mold. Once the molded parts are created, Ucodo sends samples (T1) for approval. Once the mold is refined and approved, Ucodo begins production. We use this process to mold everything from the smallest medical insert up to large automotive, aerospace, and defense parts.

Injection Molding Services Capabilities

• Lead Time：As fast as 5 business days; 3 weeks is typical for most projects

• Production Options：Domestic and international

• Materials：Most plastics, including custom sourcing and matching; see materials list below

• Machines & Tooling：Single, multi-cavity, and family molds; 50 to 3,700+ ton presses; automated side actions or hand-loaded cores

• Inspection and Certification Options：ISO 9001, AS9100, ISO 13485, IATF 16949 UL, ITAR, and ISO 7 and 8 Medical Clean Rooms; FAI and PAPP available

• Tool Ownership：Customer-owned with mold maintenance

• Mold Cavity Tolerances：+/- 0.005" when machining the mold and an additional +/- 0.002" per inch when calculating for shrink rate

• Part to Part Repeatability：+/- 0.004" or less

• Critical Feature Tolerances：Tighter tolerances can be requested and may increase the cost of tooling because of additional sampling and grooming. Xometry will mill to a steel-safe condition on critical features.

• Mold Classes：Steel and aluminum tooling with production grades range from Class 105 (prototype) to Class 101 (extremely high production) molds

This table depicts the general tolerances for Ucodo’s plastic injection molding service and accounts for adequate draft, radii, and coring for manufacturability.