15 Aug 2026
Stacks of colorful legos that mimic a rising bar chart.

How Tolerance Stack Up Affects Multi-Part Plastic Assemblies

When a plastic component is designed and manufactured, each individual dimension has an acceptable range of variation. In a multi-part assembly, however, those small variations can combine and affect how the finished product fits and functions. This is known as tolerance stack up. Tolerance stack up is especially important for injection molded plastic assemblies because […]

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20 Jul 2016

Gates and Parting Lines: Fundamentals of Plastic Design Part 5

Gates and parting lines are two of the most important design considerations in injection molding. Although they are often overlooked during the early stages of product development, both have a direct impact on part quality, cosmetic appearance, manufacturability, and tooling costs. Every injection molded part requires a gate to allow molten plastic to enter the […]

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17 Jul 2026
A welding machine in a medical mask production run.

Designing Plastic Parts for Ultrasonic Welding

Ultrasonic welding is one of the most common methods for joining injection-molded plastic parts. It provides a fast, clean, and reliable way to create permanent assemblies without the use of adhesives, solvents, or mechanical fasteners. From medical devices to industrial equipment, ultrasonic welding creates strong, repeatable joints while supporting high-volume production. However, successful welding depends […]

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29 Jun 2026
Close up cavity gate system of plastic injection mold for mass production in manufacturing process.

What Designers Should Know About Venting in Injection Molding

Venting in injection molding is one of the most important yet often overlooked aspects of mold design. While much attention is typically given to part geometry, material selection, and tooling construction, proper venting plays a critical role in ensuring consistent part quality and efficient production. As molten plastic enters a mold cavity, the air already […]

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22 Feb 2016
A warped ruler twisting into the air.

Fundamentals of Plastic Part Design Part 3 – Sink and Warp

Part manufacturers should always give careful consideration to the materials used in plastic part design, as this decision will have significant consequences for sink and warp in plastic injection-molded parts. Let’s take a look at what makes a part sink or warp, and some helpful advice for avoiding these in the injection molding and design […]

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26 Aug 2019
Horizontal color image of molding machine part.

Hot Runner Systems in Injection Molding: Types and Benefits

Since its inception in the 1960s, to its acceptance in the 1990s, the hot runner system has challenged tradition across the plastic injection molding business. With their increased cycle speed and decreased waste, hot runners are an attractive solution to many looking to diversify their injection molding process.   What is a hot runner injection […]

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26 May 2023

Plastic Hinges: Types, Design & Common Applications

What is a plastic hinge? In injection molding, a plastic hinge refers to a specialized feature designed within a plastic part to provide flexibility and allow rotational movement. The plastic hinge design allows it to endure repeated cycles of bending or flexing without causing permanent deformation or failure of the part. Using the inherent elasticity […]

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15 Jul 2013

How Much Does a Plastic Injection Mold Cost? A Complete Pricing Guide

Injection molding cost can range anywhere from $100 to $100,000+ depending on the scope and intricacy of the project. A small and simple single-cavity plastic injection mold usually costs between $1,000 and $5,000. Very large or complex molds may cost as much as $80,000 or more. On average, a typical mold that produces a relatively […]

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10 Feb 2025
Gray POM plastic car gears nestled among white plastic nurdles.

POM Plastic (Polyoxymethylene): Properties, Grades & Applications

Polyoxymethylene (POM), commonly known as acetal plastic or acetal resin, is an engineering thermoplastic widely recognized for its superior mechanical properties, dimensional stability, and resistance to moisture and chemicals. In this blog, we’ll explore the defining characteristics of POM, its advantages in injection molding, how it compares to acetal resin, and the diverse applications that […]

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31 Dec 2023
Three factory workers discuss their business plan.

How to Build a Business Plan for Your Injection Molding Project

Why it’s essential to build a business plan for your injection molding project The success of an injection molding project is influenced by how well the project is planned and the foresight you have going into it. A well-crafted injection molding business plan serves as the blueprint for turning your vision into a profitable reality. […]

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