Multi-angle analysis of the difference between

thermoforming and injection molding 

Thermoforming and injection molding both are popular manufacturing processes for producing plastics parts. Here’s some brief descriptions on aspects of materials, cost, production, finishing and lead time between the two processes.

A. Materials

Thermoforming use flat sheets of thermoplastic that get molded into the product. Injection molded products use thermoplastic pellets.

B. Cost

Thermoforming has significantly lower tooling cost than injection molding. For it only require a single 3D form be created out of aluminum. But injection moulding require a double-sided 3D mold which is created out of steel, aluminum or a beryllium-copper alloy. So injection moulding would need large tooling investment.
However, the cost of production per piece in injection molding can be less expensive than thermoforming.

C. Production

In thermoforming, a flat sheet of plastic is heated to a pliable temperature, then molded to the tool’s shape using suction from a vacuum or both suction and pressure. It often requires secondary finishing processes to create the desired aesthetics. And it is used for smaller production quantities.
In injection molding, plastic pellets are heated to a liquid state, then injected into the mold. It usually produces parts as finished pieces. And it is used for large, high-volume production runs.

D. Finishing

For thermoforming, the final pieces are trimmed robotically. Accommodates simpler geometries and larger tolerances, making it ideal for larger parts with more basic designs.
Injection moulding, on the other hand, the final pieces are removed from the mold. It is ideal for creating smaller, more intricate and complex parts, as it can accommodate difficult geometries and tight tolerances (sometimes less than +/- .005), depending on the material used and the thickness of the part.

E. Lead Time

In thermoforming, the average time for tooling is 0-8 weeks. Following tooling, production usually occurs within 1-2 weeks after the tool is approved. With injection molding, tooling takes 12-16 weeks and can be up to 4-5 weeks after when production starts.

Whether you’re working with plastic pellets for injection molding or sheets of plastic for thermoforming, both methods create great reliability and high quality. The best option for a specific project depends on the unique requirements of the application at hand.

GTM injection molding machinemanufacturers, strong rigidity, reliable and durable.

This thermoforming machine used for producing high demand of disposable fresh/fast food, fruit plastic cups, boxes, plates,container, and pharmaceutical, PP, PS, PET, PVC, etc.

Large Layout 3 Station High Efficiency Thermoforming Machine Description

Large Layout 3 Station High Efficiency Thermoforming Machine: Integrated heating, forming, punching and stacking stations. Thermoformer use high-efficiency ceramic heating elements; laser knife mold, high efficiency and low cost; color touch screen, easy operation.