Used in all types of industries, plastics provide versatility and strength across a wide range of applications, from automotive body parts to human body parts. Each application requires a unique manufacturing process that can mold the part based on specifications.
Both injection molding and 3D printing are additive manufacturing processes that create highly complex parts using near-identical product runs. Manufacturers can choose from a broad selection of plastics and thermoplastic materials to perform either process, but there are a few applications where injection molding or 3D printing is preferred. If you're choosing which technique to use for your organization, consider the following side-by-side comparison.