{"id":16966,"date":"2023-12-07T13:34:41","date_gmt":"2023-12-07T13:34:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/xometry.pro\/articles\/injection-molding-3d-printing\/"},"modified":"2025-11-05T16:05:36","modified_gmt":"2025-11-05T15:05:36","slug":"injection-molding-3d-printing","status":"publish","type":"articles","link":"https:\/\/xometry.pro\/en-eu\/articles\/injection-molding-3d-printing\/","title":{"rendered":"Injection Molding vs 3D Printing: Which One To Choose?"},"content":{"rendered":"<div role=\"navigation\" aria-label=\"Table of Contents\" class=\"simpletoc wp-block-simpletoc-toc\"><h2 class=\"simpletoc-title\">Table of Contents<\/h2>\n<ul class=\"simpletoc-list\">\n<li><a href=\"#h-what-is-the-difference-between-3d-printing-and-injection-molding\">What is the Difference Between 3D Printing and Injection Molding?<\/a>\n\n\n<\/li>\n\n<li><a href=\"#h-how-to-choose-injection-molding-or-3d-printing\">How to Choose: Injection Molding or 3D Printing?<\/a>\n\n\n<\/li>\n\n<\/li>\n\n<\/li>\n\n<\/li>\n\n<\/li>\n\n<\/li>\n\n<li><a href=\"#summary\">Summary<\/a>\n<\/li><\/ul><\/div>\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/xometry.eu\/en\/injection-moulding\/\">Injection molding <\/a>and <a href=\"https:\/\/xometry.eu\/en\/3d-printing\/\">3D printing <\/a>are the two most widely used manufacturing technologies for the production of plastic parts. This article gives a brief overview and comparison of both the technologies and lists several factors that need to be considered to choose the best technology for your project.<\/p>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-what-is-the-difference-between-3d-printing-and-injection-molding\"><strong>What is the Difference Between 3D Printing and Injection Molding?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-3d-printing\"><strong>3D Printing<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n<p>3D printing is additive manufacturing, which means the initial material is built layer by layer. 3D printing creates three-dimensional objects from reading a virtual computer design and reproduces it into a tangible part by using material filaments or powders.<\/p>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"injection-molding\"><strong>Injection Molding<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/xometry.pro\/en-eu\/articles\/injection-moulding-overview\/\">Injection molding<\/a> makes use of moulds. First, an object\u2019s inverse is machined out of a material (e.g. aluminium, tool steel) that is safe to handle the molten build material (the material the finished object is made of). Then, the molten build material is poured into the mould. Once the material has cooled in the mould, the part is ready.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><div class=\"wp-block-image__wrap\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"512\" height=\"512\" src=\"https:\/\/xometry.pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/fdm_icon.gif\" alt=\"FDM icon animation\" class=\"wp-image-1825\" style=\"max-width:310px;height:auto\"\/><a class=\"wp-block-image__fancy-box-button\" href=\"https:\/\/xometry.pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/fdm_icon.gif\" data-fancybox=\"gallery-16966\" data-caption=\"FDM process animation\" aria-label=\"Open full image\"><img src=\"https:\/\/xometry.pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/fdm_icon.gif\" class=\"wp-block-image__fancy-box-button-thumbnail wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"><svg class=\"wp-block-image__fancy-box-button-icon\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"18\" height=\"18\" viewBox=\"0 0 18 18\" fill=\"none\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\r\n               <path d=\"M0 2V6H2V2H6V0H2C0.895 0 0 0.895 0 2ZM2 12H0V16C0 17.105 0.895 18 2 18H6V16H2V12ZM16 16H12V18H16C17.105 18 18 17.105 18 16V12H16V16ZM16 0H12V2H16V6H18V2C18 0.895 17.105 0 16 0Z\" fill=\"#092C47\"\/>\r\n             <\/svg><\/a><\/div><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">FDM process animation<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><div class=\"wp-block-image__wrap\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"512\" height=\"512\" src=\"https:\/\/xometry.pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/moulding.gif\" alt=\"Injection molding process animation\" class=\"wp-image-1610\" style=\"max-width:309px;height:auto\"\/><a class=\"wp-block-image__fancy-box-button\" href=\"https:\/\/xometry.pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/moulding.gif\" data-fancybox=\"gallery-16966\" data-caption=\"Injection molding process animation\" aria-label=\"Open full image\"><img src=\"https:\/\/xometry.pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/moulding.gif\" class=\"wp-block-image__fancy-box-button-thumbnail wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"><svg class=\"wp-block-image__fancy-box-button-icon\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"18\" height=\"18\" viewBox=\"0 0 18 18\" fill=\"none\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\r\n               <path d=\"M0 2V6H2V2H6V0H2C0.895 0 0 0.895 0 2ZM2 12H0V16C0 17.105 0.895 18 2 18H6V16H2V12ZM16 16H12V18H16C17.105 18 18 17.105 18 16V12H16V16ZM16 0H12V2H16V6H18V2C18 0.895 17.105 0 16 0Z\" fill=\"#092C47\"\/>\r\n             <\/svg><\/a><\/div><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Injection molding process animation<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-how-to-choose-injection-molding-or-3d-printing\"><strong>How to Choose: Injection Molding or 3D Printing?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n<p>When it comes to the selection of either injection molding or 3D printing for production, here are the prime factors that need to be considered.<\/p>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"batch-size\"><strong>Batch Size<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n<p>The number of parts required is a key factor in deciding the process. Injection molding is known for its effectiveness in high-volume production runs (1000+ parts per run). For low volumes (below 10), 3D printing is more appropriate and cheaper. For simple 3D printing processes like FDM or SLS used with affordable plastics like ABS, PC, Nylon, single parts or small quantities (identical and non-identical), 3D printing is undoubtedly the option to go for. MJF is also another viable option for midsized quantities (10-1000) and is very common.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Conclusion: <\/strong>Injection molding is a perfect option for bulk production whereas, for small batches of units, go with 3D printing.<\/p>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"design-complexity\"><strong>Design Complexity<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n<p>An injection molding process requires a mould to be built (inverse to the part) according to the required part design. Designing a CAD model for injection molding is not easy as there are many considerations. For example, right angles in the part design make it tough to remove from the mould and also delicate areas have to be treated with utmost care. Whereas, attaining complex designs is where 3D printing excels. No matter how complex the design is, 3D printing makes it possible with minimum effort.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Conclusion:<\/strong> Check if your design is manufacturable with injection molding, if not \u2013 it should be adjusted, otherwise go with 3D printing.<\/p>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"turnaround-time\"><strong>Turnaround Time<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n<p>Injection molding requires longer turnaround times as it involves the analysis of the design and building of the perfect mould according to the design (10-20 days). The turnaround times for 3D printing are very less compared to injection molding. You can get your 3D printing order at Xometry delivered in as quick as 3 days.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Conclusion:<\/strong> If you need the part immediately, go with 3D printing.<\/p>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"customizationnbsp\"><strong>Customization <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n<p>Once the mould is built for injection molding, it involves a lot of money and time to modify the re-design of it. When coming to customization of parts or modifications to the existing design, injection molding is not recommended. Whatever you get from the mould is the final part and it\u2019s very complex to modify it. On the other hand, 3D printing offers a lot of scope for customization and all it takes is a modified or customized CAD file. Hence, it is good for prototypes, test pieces.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Conclusion:<\/strong> 3D printing is advised for prototyping and customization.<\/p>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"material-strength\"><strong>Material Strength<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n<p>Parts manufactured through injection molding consist of a single poured layer, which adds strength to the shape because there are no fissures or points of weakness. Whereas in 3D printing, the part is made layer by layer which impacts its overall strength. 3D printing can create visible ridges and structural faults during manufacturing that typically don\u2019t occur with plastic injection molding.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Conclusion:<\/strong> If the material strength is a priority, go with injection molding.<\/p>\n\n\n<div id=\"ThLGl2RTtYs-69dabd13d29cf\" data-video-id=\"ThLGl2RTtYs\" class=\"ma-gdpr-youtube-wrapper\" style=\"width:600px;height:337.5px;padding-top:337.5px;\" data-new-window=\"\" data-yt-parameters=\"\"><picture class=\"ma-gdpr-youtube-thumbnail\"><source media=\"(min-width:640px)\" type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"\/\/xometry.pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/ma-gdpr-youtube-thumbnails\/ThLGl2RTtYs\/ThLGl2RTtYs_hq720.webp\"><source media=\"(min-width:640px)\" type=\"image\/jpeg\" srcset=\"\/\/xometry.pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/ma-gdpr-youtube-thumbnails\/ThLGl2RTtYs\/ThLGl2RTtYs_hq720.jpg\"><source media=\"(min-width:320px)\" type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"\/\/xometry.pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/ma-gdpr-youtube-thumbnails\/ThLGl2RTtYs\/ThLGl2RTtYs_sddefault.webp\"><source media=\"(min-width:320px)\" type=\"image\/jpeg\" srcset=\"\/\/xometry.pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/ma-gdpr-youtube-thumbnails\/ThLGl2RTtYs\/ThLGl2RTtYs_sddefault.jpg\"><source media=\"(min-width:240px)\" type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"\/\/xometry.pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/ma-gdpr-youtube-thumbnails\/ThLGl2RTtYs\/ThLGl2RTtYs_hqdefault.webp\"><source media=\"(min-width:240px)\" type=\"image\/jpeg\" srcset=\"\/\/xometry.pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/ma-gdpr-youtube-thumbnails\/ThLGl2RTtYs\/ThLGl2RTtYs_hqdefault.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"\/\/xometry.pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/ma-gdpr-youtube-thumbnails\/ThLGl2RTtYs\/ThLGl2RTtYs_mqdefault.jpg\" alt=\"\" title=\"\"><\/picture><svg class=\"ma-gdpr-youtube-button\"><use xlink:href=\"#ma-gdpr-youtube-play-button\"><\/use><\/svg><div class=\"ma-gdpr-youtube-notice\" style=\"font-size:.7em;\"><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"surface-finish\"><strong>Surface Finish<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n    <aside class=\"article-content-aside\">\r\n        <a href=\"https:\/\/xometry.pro\/en-eu\/articles\/3d-printing-finishes\/\" class=\"aside-image sidebar__aside-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/xometry.pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/Closeup-of-a-SLS-PA12-3D-printed-part-with-black-dying-and-vapour-smoothing-.webp\" alt=\"\"><\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/xometry.pro\/en-eu\/articles\/3d-printing-finishes\/\" class=\"aside-link\">Surface Finishes for 3D Printing<\/a>    <\/aside>\r\n    \n\n\n<p>Even though 3D printing\u2019s layers are small and close together, they are still noticeable. This creates a ridged surface on finished objects no matter how fine the layer detail is. This presents a problem if you want to manufacture objects that will rub against other objects, like machine parts in contact and moving. In such cases, post-processing for smoothening is required and it is an extra step. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Comparatively, in injection molding, there is no fuss about ridges and layers as the material is poured into a single layer and almost has a uniform and smooth surface finish. Additionally, injection moulded parts can be effectively post-processed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Conclusion: <\/strong>Injection molding is preferred in terms of a good surface finish.<\/p>\n\n\n    <aside class=\"article-content-aside\">\r\n        <a href=\"https:\/\/xometry.pro\/en-eu\/articles\/injection-molding-finishes\/\" class=\"aside-image sidebar__aside-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/xometry.pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/Injection-moulding-SPI-finishes.jpeg\" alt=\"\"><\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/xometry.pro\/en-eu\/articles\/injection-molding-finishes\/\" class=\"aside-link\">Injection Molding Surface Finishes: SPI and VDI<\/a>    <\/aside>\r\n    \n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><div class=\"wp-block-image__wrap\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"671\" src=\"https:\/\/xometry.pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Injection-Moulding-SPI-Finishes-1.png\" alt=\"Injection Moulding SPI Finishes\" class=\"wp-image-11130\" style=\"max-width:621px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/xometry.pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Injection-Moulding-SPI-Finishes-1.png 800w, https:\/\/xometry.pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Injection-Moulding-SPI-Finishes-1-300x252.png 300w, https:\/\/xometry.pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Injection-Moulding-SPI-Finishes-1-768x644.png 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><a class=\"wp-block-image__fancy-box-button\" href=\"https:\/\/xometry.pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Injection-Moulding-SPI-Finishes-1.png\" data-fancybox=\"gallery-16966\" data-caption=\"Injection Molding SPI Finishes\" aria-label=\"Open full image\"><img src=\"https:\/\/xometry.pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Injection-Moulding-SPI-Finishes-1.png\" class=\"wp-block-image__fancy-box-button-thumbnail wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"><svg class=\"wp-block-image__fancy-box-button-icon\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"18\" height=\"18\" viewBox=\"0 0 18 18\" fill=\"none\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\r\n               <path d=\"M0 2V6H2V2H6V0H2C0.895 0 0 0.895 0 2ZM2 12H0V16C0 17.105 0.895 18 2 18H6V16H2V12ZM16 16H12V18H16C17.105 18 18 17.105 18 16V12H16V16ZM16 0H12V2H16V6H18V2C18 0.895 17.105 0 16 0Z\" fill=\"#092C47\"\/>\r\n             <\/svg><\/a><\/div><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Injection Molding SPI Finishes<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"material-wastage\"><strong>Material Wastage<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n<p>Since injection molding pours material as many fits into the mould, it uses exactly as much as is needed for each design. That makes it a very efficient way to mass-produce objects without worrying about waste. On the other hand, some 3D printing technologies lose some materials in building the support structures and even though the material powder can be reused, it can only be done a few times without the material properties changing.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Conclusion: <\/strong>3D printing produces little waste like support structures, failed prints that have to be removed during post-production, but when using it to produce a single unit or a small batch, the wastage is not so important, whereas, for large batches, the wastage is significant. Hence, if you want to have a large batch, it&#8217;s good to go with injection molding as there is no material wastage.<\/p>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"summary\"><strong>Summary<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n<div class=\"custom-table-block \" id=\"table-id-36\" >\r\n\t<div class=\"search-input-wrapper\">\r\n\t\t<svg width=\"16\" height=\"16\" viewBox=\"0 0 16 16\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\r\n\t\t\t<path d=\"M15.7812 13.833L12.6659 10.7177C12.5252 10.5771 12.3346 10.499 12.1347 10.499H11.6253C12.4877 9.39596 13.0002 8.00859 13.0002 6.49937C13.0002 2.90909 10.0911 0 6.50083 0C2.91056 0 0.00146484 2.90909 0.00146484 6.49937C0.00146484 10.0896 2.91056 12.9987 6.50083 12.9987C8.01006 12.9987 9.39742 12.4863 10.5004 11.6239V12.1332C10.5004 12.3332 10.5786 12.5238 10.7192 12.6644L13.8345 15.7797C14.1282 16.0734 14.6032 16.0734 14.8938 15.7797L15.778 14.8954C16.0718 14.6017 16.0718 14.1267 15.7812 13.833ZM6.50083 10.499C4.29167 10.499 2.50122 8.71165 2.50122 6.49937C2.50122 4.29021 4.28855 2.49976 6.50083 2.49976C8.70999 2.49976 10.5004 4.28708 10.5004 6.49937C10.5004 8.70852 8.71311 10.499 6.50083 10.499Z\" fill=\"#476175\"\/>\r\n\t\t<\/svg>\r\n\t\t<input type=\"search\" class=\"table-search-input\" id=\"table-search-36\" placeholder=\"Table search\">\r\n\t<\/div>\t\r\n\t<div class=\"table-wrapper\">\r\n\t\t<table style=\"border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%; height: 96px;\">\n<tbody>\n<tr style=\"height: 24px;\">\n<td style=\"width: 50%; height: 24px;\"><strong>When you should choose 3D printing<\/strong><\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 50%; height: 24px;\"><strong>When you should choose injection molding<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"height: 24px;\">\n<td style=\"width: 50%; height: 24px;\">A small batch of units to print<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 50%; height: 24px;\">Bulk production<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"height: 24px;\">\n<td style=\"width: 50%; height: 24px;\">Complex part design<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 50%; height: 24px;\">Priority to material strength<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"height: 24px;\">\n<td style=\"width: 50%; height: 24px;\">Parts to be printed immediately<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 50%; height: 24px;\">Good surface finish<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"width: 50%;\">Prototyping and customization<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 50%;\">No material wastage<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n\t<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<style>\r\n\t.custom-table-block table{\r\n\t\theight: initial!important;\r\n\t}\r\n\t.search-input-wrapper{\r\n\t\tposition: relative;\r\n\t\tmargin-bottom: 24px;\r\n\t}\r\n\t.search-input-wrapper svg{\r\n\t\tposition: absolute;\r\n\t\ttop:50%;\r\n\t\tleft:12px;\r\n\t\ttransform: translateY(-50%);\r\n\t}\r\n\t.table-search-input{\r\n\t\tpadding: 0 0 0 40px;\r\n\t\tborder:1px solid #C1CAD1;\r\n\t\theight: 44px;\r\n\t\twidth: 201px;\r\n\t\tcolor:#092C47;\r\n\t\tfont-family: Open Sans;\r\n\t\tfont-size: 16px;\r\n\t\tfont-weight: 400;\r\n\t\tline-height: 24px;\r\n\t\tletter-spacing: 0em;\r\n\t\ttext-align: left;\r\n\t}\r\n\t.table-search-input::placeholder{\r\n\t\tcolor:#092C47;\r\n\t}\r\n\t\r\n\t.custom-table-block thead th{\r\n\t\ttext-align: left;\r\n\t\twhite-space:nowrap;\r\n\t}\r\n\t\r\n\t.custom-table-block thead{\r\n\t\tmargin-bottom: 14px;\r\n\t}\r\n\r\n\t.custom-table-block tbody tr:nth-child(odd){\r\n\t\tbackground-color: #F6F9FF;\r\n\t}\r\n\r\n\t.custom-table-block tbody, .custom-table-block thead, .custom-table-block tr, .custom-table-block td, .custom-table-block th{\r\n\t\theight: initial!important;\r\n\t}\r\n\t\r\n\t.custom-table-block tbody td{\r\n\t\tcolor:#092C47;\r\n\t\tfont-family: Open Sans;\r\n\t\tfont-size: 16px;\r\n\t\tfont-weight: 400;\r\n\t\tline-height: 24px;\r\n\t\tletter-spacing: 0em;\r\n\t\ttext-align: left;\r\n\t\tpadding: 7px;\r\n\t}\r\n\t\r\n\t.custom-table-block thead th{\r\n\t\tfont-family: Open Sans;\r\n\t\tfont-size: 16px;\r\n\t\tfont-weight: 700;\r\n\t\tline-height: 24px;\r\n\t\tletter-spacing: 0em;\r\n\t\ttext-align: left;\r\n\t\tcolor:#092C47;\r\n\t\tposition: relative;\r\n\t}\r\n\t.custom-table-block thead th:after{\r\n\t\tcontent:\"\";\r\n\t\tdisplay: inline-block;\r\n\t\tbackground-image: url(\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg width='12' height='8' viewBox='0 0 12 8' fill='none' xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%3E%3Cpath d='M10.585 0.585938L6 5.17094L1.415 0.585938L0 2.00094L6 8.00094L12 2.00094L10.585 0.585938Z' fill='%23476175'\/%3E%3C\/svg%3E%0A\");\r\n\t\tmargin-left: 8px;\r\n\t\tbackground-position: center center;\r\n\t\tbackground-size: 12px 7.5px;\r\n\t\tbackground-repeat: no-repeat;\r\n\t\twidth: 24px;\r\n\t\theight: 12px;\r\n\t}\r\n\t.custom-table-block{\r\n\t\tmargin: 20px 0;\t\r\n\t}\r\n\t.custom-table-block .table-wrapper{\r\n\t\twidth: 100%;\r\n\t\toverflow-x: auto;\r\n\t}\r\n\t@media(max-width: 768px){\r\n\t\t\/* .custom-table-block tbody td{\r\n\t\t\twhite-space: nowrap;\r\n\t\t} *\/\r\n\t\t.custom-table-block .table-wrapper{\r\n\t\t\tmax-width: calc(100vw - 16px);\r\n\t\t}\r\n\t}\r\n<\/style>\r\n\n\n\n<p>There is a general misconception in the manufacturing world that 3D printing can replace injection molding and be a standalone winner in every aspect. Both these technologies have their own set of advantages and disadvantages. We at Xometry offer both<a href=\"https:\/\/xometry.eu\/en\/injection-moulding\/\"> injection molding<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/xometry.eu\/en\/3d-printing\/\">3D printing services<\/a> with dedicated teams working to support you. Upload your designs to<a href=\"https:\/\/get.xometry.eu\/?locale=en\"> get a quote<\/a> for your project.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":50,"featured_media":16846,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","template":"","categories":[],"c-tag-articles":[],"global-tag":[468,617],"class_list":["post-16966","articles","type-articles","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","global-tag-3d-printing-eu","global-tag-injection-moulding-eu"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v26.7 (Yoast SEO v27.3) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Injection Molding vs 3D Printing: Which One To Choose? | Xometry Pro<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Injection molding and 3D printing are the two most widely used manufacturing technologies for the production of plastic parts.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/xometry.pro\/en-eu\/articles\/injection-molding-3d-printing\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Injection Molding vs 3D Printing: Which One To Choose? 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