Material properties can significantly change when transitioning from prototyping to mass production with injection molding. Material properties should be evaluated not only with the production method but also with the entire process, including material and subsequent process!

Changes in Material Properties:

3D Printing vs. Injection Molding: Layered manufacturing is a technology very different from other production processes, so the properties of the parts produced will be different, even when using almost the same alloy or plastic. It should be noted that developments in recent years have made it possible to develop functional parts suitable for the production of final use parts, in addition to compatibility tests and prototyping. With new additives and special materials, you can reach a much wider material pool in layered manufacturing.

Looking at the difference between material properties in general:
Durability: Parts produced with injection molding are generally more durable and can lift higher loads.
Temperature Resistance: Injection molding plastics generally have a higher heat tolerance.
Surface Quality: Surface roughness in injection molding is generally better than 3D printing.
Dimensional Accuracy: Parts in injection molding have more consistent dimensions.

3D printing plastics can offer a potential option, even if they do not fully meet the features you are looking for.

Silicone Molding vs. Injection Molding: The properties of silicone molding materials used for low-medium volume production are different from injection molding plastics used in mass production:

Material Options: There is a much wider range of materials available in injection molding.
Chemical Durability: Injection molding plastics generally have better chemical durability.
UV Resistance: Injection molding plastics generally have better UV resistance.

Suggestions to Reduce the Difference:

Material Selection: For mass production, try to select an injection molding plastic with properties as close as possible to the material you used in prototyping. Xometry experts can assist you in selecting the right material.
Mold Design: In the mold design stage, factors such as the thermal expansion coefficient of the prototyping material and the mass production material should be taken into account. This ensures that the final parts are dimensionally as expected.
Test Process: Even if you have chosen a material with compatible properties with the material you will transition to mass production during the prototyping phase, it is still recommended to do a small batch production test. This reduces the risk of encountering an unexpected situation.

Conclusion:
Each additive material and production process will also determine characteristics such as dimensional accuracy, resolution, surface quality, production time, and part cost. Therefore, it is recommended to choose a suitable material and then evaluate whether it meets your performance, quality, and cost expectations.

For detailed information, you can check our material library and datasheets: https://xometry.pro/tr/malzemeler/
Xometry experts will be happy to assist you in this process: info@xometry.com.tr