Additive Manufacturing vs. Injection Molding: Which Manufacturing Process to Choose?

In modern manufacturing, a variety of production technologies cater to different requirements. And two of the most popular are undoubtedly injection molding and additive manufacturing. Both processes offer unique advantages and can complement each other. To gain a deeper understanding, we decided to take a closer look at the two different technologies to compare and contrast them, focusing on fundamental principles, distinguishing features, applications, manufacturers, and costs.

Before delving into each of these technologies, it is useful to trace their historical origins. Injection molding dates back to the 1860s when John Wesley Hyatt invented celluloid, an early plastic material. Hyatt and his brother Isaiah later patented the first injection molding system, which used a piston to force molten celluloid into a mold. Throughout the 20th century, the technology advanced significantly, notably with James Watson Hendry’s invention of the rotary screw injection molding machine in 1946, which remains the standard in injection molding today.

Additive manufacturing has its origins in the 1980s. The first 3D printing systems were based on the stereolithography technique, developed by Chuck Hull and commercially patented in 1986. In the decades that followed, additive manufacturing grew with the development of new processes that have allowed for expanded material options, thus offering solutions for different practices. Now, additive manufacturing has gained ground and has become extremely attractive for different industries.