- FAQ
Got questions? We’ve got answers.
Have questions about our processes or services? This section addresses the most frequently asked questions about injection molding, gas-assisted molding, monofilament extrusion, and our related services. Quickly find the information you need!WHAT IS PLASTIC INJECTION MOLDING?
It’s a manufacturing process where melted plastic is injected under pressure into a mold to form a part. It is used to produce complex parts with precision and in large quantities. For more details, see our areas of expertise.WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES OF INJECTION MOLDING COMPARED TO OTHER PROCESSES?
It enables fast, repeatable production with low unit costs for high volumes. It also offers great flexibility in design, material selection, color, and surface finish. For more details, see our added value.WHAT TYPES OF PLASTICS CAN BE USED FOR INJECTION MOLDING?
Thermoplastics such as polypropylene (PP), low- and high-density polyethylene (LDPE and HDPE), polystyrene (PS), nylon (PA, PA6, PA66), ABS, PC, and others. Each material has specific properties depending on the intended use.WHAT IS A GLASS FIBER OR TALC-REINFORCED PLASTIC?
These are thermoplastics modified with mineral fillers (such as talc or glass fiber) to enhance their mechanical, thermal, or dimensional properties. Examples include PP+30% GF and PA6+15% talc. Glass fiber is ideal for parts exposed to mechanical or thermal stress, while talc improves rigidity and dimensional stability, often at a lower cost compared to other reinforcements.DOES USING FILLED MATERIALS AFFECT MOLD COST OR LIFESPAN?
Yes. Filled plastics—especially those with glass fiber—are more abrasive and can cause faster mold wear. Using hardened steel is recommended to extend the mold’s lifespan.DO YOU PROVIDE RECOMMENDATIONS FOR MATERIAL SELECTION BASED ON THE APPLICATION?
At Plastic Age, we help you select the right material—reinforced or not—based on the application and the desired properties, including chemical and mechanical resistance, environmental conditions, and more. For more details, see our approach.WHAT ARE THE STEPS AND TIMELINE FROM IDEA TO PRODUCT COMPLETION?
- Part design
- Selection of the plastic material
- Mold design and fabrication
- Mold testing, adjustments if needed, and delivery
- Production molding
- Quality control
WHAT ARE THE TYPICAL LEAD TIMES FOR MOLD MANUFACTURING?
Between 4 to 8 weeks depending on the complexity of the mold (hot runner injection systems and ejection mechanisms). Plastic Age works with experienced mold makers and can manage this crucial stage of your project.HOW DO YOU DESIGN A PART TO BE SUITABLE FOR INJECTION MOLDING?
The design must follow certain rules such as uniform wall thickness, draft angles, avoiding undercuts, incorporating internal radii, and more. Plastic Age supports clients during this critical phase, which is key to project success. Investing effort at this stage will greatly improve the outcome of your project.WHAT IS THE COST OF AN INJECTION MOLD AND WHAT FACTORS INFLUENCE IT?
The price ranges from a few thousand to several tens of thousands of dollars. Factors include complexity, size, number of cavities, tolerances, type of steel, complex ejection mechanisms, need for hot runner systems, and more. Contact us to get a quote for your project.CAN AN EXISTING MOLD BE USED FOR A NEW PART?
Generally, no. Molds are designed for a specific part. Modifications are sometimes possible, depending on the case.WHAT PRODUCTION VOLUMES ARE COST-EFFECTIVE FOR THIS PROCESS?
Injection molding becomes cost-effective starting at a few hundred large parts or several thousand small to medium-sized parts. Other factors influencing profitability include the type of plastic, the number of cavities per mold, and mold size, which determine the size of the injection press needed. Plastic Age can advise you and offer multiple options. Contact us to get a quote for your project.WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN INJECTION MOLDING AND 3D PRINTING, AND WHEN SHOULD YOU CHOOSE ONE OVER THE OTHER?
3D printing is ideal for quickly creating prototypes or very small batches without the need for a mold. It allows testing shapes or concepts with low initial costs. Injection molding, on the other hand, requires a mold but enables the production of large quantities of parts with excellent precision, a wider variety of materials, and much lower unit costs when volumes are high.
CAN METAL OR OTHER COMPONENTS BE INSERTED INTO THE MOLD (OVERMOLDING)?
Yes. Overmolding allows metal or plastic parts to be inserted into the mold before injection. Plastic Age has extensive experience in overmolding and can guide you on the feasibility for your project. For more details, see our areas of expertise.IS IT POSSIBLE TO DO MOLDING WITH RECYCLED PLASTICS?
Yes, depending on technical requirements. Recycled plastic is an eco-friendly option for certain parts. Plastic Age can offer materials that meet the criteria for your project.WHAT IS THE AVERAGE PRODUCTION LEAD TIME FOR AN ORDER OF INJECTED PARTS?
Once the mold is ready, production typically takes from a few days to a few weeks, depending on quantity, complexity, and raw material availability. Contact us to get a quote for your project.HOW DO YOU ENSURE QUALITY CONTROL OF MOLDED PARTS?
We perform visual, dimensional, and mechanical inspections according to client specifications. Since each part is unique, a customized inspection plan is designed, approved, and rigorously followed throughout production, in compliance with ISO 9001:2015 standards. We also implement APQP/PPAP and UL746D processes for clients requiring these certifications. For more details, see our added value.WHAT IS GAS-ASSISTED INJECTION MOLDING AND WHEN SHOULD IT BE USED?
Gas-assisted injection molding is an advanced process that injects gas (often nitrogen) into the molten plastic during molding. This creates internal cavities in the part, reducing weight, minimizing warpage (shrinkage), and improving surface quality.
This process is ideal for thick, technical, or aesthetic parts (e.g., handles, panels, automotive components, or plastic furniture) where material reduction, dimensional stability, and appearance are critical. Certain criteria, such as part design and material selection, must be met.
Plastic Age can confirm feasibility for your project. Contact us to get a quote for your project.
WHAT IS THE LIFESPAN OF AN INJECTION MOLD?
It ranges from 200,000 to several million cycles.IS PLASTIC BAD FOR THE ENVIRONMENT?
Plastic often gets a bad reputation, but it’s not the material itself that’s harmful—it’s how it’s used and, especially, discarded that causes problems. Poorly managed, plastic can pollute ecosystems. However, when well-designed, properly used, and responsibly recycled, it can be a sustainable and effective solution. At Plastic Age, we believe plastic can be part of an eco-responsible approach when integrated into a thoughtful lifecycle.
WHAT IS MONOFILAMENT EXTRUSION?
It is a process that involves melting plastic and then forcing it through a die, followed by molecular orientation of the plastic to create a continuous single-strand filament (monofilament). For more details, see our areas of expertise.WHAT DIAMETERS AND TOLERANCES ARE POSSIBLE FOR MONOFILAMENT?
Generally between 0.10 mm and 5 mm, with very precise tolerances depending on the application (up to ±0.03 mm), all depending on the type of material.WHAT MATERIALS ARE USED TO EXTRUDE MONOFILAMENT?
Plastic Age primarily produces filaments made of polypropylene (PP) and polyethylene (PE).CAN CUSTOM MONOFILAMENTS BE ORDERED (DIAMETER, SHAPE, COLOR, MATERIAL)?
Yes. We offer a custom extrusion service tailored to your technical specifications. For more details, see our areas of expertise.WHAT ARE THE PRODUCTION LEAD TIMES FOR CUSTOM MONOFILAMENTS?
Typically between 2 and 4 weeks, depending on complexity and material availability.ARE YOUR MONOFILAMENTS CERTIFIED (FOOD-GRADE “FDA,” REACH, ROHS, ETC.)?
Yes, we offer materials that meet the required standards for targeted markets (food, industrial, environmental, etc.).READY TO DISCUSS YOUR PROJECT?
Contact us today to discuss your needs and discover how our expertise can transform your ideas into customized solutions!