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Introduction
Injection molding has a number of advantages. It minimises molding costs and is a highly repeatable way of producing plastic or elastomeric parts with high precision.
Once set up, it can manufacture a large volume of parts per hour, from a wide range of different plastics plus other materials such as liquid silicone rubber. However, like any manufacturing process, it does have some disadvantages, and if these prove significant to the success of your project, then you may be better off exploring alternative manufacturing technologies such as 3D printing or CNC machining. In this blog, we will take you through the main advantages of injection molding and explore when it may be better for you to consider an alternative production method.
What are the advantages of injection molding?
1. Efficient high production
Once you have developed the molds, the process is extremely fast with cycle times as short as 10 seconds. It is excellent for medium and high-volume production runs for anything from 10,000 parts to well over 100,000 depending on what molds you use. Sometimes you can increase production by using a multi cavity or family mold, where several parts are produced from one press to further increase the manufacturing rate. If you are outsourcing your molding then it’s also important to consider an efficient front-end design and order process – take a look at our on demand manufacturing.
2. Low cost per part
For high output production runs the cost per part is very low. Even for medium volumes – in the range of 10,000 to 25,000 parts, you can keep the costs down by using aluminum molds instead of steel.
3. Repeatability
You can manufacturer identical products over and over again. This is ideal when you need to have parts with high tolerances and reliability across high volumes.
4. Large material choice
There is a huge range of plastic materials that you can select from depending on what properties you need from your final part. And you are not limited to plastic, Protolabs also offers liquid silicone rubber molding.
What are the advantages of injection molding?
When should you consider alternative manufacturing methods to injection molding.
1. Initial cost
If you are committing to steel mold tools for high production volumes (100,000+) then it can take a great deal of time and machining to produce and this can be a significant capital cost. If you need lower volumes of parts then this will affect your cost per part price and it may be worth exploring other options such as using aluminum molds instead.
2. Initial lead times
It can take up to 12 weeks to produce steel tooling. If you need to get production running before this then take a look at our on-demand production; by using aluminum molds and digitizing our front-end process we can ship anything from 25 to 10,000+ parts in 15 working days or less from the point that you first upload your CAD. Sometimes parts shipped in as little as one day.
3. Design limitations
You will need to consider certain design elements, such as:
- Using draft and radii to help ejection of the parts
- Avoiding undercuts and sharp edges
- Controlling wall thicknesses
You also need to consider where to place your gates, ejectors and cooling lines if aesthetics are important. And remember it’s also hard to change the design of a mold – you can remove part of the mold, or add plastic to your final part, but not the other way round.
For smaller production runs, 3D printing allows you to design virtually any shape or geometry that you require. As a rapidly developing technology there is an increasing number of plastic and other materials, even metal, that we can produce.
Conclusion
Even if you’ve never tried it before, it’s logical to assume that working with one manufacturer throughout your product’s entire lifecycle makes sense. You gain consistency from stage to stage because learnings from one cycle can be transferred to inform the next.
Manufacturing partners like Protolabs with the capabilities needed to journey with you from prototyping to mass production—with a stop along the way for bridge production—ensures that issues that could crop up during that transition are either avoided or easily smoothed out. It also provides a fallback when supply issues crop up because you’re working with the company that has built those parts previously.
In the end, including a plan to use bridge production is something that should be baked into every product you produce. It can help rescue you in an emergency and can also be a sensible transitional phase during a typical product’s lifecycle.
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# 10 Best Plastic Injection Molding Companies in Czech Republic
## Introduction
The Czech Republic, nestled in Central Europe, has long been known for its strong manufacturing tradition. While the country’s economy has historically been reliant on conventional manufacturing practices, it is steadily embracing modern techniques, including plastic injection molding. This process is essential for producing high-quality plastic parts and is now widely used across industries such as automotive, packaging, consumer goods, and construction. With over 400 injection molding companies operating in the country, the sector is a significant contributor to the Czech economy, especially in exports. In this blog, we will explore the top 10 plastic injection molding companies in the Czech Republic, shedding light on their services, advantages, and key offerings.
## 1. ENGEL Czech
### Overview
ENGEL Czech is a global leader in plastic injection molding solutions, founded in 1995. With its headquarters in České Budějovice, the company provides advanced technology and machines for plastic processing. ENGEL is known for its innovation and use of smart digital solutions like the ENGEL Inject 4.0 system, which optimizes production for maximum efficiency. The company offers services ranging from injection molding machines to training courses and digital solutions.
### Key Services
– Plastic injection molding machines
– Production optimization through ENGEL Inject 4.0
– Design, sampling, and maintenance services
– Online and on-site injection molding training
### Advantages
– Tailored solutions for various plastic manufacturing needs.
– Global presence with plants in Austria, Germany, and Slovakia.
– Comprehensive digital solutions for efficient production.
**Address**: České Budějovice, Czech Republic
**Contact**: +420 381 509 111
**Founded**: 1995
## 2. SPUR a.s.
### Overview
Founded in 1992, SPUR a.s. is a prominent plastic molding company headquartered in Zlín. Known for its diverse range of plastic products, the company specializes in insulated materials, packaging, and specialized foam products. SPUR a.s. serves various industries, including telecommunications, automotive, and construction. With a strong R&D department, the company continuously develops new lightweight plastics and nanomembranes.
### Key Services
– Insulating materials for piping and cable ducts
– Packaging materials and PP foams
– Nanofiber membranes and custom plastic solutions
– Product design and R&D
### Advantages
– Expertise in developing innovative plastic products.
– Strong focus on research and development.
– Services across a wide range of industries.
**Address**: Zlín, Czech Republic
**Contact**: +420 577 601 201
**Founded**: 1992
## 3. BOCO PARDUBICE Machines s.r.o.
### Overview
Established in 1991, BOCO PARDUBICE Machines specializes in manufacturing molds for plastic and rubber products. As a leader in mold design, the company uses the VIRTUAL EXTRUSION LABORATORY™ software for advanced mold construction. BOCO also offers comprehensive after-sales services, including mold machining and technical support, making it a key player in the injection molding industry.
### Key Services
– Mold design and construction
– Extrusion systems and recycling lines
– Machining, milling, and drilling services
– After-sales support and technical assistance
### Advantages
– Exclusive license for advanced mold design software.
– Comprehensive technical support available 24/7.
– Specialization in plastic and rubber molds.
**Address**: Pardubice, Czech Republic
**Contact**: +420 466 952 158
**Founded**: 1991
## 4. Intertell Spol, s.r.o.
### Overview
Intertell, founded in 1997, is known for its expertise in thermoplastic molding, specializing in the production and assembly of both plastic and metal parts. Located in Klatovy, Intertell’s factory is equipped with modern machinery, including 55 computer-controlled presses, robotic arms, and automated systems for mold removal.
### Key Services
– Thermoplastic molding
– Production of plastic and metal components
– Assembly and flocking of thermoplastics
– Customized plastic injection molding solutions
### Advantages
– Specializes in both plastic and metal injection molding.
– High-tech automation and advanced mold removal systems.
– Focus on customer-specific solutions.
**Address**: Rozvojová Klatovy, Czech Republic
**Contact**: +420 376 375 611
**Founded**: 1997
## 5. GRENA, a.s.
### Overview
GRENA a.s., based in Lužnicí, has been producing plastic components since 1941. Specializing in fire-resistant and insulating vermiculite parts, the company caters to industries such as construction, shipbuilding, and kitchen manufacturing. GRENA maintains a global presence, with its products regularly tested to meet international standards.
### Key Services
– Fire-resistant plastic components
– Vermiculite and insulating parts
– Custom plastic solutions for various industries
– Exporting products to over 30 countries
### Advantages
– Specialization in technical plastic parts with fire-resistant properties.
– Global export network.
– Rigorous quality testing and standards.
**Address**: Lužnicí, Czech Republic
**Contact**: +420 383 430 111
**Founded**: 1941
## 6. FATRA, a.s.
### Overview
FATRA, established in 1935, is one of the Czech Republic’s pioneering plastic processing companies. Known for producing tailored plastic solutions, FATRA serves industries such as automotive, construction, and consumer goods. The company offers a range of services, including mold design, engineering testing, and research.
### Key Services
– Plastic injection molding
– Custom product design and development
– Engineering testing and advisory services
– Research and development of plastic solutions
### Advantages
– Comprehensive plastic solutions from design to production.
– High standards of quality with ISO certifications.
– Strong presence in both local and international markets.
**Address**: Napajedla, Czech Republic
**Contact**: +420 577 503 111
**Founded**: 1935
## 7. Plastika a.s.
### Overview
Founded in 1955, Plastika a.s. is a leading provider of injection-molded components for the automotive industry. Located in Kroměříž, the company specializes in visual parts for dashboards, fuel systems, and more. Plastika also offers additional services such as painting, welding, and assembly of injection-molded parts.
### Key Services
– Automotive parts manufacturing
– Complex plastic modules and components
– Painting, printing, and welding services
– Quality testing and inspection
### Advantages
– Extensive experience in the automotive sector.
– Automated facilities with robotic systems.
– ISO and IATF 16949:2016 certified.
**Address**: Kroměříž, Czech Republic
**Contact**: +420 573 330 111
**Founded**: 1955
## 8. KASKO spol. s.r.o.
### Overview
KASKO spol. s.r.o. has been manufacturing precision plastic parts since 1992. Based in Slavkov, KASKO is known for producing automotive components, offering services from mold design to production. The company utilizes advanced robotics and AI-driven optical inspection systems to ensure high-quality standards.
### Key Services
– Precision plastic part production
– Mold design and prototyping
– Automation and robotics integration
– AI-driven quality control
### Advantages
– Specialization in precision automotive components.
– Advanced technologies for high-quality production.
– Global client base across multiple continents.
**Address**: Slavkov 82, Czech Republic
**Contact**: +420 572 613 711
**Founded**: 1992
## 9. Siegwerk Druckfarben AG & Co. KGaA
### Overview
Siegwerk Druckfarben AG, founded in 1830, is a family-owned business specializing in packaging solutions and printing inks. The company offers customized plastic packaging and labeling products and is known for using biodegradable materials to produce eco-friendly solutions.
### Key Services
– Packaging solutions and printing inks
– Custom plastic injection molded parts
– Technical support and training for ink development
– Digital printing solutions
### Advantages
– Expertise in sustainable and eco-friendly packaging.
– Customized printing inks for labels and packaging.
– Global leader in printing inks for packaging.
**Address**: Prague, Czech Republic
**Contact**: +420 220 103 200
**Founded**: 1830
## 10. RAMA BOHEMIA a.s.
### Overview
Rama Bohemia, established in 1989, specializes in the design and production of plastic parts using injection molding. Known for manufacturing technical and aesthetic moldings, the company offers solutions for a variety of industries, including automotive, electronics, and consumer goods.
### Key Services
– Technical and aesthetic plastic parts production
– Extruded plastic parts and double-injection molding
– Post-sale services like surface finishing and assembly
– Development and design of custom molds
### Advantages
– Expertise in precision and aesthetic plastic molding.
– Diverse portfolio of materials and production techniques.
– High-quality post-sale services and support.
**Address**: Obříství u Mělníka, Czech Republic
**Contact**: +420 495 816 111
**Founded**: 1989
## Conclusion
Plastic injection molding is a key manufacturing technique in the Czech Republic, supporting industries from automotive to consumer goods. With more than 400 companies in the sector, choosing the right partner for injection molding projects can be daunting. The companies highlighted in this list represent some of the best in the industry, offering a range of services from design to production and post-sale support. Whether you’re looking for high-quality automotive parts, custom plastic solutions,
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