If you're designing a product that needs high-precision plastic components or soft-touch silicone buttons, you’ve got options—CNC machining or injection molding. But which one makes sense for your project?

CNC Machined Plastic Parts – Fast & Precise

Best For:

✔ Prototypes – Need a functional plastic part in days? CNC delivers.

✔ Low-volume production (1–100 pieces) – No expensive molds needed.

✔ Complex geometries – Tight tolerances (±0.05mm) with smooth finishes.

Common Uses:

• Medical device housings
• Aerospace brackets
• Custom gears & enclosures

Materials You Can CNC Machine:

• ABS (durable, impact-resistant)
• Nylon (strong, wear-resistant)
• PEEK (high-temp, chemical-resistant)
• Acrylic (clear, great for displays)

Limitations:

• Not cost-effective for mass production (machining is slower per part than molding).
• Some plastics can warp if machined too aggressively.

Silicone Buttons – Soft, Durable & Customizable

Why Silicone?

• Tactile feel – Perfect for keypads, remote controls, medical devices.

• Waterproof & heat-resistant – Won’t degrade like rubber.

• Custom shapes & textures – From domed to flat, backlit to embossed.

How They’re Made:

1.Injection Molding (Best for 500+ units)

• A steel mold is created, then liquid silicone is injected.
• Low per-part cost at high volumes.

2.CNC Machining (For Prototypes or Small Batches)

• Good for testing button design before committing to a mold.

Custom Injection Molding – The Mass-Production Powerhouse

Best For:

✔ High-volume orders (1,000+ parts)

✔ Parts with consistent quality (every piece is identical)

✔ Complex shapes with undercuts (like snap-fit enclosures)

Plastics Used in Injection Molding:

• Polypropylene (PP) – Flexible, chemical-resistant.

• Polycarbonate (PC) – Impact-resistant, transparent.

• TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane) – Rubber-like flexibility.

Final Thoughts

Whether you need a few precision CNC-machined plastic parts, custom silicone buttons, or mass-produced injection-molded components, the right choice depends on your budget, timeline, and volume.

FAQ

1. Are you a manufacturer or a trading company?