Custom Plastic Parts: Where To Order?

where to order custom plastic parts

Custom plastic parts are essential across a wide range of industries, providing durable, lightweight, and cost-effective solutions for various applications. Companies like eMachineShop, Advanced Plastiform, Xometry, Protolabs, and Marco Rubber & Plastics offer custom plastic parts manufacturing services. These companies utilize various processes such as injection molding, 3D printing, thermoforming, CNC milling, and more to create tailored plastic components that meet the unique specifications and requirements of their clients. With efficient prototyping and product development, some projects can move from design to production in just six weeks, offering a quick turnaround for companies in need of custom plastic parts.

Characteristics Values
Companies eMachineShop, Advanced Plastiform, Protolabs, Xometry, Marco Rubber & Plastics
Plastic Types PTFE, Polycarbonate, Nylon, Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC), Polyethylene, LDPE, HDPE, Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene, Polyphenylsulfone, Acetal, ABS, PVC, Polycarbonate, Polypropylene
Plastic Properties High melting point, impact resistance, heat resistance, chemical resistance, abrasion resistance, electrical insulation, flexibility, strength, toughness, water resistance, acid resistance, electrical conductivity
Manufacturing Methods CNC Mills, Waterjets, 3D Printing, CNC Lathes, Injection Molding, Thermoforming, Pressure Forming, Twin Sheet Forming, Injection Molding
Other Services Prototyping, Product Development, Design, Quality Assurance, Tooling Design, Manufacturing Process Selection, Material Selection, Shipping

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Injection moulding

The injection moulding process consists of several steps. First, the material for the part is fed into a heated barrel and mixed using a helical screw. The molten material is then injected into the mould cavity, where it cools and hardens to the shape of the cavity. The moulds are typically made of metal, such as steel or aluminium, and are precision-machined to form the desired part.

While injection moulding has many advantages, it also has some potential drawbacks. The initial tooling cost can be high, especially for small production runs. Additionally, the process must be tightly controlled to maintain the quality of the final parts, and certain unwanted features, such as parting lines and ejector pin marks, may be present on the final part.

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Thermoforming

There are several companies that offer custom thermoforming services, including Productive Plastics, Advanced Plastiform, Inc., and Plastic Components Inc. These companies can work with various thermoplastic materials, such as Kydex, Boltaron, and Spartech, to meet the specific requirements of your application.

When considering thermoforming for your custom plastic parts, it is important to keep in mind the design and production process. Efficient prototyping and product development can help reduce the time from design to production, and giving attention to the design upfront can improve the efficiency of the final product.

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CNC mills

When choosing a CNC mill service, it is important to consider the cost, availability, and range of materials offered. Some companies, such as Protolabs and Advanced Industrial, offer instant online quotes and design feedback for custom CNC parts. Advanced Industrial, for example, specializes in high-performance plastics and has a large inventory of materials, while Protolabs offers a wide range of milling machines and fast turnaround times.

In addition to cost and availability, the design of the part is also an important consideration. CNC mills are capable of producing complex geometries, but the design must be carefully considered to ensure it can be manufactured. A Design for Manufacturing (DFM) report can be helpful in determining if a design is suitable for CNC milling, and some companies offer this service for free after receiving a deposit.

Overall, CNC mills are a versatile and cost-effective option for creating custom plastic parts, offering precision, accuracy, and compatibility with a wide range of plastics.

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Waterjet cutting

Xometry and KMT Waterjet are two companies that offer custom waterjet cutting services and provide online quotes. Xometry offers free standard shipping on domestic waterjet orders and provides instant quotes from 3D CAD or DXF files. KMT Waterjet has global offices and provides a waterjet cut calculator app to help customers determine the most suitable waterjet cutting options for their needs.

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3D printing

Craftcloud

Craftcloud is a streamlined 3D printing service that connects you to over 150 professional services worldwide. They offer a wide range of materials and production methods, including FDM, SLA, SLS, DMLS/SLM, MJF, CNC, laser cutting, and many more. Craftcloud provides advanced casting and molding services, such as vacuum casting and injection molding, ensuring precision and quality for projects of all sizes. They also offer design services through their partnership with CADmore, making it easy to get started on your 3D printing projects. Craftcloud stands out for its commitment to customer satisfaction, with no service fees or minimum order amounts.

JLC3DP

JLC3DP is another online 3D printing service that offers worldwide delivery. They utilise industrial 3D printers and professional operators to produce high-quality prototypes and end-use parts. JLC3DP caters to various industries, including automotive, aerospace, electrical appliances, and consumer electronics. They support modern 3D printing technologies like MJF and SLS, making them a versatile option for hobbyists and businesses alike. JLC3DP is known for its speedy and easy-to-use SLM 3D printing service, providing affordable access to metal 3D printing for both business and personal use.

Shapeways

Shapeways is a well-regarded 3D printing service that enables you to 3D print on-demand orders and scale your business. They offer a range of services, including prototyping, design, and e-commerce integrations. Shapeways allows you to upload customised models, ensuring durability and strength in the final products. Their partnership with ZVerse provides access to expert 3D design solutions, helping bring your ideas to life. Shapeways is particularly useful for creating high-performance models used in meetings, testing, and perfecting final parts.

EMachineShop

EMachineShop has been in the business of machining, printing, and moulding plastic parts for over 15 years. They offer free CAD software for designing and ordering custom parts, as well as the option to upload your own CAD file for a fast quote. eMachineShop provides free shipping in the USA and has no minimum order quantity. They work with various plastics, including acetal, nylon, ABS, PVC, polycarbonate, and polypropylene, ensuring the right material for your specific needs.

Advanced Plastiform

Advanced Plastiform specialises in providing affordable custom plastic solutions, utilising efficient methods like thermoforming to keep costs low. They can deliver custom plastic parts in quantities ranging from 10 to 10,000, meeting your exact specifications. Thermoforming allows for faster production times and lower tooling costs compared to traditional methods like injection moulding. Advanced Plastiform is an excellent choice for companies seeking smaller batches of custom parts without compromising time and cost efficiency.

Frequently asked questions

There are several companies that offer custom plastic parts, including:

- eMachineShop

- Xometry

- Protolabs

- Marco Rubber & Plastics

- Advanced Plastiform, Inc.

Custom plastic parts can be made from a wide range of plastics, including:

- LDPE

- HDPE

- Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene

- Nylon

- Polyphenylsulfone

- PTFE

- Polycarbonate

- Polyvinyl chloride (PVC)

- Polypropylene

- ABS

- Polyethylene

Custom plastic parts can be made using a variety of manufacturing processes, including:

- Thermoforming

- Injection molding

- CNC milling

- 3D printing

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