When to Transition to Injection Molded Parts with SLS 3D Printing

Injection molding is cost-effective for mass production but costly and inflexible for low-volume or frequently changing designs. SLS 3D printing, particularly with advancements like the Formlabs Fuse 1, offers a flexible, high-quality alternative without expensive molds. It’s ideal for short-run production, customization, and bridging manufacturing gaps. Examples include KUHMUTE producing on-demand electric vehicle adapters and the prosthetics industry creating customized parts for individual patients.

While injection molding is efficient for large-scale production, SLS 3D printing is a versatile, cost-effective solution for smaller runs and complex designs.