Custom Injection Molding Services
We provide plastic prototyping and mass-production plastic parts worldwide. Upload your 3D files now to get our factory-direct pricing.
- 15% cost optimization
- 45M parts & 600 molds annually
- 90T - 1000T Presses
First Mold's Injection Molding Capabilities
For over 15 years, we’ve helped companies move from rapid plastic prototyping to scalable on-demand production. At First Mold, every project begins with a thorough DFM review to identify and resolve potential injection molding defects before production. Every month, we build production steel molds rated for at least 15 million shots. We also offer a full range of custom surface finishes and perform 100% CMM inspection of molded parts. The result? You get the parts you envision—faster and with peace of mind.
Our Injection Molding Specifications for Prototyping and Mass Production
In injection molding, the mold is one of the most important parts of the process. It shapes the plastic and affects quality, cost, and how fast parts can be made. Most customer projects go through two main stages: rapid prototyping and mass production.
Prototyping molds are often made from aluminum and have a single cavity. Production molds are usually made from hardened steel, often have multiple cavities, and require much stricter quality checks.
| Specification | Plastic Prototyping | Mass Production |
|---|---|---|
| Objective | Functional testing and design validation | Market launch and continuous supply chain. |
| Recommended Volume | 100 – 10,000 parts | 10,000 – 1,000,000+ parts |
| Time to First Part (T1) | 7 – 15 days | 3 – 5 weeks |
| Mold Material | Aluminum or P20 soft steel. | H13, S136, or hardened steel. |
| Mold Life | Up to 10,000 shots. | 1,000,000+ shots (SPI Class 101/102). |
| Mold Cavities | Single-cavity. | Single-cavity, multi-cavity, and family molds; up to 64+ cavities |
| Part Unit Cost | Moderate; optimized for speed | Lower at volume; optimized for unit cost |
| Design Complexity | Best for simpler geometry | Complex geometries supported |
| Quality Documentation | Standard dimensional inspection | 100% CMM, FAI, and full PPAP |
| Mold Ownership | Client owns 100% of the mold | Client owns 100% of the mold |
| Tooling Transferability | Fully transferable. | Fully transferable |
| Engineering Support | Basic DFM review. | 1-on-1 Co-engineering & advanced Moldflow. |
Injection Molding Materials Available
We work with over 100 standard and engineering-grade thermoplastic and thermoset materials. Beyond base resins, we fully support custom material modifications such as glass‑filled, mineral‑filled, flame retardant, toughened, and alloy grades
Rigid Thermoplastics
- ABS
- PS (GPPS / HIPS)
- PE (HDPE / LDPE / LLDPE)
- PP (PP+GF)
- PVC
- PMMA
- SAN
- PC (PC+GF)
- POM (POM-C / POM-H)
- PA (PA6 / PA66 / PA11 / PA12)
- PBT (PBT+GF)
- PET (PETG)
- PC / ABS
- PC / PBT
- PBT / ABS
- PPE / PS
- PEEK (PEEK+GF)
- PEI
- PPS (PPS+GF)
- LCP
- PSU (PPSU)
Thermoplastic Elastomers
- TPE
- TPR
- TPU
- TPV
LSR Silicone
- Standard Liquid Silicone Rubber
- Medical-Grade & FDA Compliant Silicone
- Optical-Grade Silicone
Custom Surface Finishes & Textures
In-Mold Finishes
| Standard | Finish Category | Roughness Ra (µm) |
|---|---|---|
| SPI A1 – A3 | Diamond Buff / High Gloss | 0.012 – 0.10 |
| SPI B1 – B3 | Grit Paper / Semi‑Gloss | 0.05 – 0.32 |
| SPI C1 – C3 | Stone Finish / Smooth Matte | 0.35 – 0.7 |
| SPI D1 – D3 | Media Blast / Textured | 0.80 – 18.0 |
| VDI 3400 (12‑45) | EDM / Spark-Eroded Texture | 0.40 – 18.0 |
Need help defining the exact cosmetic or functional finish for your part? Feel free to directly Consult Our DFM Engineers for project-specific recommendations.
Secondary Operations
Printing & Marking
Silk screening, pad printing, and laser etching
Painting & Coatings
Spraying, UV coating, and EMI/RFI shielding.
Plating & Metallization
Electroplating, Chrome Plating, Gold Plating, and PVD.
Molding Solutions for Your Industry
First Mold serves over a dozen industries with injection-molded components, from automotive and medical to telecommunications and home appliances. We also mold demanding parts such as surgical instruments, waterproof communication housings, and optical lenses. We primarily fulfill customer requirements through material selection, mold design, and our manufacturing philosophy. What we care about most is the part’s end-use environment and its functional integrity under real-world operating conditions.
| Part Type | Typical Parts | Our Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Housings & Enclosures | Device covers, control panels, electronic casings | Fit, finish, protection |
| Frames & Structural Parts | Internal frames, brackets, chassis | Strength, warp control |
| Gears & Moving Parts | Gears, impellers, cams, levers | Wear, tolerance, cycle life |
| Connectors & Fasteners | Terminal blocks, snap-fits, clips | Repeatable fit, assembly |
| Seals, Dampers & Grips | Waterproof gaskets, O-rings, overmolded grips | Sealing, comfort, durability |
| Optical & Clear Parts | Light guides, lenses, display windows | Clarity, light transmission |
Why Partner With First Mold?
Solve issues before molding, not after.
We use DFM to find and fix problems before tooling, with cost and timing estimates upfront. So your first trial run is production-ready, not a rework cycle.
Quality Reports on Request
Quality reports are available on request. We keep full process data for every batch, so we can show consistency across the entire batch—not just sample inspection results.
Industry Experience You Can Trust
With one technically skilled project lead who has decision authority, any change is handled by a single person without repeating across departments.
Two Facilities, 50+ Injection Molding Machines
With injection molding centers in both China and Mexico, First Mold is well-positioned to conveniently serve its global customer base.
China Manufacturing Hub
Our China manufacturing base is equipped with over 50 injection molding machines ranging from 90T to 1000T. This facility focuses on handling complex tooling, high-volume mass production, and strict-tolerance components.
1000T Press
Mexico Facility
Our Mexico facility features over a dozen advanced injection molding machines. It is specifically set up to serve North American buyers with rapid tooling and plastic prototypes.
4 Steps to Get Your Plastic Parts
Custom injection molding is highly technical, but ordering it shouldn’t be. Upload your 3D CAD, and our team will handle the heavy lifting from engineering to global delivery.
01
Quote & DFM Analysis
Upload your CAD files securely. Within 24 hours, you will receive a comprehensive quote and a free DFM report
02
Tooling Fabrication & T1 Samples
Once specs are locked, we machine your custom mold. We then run physical T1 trial samples and send them to you.
03
Mass Production & Real-Time QC
We launch full-scale production. Automated presses and CMM inspection routines for uncompromising consistency.
04
Finishing & Global Logistics
We handle any required surface finishing and assembly. Finally, parts are shipped from our China or Mexico hubs to your dock.
FAQ For Injection Molding Services
How much does a custom plastic injection mold cost?
It depends entirely on part size, geometry, and how many parts you need the mold to produce. A simple rapid tool might cost a couple of thousand dollars, while a high-cavity, high-volume automotive mold can run into the tens of thousands. Send us your 3D file and you’ll get an accurate quote within 24 hours — no guesswork, no hidden fees.
What is your minimum order quantity (MOQ) for custom injection molding?
Typically, you’ll start to see real unit cost advantages at volumes over 500 pieces. But if you only need a few hundred for market testing, we can use a rapid tooling approach to keep your initial investment low. There’s no hard threshold — we work out the most cost-effective option for your specific situation.
Who owns the injection mold tooling after it is built?
You do. If you paid for the mold, the tooling is 100% yours. We’re happy to store and maintain it for free, but you can pull it at any time. This is clearly stated in our agreement, no fine-print tricks.
What progress reports will I receive during mold fabrication?
You won’t be left guessing. You’ll receive updates at four key milestones:
- Design complete: DFM and 3D mold design for your approval.
- Rough machining done: Photos showing the mold base taking shape.
- Before T0 trial: A confirmed T0 trial schedule.
- After T0 trial: Physical T0 samples shipped to you, plus dimensional reports and process parameters.
And throughout the build, just ask — our engineers can snap photos or shoot short videos for you on the spot.
How do you handle plastic part design changes (ECN) after tooling approval?
We know late changes are expensive, so we’ll assess the impact quickly once you raise an ECN. Minor tweaks — like adding a rib or reducing material — we often handle at cost or sometimes even free. For larger changes, we’ll review the steel modification plan and cost with you immediately, then execute fast so your launch isn’t delayed.
What happens if the injection mold wears out during mass production?
Any mold we build is covered by a free warranty against normal, non-misuse wear within its designed lifespan. During production, we monitor tool condition proactively, so we’ll alert you about preventive maintenance before an issue surfaces. If a problem does occur — even in the middle of the night — our repair team is on standby. You don’t need to chase us.
What ISO certifications do your injection molding facilities hold?
We hold ISO 9001 for quality management. For medical or automotive programs, we have the capability and systems aligned with ISO 13485 and IATF 16949. Certificates can be shared right away, and you’re welcome to audit us in person.
Can I transfer an existing injection mold to your facility for production?
Of course. We’ll start with a free mold condition assessment and provide a detailed trial report showing what needs maintenance or adjustment. Once the tool is verified, we can put it straight into production. We handle the entire transfer process — you just wait for good parts to arrive.
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