--- title: "Complex Machining: Thermoforming vs Injection Molding" description: Thermoforming is a great alternative to injection molding with similar complexity to the results and an option for a lower run volume. image: https://www.kensonplastics.com/hubfs/Blog/Kenson%20Blog%20-%20Stages%20of%20Machining.jpg --- - [Compliance & Documents](https://www.kensonplastics.com/compliance-documents) [![Kenson Logo - Horizontal - White](https://www.kensonplastics.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Logo%20-%20Brand/Kenson%20Logo%20-%20Horizontal%20-%20White.png?width=800&height=265&name=Kenson%20Logo%20-%20Horizontal%20-%20White.png) ![Kenson Logo - Horizontal - White](https://www.kensonplastics.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Logo%20-%20Brand/Kenson%20Logo%20-%20Horizontal%20-%20White.png?width=800&height=265&name=Kenson%20Logo%20-%20Horizontal%20-%20White.png)](https://www.kensonplastics.com) [![LET'S TALK](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/8833014/a51b545e-0172-445d-851e-ac7f85ee2a75.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/8833014/a51b545e-0172-445d-851e-ac7f85ee2a75) - [Who We Help](https://www.kensonplastics.com/markets) - [Aerospace](https://www.kensonplastics.com/aerospace) - [Medical](https://www.kensonplastics.com/medical) - [Mass Transit](https://www.kensonplastics.com/mass-transit) - [Self-Serve Kiosk](https://www.kensonplastics.com/self-service-kiosks) - [Heavy Equipment](https://www.kensonplastics.com/heavy-equipment) - [General Electronics](https://www.kensonplastics.com/general-electronics) - What We Do - [Manufacturing Solutions](https://www.kensonplastics.com/manufacturing-solutions) - [Tech Center](https://www.kensonplastics.com/tech-center) - [About Us](https://www.kensonplastics.com/about-us) - [About Us](https://www.kensonplastics.com/about-us) - [Career Center](https://www.kensonplastics.com/career-center) - [Blog](https://www.kensonplastics.com/blog) - [Resources](https://www.kensonplastics.com/resources) ###### 1 min read # Complex Machining: Thermoforming vs Injection Molding By: [Chris O'leary](https://www.kensonplastics.com/blog/author/chris) on Oct 6, 2022 8:30:00 AM [Thermoforming](https://www.kensonplastics.com/blog/tag/thermoforming) ![Featured Image](https://www.kensonplastics.com/hubfs/Blog/Kenson%20Blog%20-%20Stages%20of%20Machining.jpg) In the thermoforming process machining is critically important. I guess the best way to think about this is, in the higher volume context people are familiar with the process called injection molding. Where a mold closes a molten plastic is injected into the mold, the mold opens, the part comes out completed.   *Below is The Transcribed Video:* What is a challenge with injection molding is the tooling is often very expensive and the run quantities are often very high because there is a large setup cost. So in thermoforming we can make parts of similar complexity but at much lower volumes, but it is done through stages. If you think of this part, this was first formed. So you are looking at a raw form part where we are starting to get features, in this sense this is the surface that will interface with the lid and a recess for a light, but otherwise this is not yet functional. ![Machine Circle](https://www.kensonplastics.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog/Machine%20Circle.png?width=350&name=Machine%20Circle.png)The first stage of the machining process, we have removed excess material, cut this hole in for the light, and I’ve started bonding pieces in that will facilitate fastening. After this stage we move onto the next stage where you can see holes for fasteners, the front lights have now been opened, and the part has been cut down here to facilitate mounting onto the unit which then ultimately, in the final assembly this part has been painted its referencing its framework and you can see how there are very few seams which ultimately ends a nice clean design.    [![New call-to-action](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/8833014/be0e457e-5fba-43d0-9038-918398def222.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/8833014/be0e457e-5fba-43d0-9038-918398def222) - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) #### Related Posts ### [What to Consider with Material Management & Organization of Your Aerospace Sub-Assembly Air India just signed the largest commercial aircraft order in history with Boeing and Airbus!](https://www.kensonplastics.com/blog/what-to-consider-with-material-management-organization-of-your-aerospace-sub-assembly) ### [Alternatives to Metal Enclosures for EMI Shielding Constraints Electromagnetic interference (EMI) has the potential to disrupt all manner of electronic devices,...](https://www.kensonplastics.com/blog/alternatives-to-metal-enclosures-for-emi-shielding-constraints) ### [Lightweight Parts for Electric Vehicles and Mass Transport Interiors The world is transitioning to more fuel-efficient and eco-friendly transport systems in our economy...](https://www.kensonplastics.com/blog/lightweight-parts-for-electric-vehicles-and-mass-transport-interiors) ##### REACH OUT REACH OUT 2835 Darlington Road Beaver Falls, PA 15010 (724) 776-6820 [webinquiry@kensonplastics.com](mailto:webinquiry@kensonplastics.com) ##### RECENT BLOG POSTS RECENT BLOG POSTS ###### [Tray Fabrication Procedure: Forming and Preparation](https://www.kensonplastics.com/blog/tray-fabrication-procedure-forming-and-preparation) In this blog, we are discussing our robotic pharmacy—an automated system designed to sort,... ##### SUBSCRIBE NOW SUBSCRIBE NOW [![Kenson Logo - Horizontal - White](https://www.kensonplastics.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Logo%20-%20Brand/Kenson%20Logo%20-%20Horizontal%20-%20White.png?width=300&height=99&name=Kenson%20Logo%20-%20Horizontal%20-%20White.png "Kenson Logo - Horizontal - White")](https://www.kensonplastics.com/) - [Designed and Developed by TRENDING UP STRATEGY](https://www.trendingupstrategy.com/) Copyright © 2022 Kenson Plastics, Inc. ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "VideoObject", "contentUrl" : "https://8833014.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/8833014/Complex%20Machining-%20Thermoforming%20vs%20Injection%20Molding.mp4", "dateModified" : "2022-07-26T15:27:10.730Z", "duration" : "PT2M4.032S", "height" : 1080, "name" : "Complex Machining- Thermoforming vs Injection Molding", "thumbnailUrl" : "https://api-na1.hubapi.com/filemanager/api/v3/files/thumbnail-redirect/80240767107?portalId=8833014&size=medium", "uploadDate" : "2022-07-26T15:26:31.990Z", "width" : 1920 } ```