"Why Customize Plastic Shells?"
- Standard parts cannot meet special functional requirements
- Customization enhances product competitiveness and brand value
- More cost-effective for mass production
- Professional customization ensures product quality and consistency
I. Do You Need Custom Plastic Shell Components?
Core Application Scenarios
- Product Differentiation Needs: When standard parts cannot meet unique design requirements
- Functional Requirements: Specific strength, temperature resistance, chemical resistance needed
- Mass Production: Custom molds more cost-effective for >500 unit production runs
- Brand Consistency: Unified appearance design and quality standards
Cost-Benefit Analysis
- Small Batch (<100 units): 3D printing for rapid prototyping verification
- Medium Batch (100-500 units): Consider 3D printing or simple molds
- Large Batch (>500 units): Injection molding with custom molds more economical

II. Custom Plastic Shell Component Process
Standard Customization Process
- Requirements Analysis and Design
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- In-depth communication with customers about functional requirements
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- 3D modeling and structural design
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- Material selection and performance evaluation
- Prototype Production
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- 3D printing for rapid prototype verification
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- Functional testing and design optimization
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- Customer confirmation and feedback
- Mold Design and Manufacturing
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- Professional mold engineer design
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- CNC machining and precision manufacturing
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- Mold testing and adjustment
- Injection Molding
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- Material preparation and process parameter setting
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- Mass production and quality monitoring
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- Post-processing and surface finishing
- Quality Inspection and Delivery
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- Dimensional accuracy testing
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- Appearance quality inspection
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- Packaging and logistics distribution

III. Plastic Shell Materials

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Material
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Properties
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Application Areas
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ABS
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High strength, impact resistant, easy to process
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Electronic product housings, toys, home appliances
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PC
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High transparency, heat resistant, impact resistant
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Optical components, safety protection, lighting
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PP
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Chemical resistant, heat resistant, lightweight
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Food packaging, medical devices, automotive parts
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PE
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Chemical resistant, good flexibility
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Containers, pipes, packaging materials
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PA
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High strength, wear resistant, oil resistant
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Mechanical parts, gears, bearings
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PVC
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Chemical resistant, flame retardant
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Pipes, wire sheaths, industrial equipment
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Material Selection Key Points
- Functional Requirements: Strength, heat resistance, chemical resistance
- Cost Considerations: Material price, processing difficulty
- Environmental Requirements: Food grade, medical grade certifications
- Appearance Requirements: Transparency, color stability
IV. Plastic Shell Characteristics
Main Physical Properties
- Mechanical Strength: Tensile strength, flexural strength, impact strength
- Thermal Properties: Heat resistance temperature, heat distortion temperature, thermal conductivity
- Electrical Properties: Insulation resistance, dielectric strength, arc resistance
- Chemical Properties: Corrosion resistance, solvent resistance, weather resistance
Processing Characteristics
- Flowability: Material flow ability in molds
- Shrinkage Rate: Dimensional changes during cooling
- Demoldability: Ease of removal from molds
- Machinability: Ease of cutting, drilling, surface treatment
Environmental Adaptability
- Weather Resistance: Durability for outdoor use
- Flame Retardancy: Fire resistance rating requirements
- UV Resistance: Prevention of aging and discoloration
V. Injection Molding vs. 3D Printing: Which is Better?
Technical Comparison Analysis
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Comparison Item
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Injection Molding
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3D Printing
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Production Volume
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High volume (>500 units)
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Low volume (<100 units)
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Cost Structure
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High mold cost, low unit cost
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No mold cost, fixed unit cost
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Production Speed
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High efficiency for mass production
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Fast for single unit production
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Design Complexity
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Limited by mold constraints
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Freedom for complex structures
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Material Selection
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Wide range of materials
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Limited material selection
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Surface Quality
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High surface finish
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Requires post-processing improvement
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Precision Control
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High dimensional accuracy
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Layer thickness affects precision
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Selection Recommendations
- Product Development Stage: 3D printing for rapid prototype verification
- Small Batch Production: 3D printing or simple molds
- Mass Production: Injection molding
- Complex Structures: 3D printing has obvious advantages
- Functional Testing: Both processes are suitable

VI. Plastic Shell Surface Processing
Main Surface Treatment Processes
1. Painting Technology
- Process Features: Rich colors, mature technology
- Applicable Materials: ABS, PC, PP, etc.
- Advantages: High surface finish, uniform color
- Disadvantages: Higher cost, relatively lower yield rate
2. Plating Treatment
- Process Features: Metallic appearance, good conductivity
- Applicable Materials: ABS, PC, etc.
- Advantages: High-end appearance, good wear resistance
- Disadvantages: Strict environmental requirements, higher cost
3. In-Mold Decoration (IMD/IML)
- Process Features: Patterns embedded, not easily worn
- Applicable Materials: ABS, PC, etc.
- Advantages: Long-lasting patterns, advanced technology
- Disadvantages: High mold cost, difficult design changes
4. Laser Engraving
- Process Features: Permanent marking, high precision
- Applicable Materials: Various plastic materials
- Advantages: Ink-free, environmentally friendly and durable
VII. Plastic Shell Feature Processing
Functional Feature Processing
1. Strengthening Treatment
- Chemical Strengthening: Improve surface hardness and scratch resistance
- Physical Strengthening: Improve material properties through heat treatment
- Composite Strengthening: Multi-layer structure enhances overall performance
2. Functional Coatings
- Anti-Fingerprint Coating: Reduce fingerprint residue, easy to clean
- Antibacterial Coating: Inhibit bacterial growth, suitable for medical equipment
- Conductive Coating: Achieve electromagnetic shielding function
- Hydrophobic Coating: Waterproof and moisture-proof, protect internal components
3. Structural Optimization
- Reinforcement Rib Design: Improve structural strength
- Weight Reduction Design: Optimize material distribution, reduce weight
- Heat Dissipation Design: Improve thermal conductivity
Safety Features
- Flame Retardant Treatment: Improve fire resistance rating
- Impact Resistance Design: Absorb impact energy
- Environmental Certification: Meet RoHS, REACH and other standards
VIII. Plastic Shell Color Processing
Color Processing Methods
1. Masterbatch Coloring
- Process Features: Good uniformity, stable color
- Applicable Scope: Mass production
- Advantages: High color consistency, relatively low cost
- Disadvantages: Long color change time, not economical for small batches
2. Surface Painting
- Process Features: Rich color selection, can achieve gradient effects
- Applicable Scope: Various production volumes
- Advantages: Diverse color effects, can be partially colored
- Disadvantages: Coating may peel off, need to pay attention to adhesion
3. In-Mold Coloring
- Process Features: Color integrated with substrate, never fades
- Applicable Scope: Products with special color requirements
- Advantages: Long-lasting color, good wear resistance
- Disadvantages: Limited material selection, higher cost
4. Two-Color Injection Molding
- Process Features: Two colors integrated molding
- Applicable Scope: Products requiring two-color effects
- Advantages: Strong structure, exquisite appearance
- Disadvantages: Complex molds, higher cost
Color Management
- Color Difference Control: Use color difference meter for precise control
- Batch Management: Ensure color consistency across different batches
- Environmental Testing: Verify color stability
IX. How to Choose the Right Plastic Shell?
Selection Consideration Factors
1. Functional Requirements Analysis
- Usage Environment: Temperature, humidity, chemical contact
- Mechanical Requirements: Strength, rigidity, impact resistance
- Electrical Requirements: Insulation, electromagnetic shielding
- Appearance Requirements: Transparency, color, surface texture
2. Cost-Benefit Evaluation
- Material Cost: Price differences between different materials
- Processing Cost: Injection molding vs. 3D printing
- Mold Cost: Mold opening costs vs. production volume
- Maintenance Cost: Long-term usage maintenance costs
3. Quality Standard Considerations
- Dimensional Accuracy: Tolerance requirements and measurement methods
- Surface Quality: Finish, flatness requirements
- Performance Testing: Meet relevant industry standards
- Reliability: Service life and failure rate
4. Supply Chain Evaluation
- Supplier Capability: Technical level, equipment conditions
- Delivery Cycle: Time from design to delivery
- Service Quality: Technical support and after-sales service
- Sustainability: Environmental protection measures and social responsibility
Professional Recommendations
- Prototype Verification: Make samples for testing first
- Multi-Solution Comparison: Evaluate different design options
- Long-Term Cooperation: Choose reliable suppliers for long-term partnerships
X. Common Plastic Shell Processing Issues
Injection Molding Issues
1. Surface Defects
- Sink Marks: Depressions caused by uneven material shrinkage
- Air Bubbles: Moisture in material or poor venting
- Flow Marks: Streaks formed by uneven melt flow
- Burn Marks: Material decomposition due to local overheating
2. Dimensional Issues
- Dimensional Deviation: Improper mold precision or process parameters
- Warping: Uneven cooling or structural design issues
- Flash: Poor mold clamping or excessive injection pressure
3. Structural Issues
- Short Shots: Insufficient injection volume or poor flowability
- Weld Lines: Reduced strength at melt merge areas
- Distortion: Uneven cooling shrinkage
3D Printing Issues
- Poor Layer Adhesion: Affects overall strength
- Surface Roughness: Requires post-processing improvement
- Dimensional Accuracy: Affected by equipment and materials
Solutions
- Process Optimization: Adjust temperature, pressure, speed parameters
- Mold Improvement: Optimize gate, cooling system design
- Material Selection: Replace with more suitable materials
- Equipment Maintenance: Regular maintenance to ensure equipment precision
Professional Service Recommendation
Core Advantages
- Technical Strength: ±0.005mm ultra-high precision control
- Advanced Equipment: Over 100 precision processing machines
- Quality Assurance: International certifications including SGS, RoHS, CE
- Service Scope: Multiple industries including automotive, machinery, electronics, medical
Service Process
- Requirements Communication: Understand your specific requirements
- Solution Design: Provide professional technical solutions
- Prototype Production: Rapid prototype production to verify design
- Mass Production: Efficient and high-quality production services
- Quality Inspection: Strict quality control system
- Delivery Service: On-time delivery and after-sales service
Contact Us Now for Professional Solutions!
Contact Information
- Technical Consultation: One-on-one service from professional engineers
- Quick Quotation: Detailed quotation within 24 hours
- Sample Production: Rapid sample production to verify design
- Mass Production: Efficient and high-quality mass production capabilities

