Shrinkage occurs as molten plastic cools and contracts; warpage results when shrinkage is uneven across a part. These issues are among the most common and costly defects in injection molding, leading to dimensional inaccuracy, assembly problems, and scrap. This guide explains the root causes of shrinkage and warpage, and outlines solutions including simulation tools like Moldex3D to predict and prevent them.

Design for Manufacturability (DFM) is one of the most critical steps in ensuring injection molded parts are produced efficiently, cost-effectively, and with consistent quality. Catching design issues at the CAD stage can save weeks of lead time and thousands of dollars in tooling rework. This guide expands on key DFM checks, material considerations, and practical tips to help engineers and buyers specify parts that moldmakers can build right the first time.

In injection mold manufacturing, surface finish is more than just appearance — it directly affects part performance, durability, and production efficiency. To create consistency across the industry, the Plastics Industry Association (formerly SPI) developed a classification system for injection mold surface finishes.

At Brown Tool & Mold, we use these SPI standards to ensure every mold meets exacting customer requirements, whether for medical devices, automotive parts, or consumer products.