What is a key disadvantage of injection moulding?

A key disadvantage of injection moulding is that moulds are expensive to buy or make. The injection moulding process requires high-precision moulds that can withstand significant pressure and temperature during the injection of molten material, typically thermoplastics or thermosetting polymers. The design and fabrication of these moulds involve advanced technology and materials, which can lead to high initial costs. This investment is necessary to achieve the level of precision and durability required for the production of quality parts, and it can be a barrier for small-scale operations or those looking to produce low volumes of products.

In contrast, although production speed is generally high for injection moulding, this option incorrectly associates speed with a disadvantage. The capability to create detailed shapes is one of the advantages of injection moulding, allowing for complex designs that meet specific functional requirements. Lastly, rather than restricting high volume production, injection moulding is actually well-suited for it, as the process can be repeated consistently across numerous cycles, making it ideal for large scale manufacturing.