Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of injection moulding?

Injection moulding is a manufacturing process widely used for creating parts by injecting material into a mould. One of its primary advantages is its capacity for fast production, making it an efficient choice for producing large quantities of identical parts in a short amount of time. The process is highly automated and can produce items quickly once the initial setup is complete.

The moulding technique is also capable of creating intricate shapes, allowing for detailed designs that may be difficult to achieve through other manufacturing methods. This versatility in design and production is one of the key characteristics that makes injection moulding popular in industries ranging from automotive to consumer goods.

While injection moulding is highly effective for mass production where large volumes of the same item are required, it is not typically used for small batch production. The reason for this lies in the high initial costs associated with creating moulds, which can be prohibitive for producing only a small number of items. Therefore, options suitable for small batch production are generally different techniques that do not involve such extensive setup costs and time.

In summary, the characteristic of injection moulding that is not applicable is its suitability for small batch production. It shines in areas requiring rapid and large-scale manufacturing of complex components.