What is Design for Injection Molding (DFM)?
DFM analysis is the foundation of successful, cost-effective plastic injection molding.
Design for Injection Molding (DFM) is a critical engineering review process that evaluates your part design against injection molding best practices. The goal is to identify and resolve potential manufacturing issues before mold construction begins, saving significant time and cost.
Key DFM considerations for plastic injection molding:
- Wall Thickness – Uniform walls (typically 1.5-3mm) prevent sink marks, warpage, and long cycle times
- Draft Angles – Adequate draft (0.5-2° per side) enables smooth part ejection
- Ribs & Bosses – Proper proportions (rib thickness = 50-60% of wall) prevent sink marks
- Undercuts – Identify features requiring side actions, lifters, or design modifications
- Gate Location – Optimal placement for balanced fill, minimal gate vestige, and cosmetic requirements
- Parting Line – Strategic placement for aesthetics and manufacturability
- Radii & Corners – Generous radii improve flow and reduce stress concentrations
- Tolerances – Realistic tolerances based on material shrinkage characteristics
- Surface Finish – Texture requirements impact mold cost and draft requirements
Our comprehensive DFM review identifies every potential issue, explains the manufacturing impact, and provides specific design recommendations. This collaborative process typically prevents 80%+ of tooling modifications and production issues.
Need to Know
We provide complimentary DFM analysis with every injection molding project, ensuring your design is production-ready before tooling begins.