Injection Moulding Services in the UK

Injection moulding is a highly efficient plastic manufacturing process that produces consistent, high-quality parts at scale. It’s ideal for both prototype and production volumes.

Benefits include:

• Cost-effective for higher volumes
• Excellent part cosmetics and surface finish
• High repeatability and precision
• Capability for complex geometries
• Low material waste
• Wide selection of thermoplastics and thermosets

Injection moulding is widely used across the medical, consumer, and automotive industries for plastic part production. Common applications include:

• Housings and enclosures
• Brackets and gears
• Electrical connectors
• Syringes and single-use medical components
• Containers and packaging parts

Our moulds start from around £995, though the exact cost depends on part geometry, size, and material. Because tooling involves an initial investment, injection moulding is most cost-effective for low- to high-volume production.
Factors influencing cost include:

• Part complexity
• Material type
• Lead time and production volume
  For an accurate estimate, upload your CAD model to receive a free instant quote.

Yes — we provide a production tooling option called On-Demand Manufacturing (ODM). This service offers:

• Lower part prices for higher volumes
• Multi-cavity tooling options
• Guaranteed tool life — we’ll replace it if it wears out
• First Article Inspections (FAIs) included
  It’s the ideal solution for customers needing repeatable, high-quality part production in the UK.

We typically maintain machining tolerances of ±0.08mm, with resin tolerance generally greater than but not less than ±0.002mm/mm.
Tolerances depend on factors such as material choice, part geometry, and process type. Our engineering team will confirm achievable tolerances during your design for manufacturability analysis.

Injection Moulding:

• Best for high-volume or low-cost-per-part production
• Produces durable parts with excellent finish
• Requires tooling, but offers faster production cycles once set up
• Supports a wide range of materials

3D Printing (Additive Manufacturing):

• Ideal for prototypes or low-volume custom parts
• No tooling required
• Faster for initial runs but slower for large quantities
• Broad material options with variable surface quality

Prototype Moulds:

• Used for testing and small production runs
• Made from aluminium for quicker turnaround
• Cost-effective and easily modified

Production Moulds:

• Made from hardened steel for high durability
• Ideal for large-scale, long-term manufacturing
• Tighter tolerances and longer tool life
  At Protolabs UK, you can start with a prototype tool and transition smoothly into production using the same design data.

Yes, when you choose On-Demand Manufacturing, your aluminium tooling comes with a lifetime guarantee, meaning we’ll replace it if it wears out.
For some high-volume projects, aerospace-grade aluminium tooling is ideal; in other cases, steel moulds may be better suited. Our application engineers can help you determine the right option for your project.

Aluminium tools, particularly those made from aerospace-grade materials, can last through extensive production runs. With Protolabs’ On-Demand Manufacturing, we guarantee the lifetime of your mould, if it wears out, we’ll cut a new one at no extra cost.
Steel tooling remains the best choice for extremely high-volume production or complex geometries requiring maximum durability.

Not at all. Thanks to our digitised toolpathing and in-house machining, we can produce moulds in just a few days. Most injection moulding projects in the UK move from design upload to first parts in as little as 1 to 15 working days, depending on complexity.

Our UK facility can accommodate a wide range of part sizes, from small, intricate components to larger functional housings. Maximum part size depends on material choice, wall thickness, and mould design.
Upload your CAD model to receive a manufacturability analysis specifying feasible dimensions for your project.

We offer over 100 thermoplastic and thermoset materials, suitable for a variety of performance and cosmetic requirements.
Thermoplastics:
ABS, ABS/PC, Acetal, HDPE, LDPE, Nylon, PBT, PEEK, PEI, PMMA (Acrylic), Polycarbonate, Polypropylene, Polystyrene, PPS, TPU, TPE, TPV, and more.

Thermosets (LSR and Optical Grades): Standard silicone

If you’re looking for alternatives, our engineers can recommend resin substitutes for common materials like ABS, PC, and PP.

Plastic Injection Moulding:

• Uses thermoplastics that melt and solidify when cooled
• Ideal for rigid, durable components
• Commonly used in automotive, consumer, and industrial products

LSR (Liquid Silicone Rubber) Moulding:

• Uses liquid silicone that cures with heat
• Best for flexible, durable, and high-temperature-resistant parts
• Commonly used in medical devices, seals, and lighting components

Protolabs UK offers both plastic and optical silicone rubber moulding for precision-engineered parts.

Yes, at Protolabs, we’re committed to supporting more sustainable manufacturing practices. We offer a selection of recyclable and eco-friendly thermoplastics.
Our team can also advise on material alternatives that reduce waste or improve energy efficiency during production, helping you design for performance and sustainability.

Absolutely. Protolabs operates UK-based injection moulding facilities, meaning your parts can be produced, inspected, and shipped locally.
This local production model helps reduce lead times, transportation costs, and environmental impact, while giving you direct access to our UK engineering support team.
Whether you need prototype quantities or low-volume production, our UK injection moulding service delivers speed, consistency, and quality close to home.