sample injection molding part

Inspections for Injection Molded Parts

Certifications

ISO 9001:2015 | ITAR Registered

Quality Control process for Injection Molding

Injection Molding Inspection Reports

As part of the Protolabs standard, we measure up to four plane-to-plane and outside diameter dimensions based on your CAD model (X, Y, Z) to quoted tolerances. We automatically define these quality control checks and perform the measurements on a sampling of parts. 

In addition, we provide a wide range of other quality documentation. Compare the benefits of each inspection report to see which is best suited for your project needs. 


Critical To Quality (CTQ)


CTQ Partial FAI (First Article Inspection)

Benefits: Includes a 3-part dimensional first article inspection of 5 critical features

Measurements: Up to 5 plane-to-plane, hole-to-hole, ID/OD, or radii measurements as critical features

Additional Features: Formatted report with bubbled part image and result summary chart

Eligibility: On-demand manufacturing, injection molding orders. Can be added to any other order.*

Additional Lead Time: None

Sample Plan: After the molding process is established, a partial FAI is completed on the first three parts off the tool

Additional Information: Available to select in "Inspections" during checkout. Upload a 2D drawing with critical features identified. Contact your account representative with questions.

* Excludes: Thermoplastic elastomers (TPU, TPV, TPO, etc.) and Liquid Silicone Rubber (LSR).

Download Sample CTQ Partial FAI

CTQ DIR with Capability Study

Benefits: Includes a 30-part dimensional capability study of 5 critical features

Measurements: Up to 5 plane-to-plane, hole-to-hole, ID/OD, or radii measurements as critical features

Additional Features: Formatted report with bubbled part image and result summary chart

Eligibility: On-demand manufacturing, injection molding orders. Can be added to any other order.*

Additional Lead Time: None

Sample Plan: After the molding process is established, a 30-piece capability report is based on a group of parts that is chosen from an evenly distributed sample

Additional Information: Available to select in "Inspections" during checkout. Upload a 2D drawing with critical features identified. Contact your account representative with questions.

* Excludes: Thermoplastic elastomers (TPU, TPV, TPO, etc.) and Liquid Silicone Rubber (LSR).

Download Sample CTQ DIR with Capability Study


Additional Inspection Reports


Digital Inspection Report / Full FAI

Benefits: Verifies numerous critical dimensional specifications

Measurements: Up to 50 measurements: ID/OD, plane-to-plane, hole location, and angles

Additional Features: Options include a 360-degree, 8+- position 3D scanner collects data, identifies dimensional variance, and create a visual aid and color map for a direct CAD-to-scan comparison

Eligibility: On-demand manufacturing, injection molding orders

Additional Lead Time: Quoted at time or order, typically 6+ business days

Sample Plan: Random selection during the molding operation based on requested quantity specified

Additional Information: Available to select in "Secondary Operations" during checkout.  Contact us with questions.

Download Sample Digital Inspection Report

Production Part Approval Process (PPAP)

Benefits: Verifies that a production process can reliably produce a quality part repeatedly

Measurements: Nineteen components that range from customer approval to sample part production

Additional Features: Level 3 PPAP document is provided in PDF format for requested manufacturing orders

Eligibility: All injection molding orders

Additional Lead Time: Quoted at time or order, typically 11+ business days

Sample Plan: Random selection during the molding operation based on requested quantity specified

Additional Information: Available to select in "Secondary Operations" during checkout.  Contact us with questions.

Download Sample PPAP



How are Part Dimensions Measured? 

We use industry standard coordinate-measuring machines (CMM)—calipers and pin guages—just as you would expect from an industry leading manufacturing partner. What differentiates our process is that we’ve applied patented automation technology to our CMMs to enable in-process inspection with no additional cost or lead time.

Parts are measured at an equidistant cadence of n/30 where n = total part order quantity. Along with the measurement data from each part, the Capability Report will also provide the average measurement, standard deviation, and a Process Capability Index (Cpk) value for all critical dimensions. 

Additional Quality Capabilities

Medical Molding Capabilities

We do offer ISO 13485 injection molding capabilities through trusted partners.

 

Mold measurement process