Small batch without molds: when digital manufacturing beats plastic injection
10 to 500 parts without molds: 3D printing, CNC and laser cutting to launch a product without tooling investment. Thresholds, costs and decision criteria for SMEs.
Many SMEs assume industrializing a plastic or mechanical product requires an injection mold. Yet between a one-off prototype and a 10,000-part run lies a wide zone — 10 to 500 units — where digital manufacturing is often faster, more flexible and economically smarter.
At Antibes, NC Factory produces small batches without molds for products in development, critical spare parts or cautious market launches.
Why avoid molds too early?
- Upfront cost: €5,000–50,000+ before the first part
- Lead time: 6–12 weeks for tooling
- Rigidity: any design change = costly mold rework
- Risk: ordering tooling before field validation is a common mistake
Mold-free processes for small batches
3D printing for complex geometry and low volume. CNC for precision metal and machinable plastics. Laser cutting + assembly for panels and lightweight structures.
Decision guide
- < 50 parts/year, evolving design → digital manufacturing
- 50–500 parts, stable design → digital or semi-tooling
- 500+ parts, frozen design → consider injection
See B2B offer or request a quote.
FAQ
Often from 500–2,000 parts/year depending on size and material — only if design is stable.
Yes for many industrial or premium small-batch products. Finish and material depend on use case.
Yes: machined enclosure + 3D printed insert + laser cut panel is a common architecture.
Yes — central to our B2B offer: prototype, pre-series 10–100, then tooling if relevant.
