From CAD to Completion: Our Injection Moulding Process Explained

Posted on: 19/08/2025

Category: News

Choosing the right plastic injection moulding partner isn’t just about machine capacity; it’s about trust, clear communication, and a smooth process from start to finish. At Chess Plastics, we provide a complete in-house service from computer-aided design (CAD) through to production, assembly, and delivery – all backed by decades of hands-on experience.

Whether you're exploring a new part or transferring existing tooling, this article explains our full injection moulding process, so you know exactly what to expect when working with us.

1. CAD Modelling & Material Selection

After getting an in-depth understanding of your initial concept, our team will build a 3D model of your product using CAD software. We will work closely with you to develop and refine your ideas, identifying any potential issues before tooling begins. This saves time, cost and stress further down the line.

We assess factors like:

• Wall thickness – ensuring uniformity to avoid warping and sink marks
• Draft angles – enabling smooth ejection from the tool
• Mould design considerations – maximising quality consistency and production efficiency

We’ll also help you choose the right material to balance properties like impact resistance, UV stability, flexibility, and cost. We have extensive experience working with a wide range of thermoplastics, including nylon, polycarbonate (PC), and ABS.

2. Rapid Prototyping & Tooling

Once the design is approved, we can produce rapid prototype parts. This gives an early physical representation of your product, so it can be tested in real-world conditions and final adjustments can be made before committing to production tooling.

Next, we move into tooling either by manufacturing a new mould or managing the safe transfer of your existing tool. All new tooling is precision machined by trusted partners to suit your part’s volume, geometry, and material.

3. Tool Testing

When your mould tool is ready, we mount it on one of our plastic injection moulding machines and begin a controlled trial run. Initial sample parts are provided for your review and approval. We then make any necessary adjustments to either the tool or machine settings before formally signing off the tool for full production use.

This ensures the tool performs exactly as intended and that each part meets specification.

4. Production Runs

With your tool commissioned, production begins. We’re able to support everything from low-volume batches and trial runs to regular scheduled orders and large-volume projects, including complex, large-format components.

We maintain strict in-house production standards and traceable settings to deliver consistent quality and repeatable results across every run, as demonstrated by our ISO 9001 Quality Management Systems certification.

5. Finishing, Assembly & Dispatch

We offer a wide range of in-house finishing and assembly services to help reduce your supply chain steps and improve overall efficiency.

This includes:

• Trimming and finishing for a clean part straight from the mould
• Labelling and print application, such as pad printing or stickers
• Assembly of multiple components, including any external parts
• Custom packing and kitting to meet dispatch or retail requirements

Once your parts are finished and inspected, they’re carefully prepared for dispatch – whether that’s direct from our warehouse or via your chosen logistics partner. We work closely to make sure your orders are delivered when you need them.]

Ready to Get Started?

From initial CAD designs to finished parts, Chess Plastics provides a reliable UK-based injection moulding service with everything under one roof. We’ve supported British manufacturing for over 50 years and are here to help your next project run smoothly from the start.

Get in touch to discuss your requirements or learn more about our injection moulding process!