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Custom Manufacturing Processes: Injection Moulding, CNC, Extrusion & More
Custom Manufacturing
Processes & Techniques
Explore custom manufacturing processes including injection moulding, compression moulding, CNC machining, extrusion, 3D printing and overmoulding.
Vital Parts supports the development and manufacture of custom plastic, rubber and metal components, from initial concept and prototyping through to full production.
Our custom manufacturing capabilities include plastic injection moulding, compression moulding, dip moulding, rotational moulding, overmoulding, extrusion, CNC machining and 3D printing, with technical support available throughout the development process.
Looking to manufacture a custom component? Explore our custom injection moulding and manufacturing services to upload your CAD file, review manufacturing processes and discuss your project with our technical team.
Explore Our Custom Manufacturing Services →& Metal Components
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How does the Custom Manufacturing Process Work?
A simple, structured process from concept to delivery.
Consultation & Design
Discuss your component requirements, application, dimensions, material, quantities and operating conditions with our technical team. Existing CAD files and drawings can also be reviewed.
Process & Material Selection
We'll assess the most suitable manufacturing process and material for the component, considering tolerances, production volume, tooling, lead time and cost.
Prototyping & Production
Where required, prototypes or samples can be produced before moving into repeat or full-scale manufacturing.
Delivery and Ongoing Supply
Once approved, components move into production with ongoing technical and account support available for repeat requirements.
Our Custom Manufacturing Processes
We use a range of manufacturing techniques to produce custom components in plastic, rubber and metal.
Injection Moulding
Plastic injection moulding produces repeatable plastic components by injecting molten polymer into a precision mould tool.
Best suited to medium- and high-volume plastic manufacturing requiring consistent dimensions, complex geometries and repeatability.
Typical materials:
ABS, Nylon, Polypropylene and Polycarbonate.
Compression Moulding
What it is: Rubber or silicone material is formed inside a heated mould using pressure.
Best suited for: Durable rubber moulding applications such as seals, gaskets and protective components.
Typical materials: Natural Rubber, Silicone, EPDM and Neoprene.
Typical components: Grommets, seals, gaskets and vibration components.
Dip Moulding
What it is: Heated formers are dipped into liquid material before curing to produce seamless flexible components.
Best suited for: Flexible caps, sleeves, grips and protective coverings.
Typical materials: Flexible plastic compounds.
Typical components: Caps, grips, sleeves and protective products.
Rotational Moulding
What it is: Plastic material is heated inside a rotating mould to form a hollow component.
Best suited for: Large hollow plastic components requiring consistent wall thickness.
Typical materials: Thermoplastics including polyethylene grades.
Typical components: Containers, tanks and hollow housings.
Overmoulding
What it is: A secondary material is moulded around an existing part or substrate.
Best suited for: Components requiring grip, sealing, protection or integrated multi-material construction.
Typical materials: ABS, Nylon, Polycarbonate, PBT, PPS and Polypropylene.
Typical components: Handles, connectors, cable assemblies and protected components.
Extrusion
What it is: Plastic or rubber material is heated and formed through a die to create a continuous profile.
Best suited for: Continuous plastic extrusion and rubber profiles.
Typical materials: Plastic and rubber compounds.
Typical components: Seals, edging, tubing and channels.
CNC Machining
What it is: Computer-controlled cutting tools remove material to create a precision component.
Best suited for: Precision custom metal parts and engineered plastic parts with tight tolerances.
Typical materials: Stainless Steel, Aluminium, Brass and engineering plastics.
Typical components: Housings, fittings and precision machined components.
3D Printing & Prototyping
What it is: Components are produced layer by layer from CAD data.
Best suited for: Rapid prototyping, design validation and lower-volume development.
Typical materials: PLA, ABS, PC, TPU, TPE, PP and Nylon.
Typical components: Prototypes, samples and development parts.
Custom Injection Moulding & Manufacturing Services
Plastic injection moulding is used to manufacture repeatable plastic components by injecting molten polymer into a precision mould tool. Once cooled, the component is ejected and the cycle repeats.
The process is particularly suited to medium- and high-volume production where consistent dimensions, complex geometries and repeatability are required.
Common injection moulding materials include ABS, Nylon, Polypropylene (PP), Polycarbonate (PC) and other engineering-grade thermoplastics.
Need a Custom Injection Moulded Part?
Our dedicated custom manufacturing website covers injection moulding capabilities, materials, industries and project development.
Explore Our Injection Moulding Services →
Which Manufacturing Process Do I Need?
The best process depends on your component design, material, production volume and application. Use the guide below to find the most suitable option.
| Requirement | Process to Consider |
|---|---|
| High-volume plastic components | Injection Moulding |
| Rubber or silicone components | Compression Moulding |
| Flexible caps, grips and sleeves | Dip Moulding |
| Large hollow plastic components | Rotational Moulding |
| Plastic bonded around another component | Overmoulding |
| Continuous plastic/rubber profiles | Extrusion |
| Precision metal components | CNC Machining |
| Prototypes and design validation | 3D Printing |
The correct process depends on component geometry, material, tolerances, annual quantity, tooling budget and application. Our technical team can review your requirements before recommending a manufacturing method.
Materials for Custom Manufacturing
We can manufacture components in a wide range of plastic, rubber and metal materials to suit different applications and environments.
| Material | Type | Key Properties | Typical Applications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nylon | Plastic | Strong, durable, wear resistant | Bushings, fasteners, engineering components |
| ABS | Plastic | Impact resistant, rigid, good surface finish | Housings, covers, components |
| LDPE | Plastic | Flexible, impact resistant | Caps, plugs, protective components |
| HDPE | Plastic | Tough, chemical resistant | Containers, industrial components |
| Silicone | Elastomer | Flexible, temperature resistant | Seals, caps, masking components |
| EPDM | Elastomer | Weather, UV and water resistant | Seals, gaskets, outdoor components |
| Neoprene | Elastomer | Oil, weather and abrasion resistant | Seals, pads, protective parts |
| Stainless Steel | Metal | Strong and corrosion resistant | Fasteners, machined components |
| Aluminium | Metal | Lightweight and corrosion resistant | Machined parts, housings |
| Brass | Metal | Corrosion resistant and machinable | Fittings, electrical components |
From CAD File to Custom Component
Already have a CAD file or technical drawing?
Send us your design, drawing or existing component and our technical team can review your requirements, material, quantities and application before recommending the most suitable manufacturing process.
Examples of Custom Manufactured Components
Here are some examples of products from our website that are manufactured using these processes.
Compression Moulded Rubber Components
Grommets, seals and protective rubber components.
View Rubber Grommets →
Injection Moulded Plastic Components
Cable glands, inserts, plugs and other technical plastic components.
View Plastic Components →
Extruded Rubber & Plastic Profiles
Edge protection, seals and continuous profiles.
View Edging Strips →From Prototype to Full Production
Our team can support you throughout each stage of your custom manufacturing project.
Design & Technical Support
Component and material guidance from initial enquiry.
Rapid Prototyping
3D printed samples can support design validation before production.
Custom Manufacturing
Plastic, rubber and metal manufacturing across multiple processes.
Secondary Operations
Finishing, printing, plating and other post-production processes where required.
Repeat Supply
Ongoing production for repeat component requirements.
Custom Manufacturing FAQs
Have a Custom Component in Mind?
Whether you're developing a new plastic component, replacing an existing part or looking for an alternative manufacturing method, speak to our technical team about your project.
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