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Injection Molding vs. Low Pressure Molding
Which Process is Right for You?

High pressure injection molding is a well-established technology for manufacturing plastic parts. However, when it comes to delicate components or complex requirements, the traditional process has its limitations. Low Pressure Molding (LPM) offers a gentler, more cost-effective, and sustainable alternative. Additionally, LPM can be a more efficient solution for overmolding compared to high-pressure injection molding, delivering improved material protection and precision. In this guide, we’ll highlight the key differences and explain why LPM is often the better choice for your applications.

Low Pressure Molding Compared
to High Pressure Injection Molding

High pressure injection molding and Low Pressure Molding differ significantly in their technology, applications, and advantages. The following table outlines the major distinctions:

	High Pressure Injection Molding	Low Pressure Molding
Pressure	25,000 PSI	100 PSI
Temperature	185–300+°C	180–220°C
Material Viscosity	5 grams over 10 min Melt Flow Rate • Taffy	2,000–10,000 mPa•s (cP) • Pancake syrup
Applications	• PCB Housings • Tooth Brushes • Bottle Caps • Pocket Combs • Plastic Parts	• PCBs • Sensors • Switches • Batteries • Connectors
Equipment	Injection Molding Machine • Screw barrel system	Low Pressure Molding Machine • Gear pump system
Clamping Pressure	28–1,000 tons	1–10 tons

	High Pressure Injection Molding
Pressure	25,000 PSI
Temperature	185–300+°C
Material Viscosity	5 grams over 10 min Melt Flow Rate • Taffy
Applications	• PCB Housings • Tooth Brushes • Bottle Caps • Pocket Combs • Plastic Parts
Equipment	Injection Molding Machine • Screw barrel system
Clamping Pressure	28–1,000 tons

	Low Pressure Molding
Pressure	100 PSI
Temperature	180–220°C
Material Viscosity	5 grams over 10 min Melt Flow Rate • Taffy
Applications	• PCB Housings • Tooth Brushes • Bottle Caps • Pocket Combs • Plastic Parts
Equipment	Injection Molding Machine • Screw barrel system
Clamping Pressure	28–1,000 tons

How Low Pressure Molding
Outperforms Injection Molding

Low Pressure Molding combines low pressure with short cycle times, making it ideal for sensitive components. Unlike injection molding, which uses high pressure, or potting, which requires long cycle times, LPM offers both efficiency and protection.

Comparison of cycle times: Low Pressure Molding vs. high-pressure injection molding highlighting faster cycles and efficiency.

Why Low Pressure Molding
Is a Better Choice

Compared to high pressure injection molding, Low Pressure Molding offers unique advantages that make it an ideal choice for modern manufacturing:

Protects delicate components

LPM operates at lower pressures and temperatures, minimizing the risk of damage to sensitive electronics like PCBs, batteries, and sensors. It ensures safe encapsulation without stressing delicate parts, making it ideal for overmolding applications.

Sustainability

LPM reduces energy consumption and material waste due to its lower operating requirements. By using recyclable and eco-friendly materials, it supports sustainable manufacturing practices and minimizes the environmental footprint.

Flexibility

LPM is compatible with a wide range of low-viscosity thermoplastics, offering versatility for applications requiring specific mechanical properties or chemical resistance. This adaptability makes it suitable for diverse industry needs.

Cost-effectiveness

Lower pressures allow for less expensive mold materials like aluminum, reducing tooling costs. Shorter cycle times and lower equipment wear further cut production and maintenance expenses, making LPM ideal for small to medium batch sizes.

See How Low Pressure Molding
Makes a Difference

A comparison between traditional high pressure injection molding and low pressure molding shows how LPM provides unique advantages. With its ability to operate at lower pressures and reduce cycle times, LPM offers an efficient and protective solution for delicate components. Unlike traditional methods, LPM optimizes injection processing by reducing complexity and minimizing stress on sensitive parts. Watch our video to learn more about these benefits and explore how LPM meets modern manufacturing challenges.

VIDEO

Protect with Low Pressure Molding – it’s that simple

Learn more about low pressure molding and its advantages and applications.

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FAQ
Injection Molding & Low Pressure Molding

Have questions about injection molding and Low Pressure Molding? Our FAQ section provides clear answers to help you understand the differences, advantages, and applications of these processes.

What is high pressure injection molding?

Injection molding is a process where melted plastic is injected into a mold under high pressure to create parts. The injection molding manufacturing process is commonly used for mass production in industries like automotive, electronics, and consumer goods. While suitable for high-volume production, the process relies on high pressure, which can pose challenges for delicate components.

What are the steps in the injection molding process?

The steps include clamping the mold, injecting melted plastic, cooling the material, and ejecting the final part. Low Pressure Molding simplifies this process by using lower pressure and fewer steps, making it gentler on sensitive components.

How does Low Pressure Molding differ from injection molding?

Low Pressure Molding operates at significantly lower injection pressure compared to injection molding, making it ideal for sensitive components like PCBs and connectors. In addition, it simplifies manufacturing for delicate applications by avoiding the need for traditional high pressure injection machine processes.

What materials can be processed with injection molding and Low Pressure Molding?

Injection molding uses high-viscosity thermoplastics like ABS, while LPM works with lower viscosity materials like polyamides, ideal for encapsulating sensitive parts.

Which industries use injection molding and Low Pressure Molding?

Injection molding is common in automotive and packaging, while LPM is ideal for electronics and renewable energy, protecting parts from environmental factors.

How sustainable is Low Pressure Molding compared to injection molding?

LPM is more sustainable, requiring less energy, producing minimal waste, and supporting eco-friendly materials.

How can I determine if Low Pressure Molding is right for my application?

LPM is more sustainable, requiring less energy, producing minimal waste, and supporting eco-friendly materials.

LPMS USA
Equipment & Materials

Low Pressure Molding Equipment

Equipment

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Low Pressure Molding Materials

Materials

LPMS USA offers an extensive portfolio of low pressure molding materials

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Sustainability
in Low Pressure Molding

Discover how Low Pressure Molding reduces energy consumption, minimizes waste, and supports a circular economy with sustainable materials.

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LPMS USA Brochure

Explore our comprehensive brochure and discover more about our low-pressure injection molding offerings, including equipment, materials, and services. Learn how LPMS USA can benefit your production needs.

Tooling Services

Reliable, Repeatable Tooling

Quick-turn prototype tooling, production inserts and modifications are made in LPMS USA‘s on-site tool shop

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Overmolding Services

Contract Manufacturing

LPMS USA is the only low pressure molding equipment provider with its own ISO 9001-certified and ITAR registered and compliant production facility

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Low Pressure Molding

Technology Overview

Unlike potting and other encapsulation techniques, the entire low pressure molding process can be completed in three fast, simple steps

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Further Topics

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Downers Grove, IL 60515 USA
Tel: +1 (800) 353-7773

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