Coloring Methods for Rapid Injection Molding
Pigment, Master Batch, Pre-color, and Compounding during extrusion are the main three general ways for color matching in the injection field. What’s the different among these 4 methods? How to select the most suitable one for your ongoing rapid manufacturing molding project? TEAM Rapid Tooling China Limited specialize in abs injection molding and rapid injection molding for years, Let’s share our opinions and experiences here.
Injection Molding Coloring Methods
Pigment
It is the colorant in powder where mixing the calculated volume pigment onto raw materials will determine the specified color. It is the fastest and most cost-effective way to match the color, and it is the popular coloring method used in Low Volume Injection Molding. Pigment can be prepared within couple days; however, the challenge is that the color may not be consistent in every batch.
Master Batch
A colorant in grain that mixes the calculated volume onto raw material to achieve the specified color. Compared with pigment, a master batch is more consistent and easier to handle, but due to the cost, this method is mainly applied on a medium volume production (the master batch will be considered if the needs of resin at one ton or more). A Master batch can be prepared in as little as 8 days.
Pre-color
Raw material is colored already, and it always applies to large volume production. The cost is high due to the MOQ requirement of at least three tons. Lead-time for purchasing the material is 10 -15 days.
Compounding During Extrusion
Compounding during extrusion is the process to create materials with specific properties by melting and mixing plastic resins with additives, fillers, reinforcements, or colorants inside an extruder. It typically uses single-screw or twin-screw extruders, where materials are fed, melted, mixed, degassed, and then pelletized. Common additives include glass fiber, flame retardants, UV stabilizers, pigments, and mineral fillers. Extrusion compounding is widely used to improve strength, durability, appearance, chemical resistance, and processing performance for industries such as automotive, electronics, medical, and consumer products.
How to Choose the Right Coloring Method
Quick Decision Matrix
If Your Priority Is…
Best Choice
Lowest cost
Dry Pigment
Best overall balance
Masterbatch
Premium appearance
Pre-Color
Engineering performance
Extrusion Compounding
Fast color changes
Masterbatch
Tight color tolerance
Pre-Color or Compounding
Functional additives
Compounding
Small batch production
Dry Pigment or Masterbatch
Medical/cosmetic parts
Pre-Color
High-performance plastics
Compounding
Recommended Selection by Annual Volume
| Annual Quantity | Recommended Method |
|---|---|
| <10,000 pcs | pigment or masterbatch |
| 10,000–100,000 pcs | Masterbatch |
| 100,000–1M pcs | Masterbatch or pre-color |
| >1M pcs | Pre-color or compounding |
Coloring Your Injection Mold Parts at TEAM Rapid
TEAM Rapid is one of a best injection molding companies in China, we provide Rapid Injection Molding and helped lots of customers from all over the world to launch products to market successfully and fast. Want to make your injection mold parts in colorful? Our dedicated engineering team is ready to handle any inquiry you might have, contact us today and get an injection molding cost.
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