Tips for Adding Text to Injection Molded Parts

You may have any number of reasons for adding text to your part. Some of the most common reasons for adding text include: displaying your logo, providing patent or other legal or regulatory information, identifying the part, and providing important instructions. Additionally, making text part of the mold saves a step and is more durable than other methods like adding a label or screen printing.

There are a few things you should keep in mind when incorporating text into your mold design for the best results. Here are our top tips for adding text to injection molded parts.

Embossed (Raised) Vs Debossed (Recessed)

The first thing you need to decide is whether you want to add embossed (also known as raised or standoff) text or debossed (recessed or sunken) text. Embossed text is easier (and usually cheaper) to add since it’s created by tooling the mold. It’s also easier to read and doesn’t capture as must dust and debris as debossed text. 

Since molds with raised lettering are engraved to create the letters, they can be polished for a nicer finish on the part. These molds also tend to last longer than molds with debossed text, saving you even more money.

However, embossed text can rub off in time during heavily abrasive applications (although adding a border that is at least 0.01” taller than the text can help protect it), or you may have other reasons to prefer recessed text.

It is possible to create debossed text, but it tends to be trickier and more expensive. Talk to an experienced injection molding company like UPM for tips on how to design sunken text in your mold.

Font Types and Sizes

Choosing the right font type and size is crucial for success when designing your mold. Stick with sans-serif fonts, preferably bolded. Additionally, the larger the font size, the easier it will be to tool it into the mold. Avoid serif fonts (the ones with the little squiggles at the ends of uprights) as they are harder to mill. Century Gothic Bold, Arial, and Verdana are common fonts for text on injection molded parts.

Limit the height of the text to 0.02” maximum (0.01” is usually plenty). You may get the best results with bold font sizes of 20 points or more.

Don’t Forget Draft and Radii

As with the rest of your part design, don’t forget to add draft angles of at least 2°-5° to ensure the part can be ejected cleanly from the mold. You should also radius the corners of every letter so the mold fills evenly, preventing warping as the plastic cools.

Additional Tips

Here are some final tips to keep in mind as you’re designing your mold with text:

  • Text should face the direction of the pull when possible
  • Stay away from the tops of tall features
  • Follow the rules for thin ribs

As always, keep in mind all other Design for Manufacturability (DFM) tips for the best results.

Learn More or Get a Quote Now

Want to know more about adding text to your plastic injection molding design? Ready to get a quote from Universal Plastic Mold? We have more than 50 years of experience with injection molding and can help you create the perfect mold and molded parts. Contact UPM today by clicking here or calling 1-888-893-1587.

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