This article takes an in depth look at Contract Manufacturing.
Read further to learn more about topics such as:
Contract manufacturing is a business model in which a company partners with an experienced third-party manufacturer to produce finished products or individual components. By outsourcing production, the hiring company gains access to specialized expertise, advanced manufacturing capabilities, and established operational resources that may not be available in-house.
During product development, companies evaluate the feasibility of different production approaches by assessing internal resources such as machinery, labor availability, material sourcing, and production capacity. A key part of this strategy involves identifying and selecting contract manufacturing firms that align with technical requirements, quality standards, and volume needs. Contract manufacturers offer a practical solution for businesses seeking to achieve production goals using sophisticated equipment, proven processes, and skilled labor.
By leveraging contract manufacturing, companies can conserve capital, reduce operational complexity, and improve profitability while maintaining product quality and consistency. This approach is commonly referred to as outsourcing or contract production.
When a company engages a contract manufacturer, it provides detailed product designs, specifications, or formulations for evaluation. After an agreement is finalized, the contract manufacturer typically conducts a trial or pilot production run for review and approval. Once the trial meets performance and quality expectations, full-scale manufacturing begins.
Products and materials produced through contract manufacturing are sold under the hiring company’s brand or integrated into larger assemblies for further processing. This strategy helps businesses overcome challenges such as high startup costs, limited manufacturing capacity, and resource constraints while accelerating time to market.
Contract manufacturing is a core function within the manufacturing industry that is governed by a formal agreement between an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) or product developer and a third-party contract manufacturer. This legally binding agreement defines the terms under which products are fabricated, including production volumes, unit pricing, delivery schedules, quality assurance requirements, and payment terms. Contract manufacturing agreements provide companies with a scalable and cost-efficient pathway to bring new or existing products to market while leveraging the technical expertise, supply chain infrastructure, and specialized production capabilities of an external manufacturing partner.
One of the most critical elements of a contract manufacturing agreement is intellectual property (IP) protection, which ensures that the OEM retains ownership of proprietary product designs, patents, trademarks, and confidential business information. The contract manufacturer, acting strictly as a production partner, is required to follow the OEM’s engineering specifications, documentation, and regulatory standards to maintain product consistency and compliance across all production runs. This contractual structure reduces risk, promotes transparency, and supports long-term partnerships in industries such as electronics, pharmaceuticals, industrial equipment, and consumer goods.
The manufacturing contract forms the foundation of a business-to-business (B2B) manufacturing relationship by clearly defining the responsibilities, expectations, and performance obligations of both parties. It establishes operational clarity and helps ensure predictable, repeatable manufacturing outcomes. Core elements typically outlined in a manufacturing contract include:
These contractual terms also serve as the basis for the Service Level Agreement (SLA) between the OEM and the contract manufacturer. The SLA establishes measurable performance indicators such as on-time delivery rates, order accuracy, and production efficiency, enabling ongoing supplier evaluation. In return, the OEM compensates the contract manufacturer for consistently meeting or exceeding these agreed-upon performance standards, supporting operational continuity and long-term value creation.
Contract manufacturing arrangements are highly adaptable and can be structured to meet a wide range of business objectives. The following are some of the most common contract manufacturing models, each offering distinct advantages and considerations across industries such as electronics, medical devices, consumer packaged goods (CPG), and automotive manufacturing.
Component manufacturing, often referred to as parts manufacturing or contract parts production, involves the contract manufacturer producing individual components, subassemblies, or material inputs that are later integrated into a finished product. OEMs receive these components and either complete final assembly internally or incorporate them into more complex systems prior to distribution. This model is particularly valuable for companies that lack the specialized equipment, certified processes, or skilled labor required to manufacture certain components competitively.
By outsourcing component production, OEMs can reduce lead times, improve inventory control, and streamline supply chain operations. For manufacturers with existing in-house capabilities, selectively outsourcing components can free up capacity, lower production costs, and allow greater focus on core manufacturing strengths or product development initiatives.
Private label manufacturing, also known as white label production, involves partnering with an Original Design Manufacturer (ODM) that manages product design, engineering, and manufacturing. In this arrangement, the ODM develops the product from concept through production, enabling the value-added reseller (VAR) or private label brand owner to market and sell the finished product under its own brand name or trademark.
This model is attractive to companies seeking rapid market entry or portfolio expansion without the cost and risk associated with research and development, regulatory approvals, tooling, or product testing. While private label manufacturing lowers barriers to entry, buyers typically have limited control over proprietary design elements, which usually remain with the ODM unless otherwise specified in the manufacturing or licensing agreement.
Labor subcontracting, commonly referred to as workforce outsourcing or labor hire, occurs when a primary contract manufacturer delegates specific production tasks—such as assembly, subassembly, finishing, or specialized processing—to external subcontractors. This approach is beneficial when the primary manufacturer lacks in-house expertise, certifications, or technical capabilities required for certain operations, such as cleanroom assembly, precision machining, or specialized welding. While subcontracting supports scalability and cost efficiency, it also increases the need for rigorous quality control and supply chain coordination.
Equipment and facility usage agreements, often called toll manufacturing arrangements, allow a hiring company to utilize a contract manufacturer’s production equipment, factory space, and manufacturing infrastructure. In some cases, the OEM supplies its own production personnel while leveraging the manufacturer’s capital-intensive assets. This flexible model enables rapid scaling, pilot production, and new product introductions without the long-term investment associated with purchasing specialized manufacturing equipment.
Electronic contract manufacturing (ECM) enables OEMs to outsource the complex and capital-intensive assembly of electronic products such as printed circuit boards (PCBs), wire harnesses, and integrated electronic systems. Emerging in the 1970s, this model allows electronics companies to concentrate on innovation, software development, and intellectual property while relying on Electronic Manufacturing Services (EMS) providers for production.
Typical ECM services include turnkey PCB assembly, surface mount technology (SMT) assembly, box-build integration, testing, compliance certification, and post-production support such as logistics and repair services. By consolidating component sourcing and employing highly automated assembly lines, electronic contract manufacturers help reduce production costs, shorten lead times, and maintain high quality standards for critical applications.
Today’s leading electronic contract manufacturers operate ISO-certified facilities equipped with advanced automation, robotics, and testing systems. Their ability to rapidly adapt to new technologies, shifting demand, and global supply chain challenges is essential for electronics brands competing in fast-paced international markets.
Short-term contract manufacturing, sometimes referred to as flexible or project-based manufacturing, is used to address temporary production needs such as demand surges, pilot programs, or rapid prototyping. This approach allows companies to meet short-term requirements without committing to long-term investments in labor, materials, or equipment.
This model is well suited for companies testing new products, responding to market fluctuations, or bridging production gaps while longer-term manufacturing partnerships are established. Short-term agreements typically include non-disclosure agreements (NDAs), intellectual property protections, service level agreements (SLAs), and defined performance metrics to safeguard proprietary information and ensure production quality.
Organizations considering short-term contract manufacturing should carefully evaluate supplier capacity, regulatory compliance, quality management systems, and supply chain reliability to ensure successful execution and consistent customer satisfaction.
Understanding the pros and cons of contract manufacturing is crucial for companies evaluating whether to outsource production. Below, we explore the comprehensive benefits and potential risks associated with contract manufacturing agreements, from both the hiring company's and the contract manufacturer's perspectives. This analysis can help inform your supply chain management, production strategy, and manufacturing partnership decisions.
Engaging with a contract manufacturer enables significant cost savings for businesses by reducing capital expenditures typically required for in-house manufacturing. Companies avoid investments in expensive production facilities, machinery, ongoing equipment maintenance, and dedicated operational staff. Through private labeling and OEM manufacturing, businesses can circumvent the large budget allocations often needed for research and development of manufacturing processes. Labor costs are also minimized, as contract manufacturing solutions reduce the financial burden of hiring, training, and retaining highly skilled personnel. Strategic selection of overseas or regional contract manufacturing partners can further lower labor expenses, taxes, raw material procurement costs, and energy expenditures, making global manufacturing outsourcing an attractive option for cost-conscious companies.
Contract manufacturers, by serving multiple clients and scaling up their operations, realize significant economies of scale. This principle refers to decreasing per-unit costs as production volumes increase—an essential advantage in competitive manufacturing industries. Whether producing consumer electronics, medical devices, automotive components, or specialized industrial parts, contract manufacturers benefit from streamlined supply chain management, greater bargaining power for raw materials, and reduced setup costs. These efficiency gains are shared with client companies, resulting in lower per-unit manufacturing costs and more competitive pricing in the marketplace.
Outsourcing production to experienced contract manufacturers enables companies to focus their internal resources on core business functions, such as product development, marketing, and customer service. By delegating production-related activities, businesses can accelerate time to market and foster innovation while relying on manufacturing service providers for the technical aspects of product realization. This optimization of human capital allows senior management to direct attention to business growth, branding, and customer engagement strategies, strengthening overall market position.
Partnering with qualified contract manufacturers ensures access to specialized technical expertise, cutting-edge manufacturing technology, and advanced quality control systems. These manufacturers adhere to rigorous industry standards such as ISO 9001 or other relevant certifications, guaranteeing production consistency, compliance, and superior product quality. From precision manufacturing and assembly services to packaging and logistics, contract manufacturing firms deliver scalable and reliable solutions tailored to each client’s specific requirements, reducing the risk of product defects and warranty issues.
One of the key advantages of contract manufacturing is the ability to quickly respond to fluctuations in product demand. Whether your industry experiences seasonal sales spikes, new product launches, or unexpected supply chain disruptions, contract manufacturers provide the flexibility to ramp up or scale back production volumes as necessary. This approach reduces the risk of excess inventory and lowers costs associated with maintaining idle equipment during low-demand periods.
Many contract manufacturers operate a global network of facilities, enabling them to offer advanced supply chain management and logistics services to original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and private label brands. These sophisticated networks help meet demanding production deadlines and satisfy just-in-time manufacturing requirements for businesses operating worldwide. Quick lead times are facilitated through optimized material sourcing, synchronized assembly lines, and multi-location order fulfillment, ensuring high-volume manufacturing with consistent product quality regardless of the client’s geographic location.
Furthermore, contract manufacturers may utilize digital manufacturing technologies, such as real-time order tracking and inventory management systems, to coordinate production and deliveries, providing enhanced transparency and predictability for clients managing complex production schedules.
One concern with manufacturing outsourcing is losing control over the production process. However, modern contract manufacturing agreements are designed so the OEM retains full control over the final product's specifications, designs, quality benchmarks, and required quantities. At every stage—from engineering to finished product—OEMs can request design adjustments, material substitutions, or process modifications, ensuring flexibility and alignment with brand expectations. Products manufactured under contract will reflect the hiring company's branding and compliance standards, and close collaboration between both parties guarantees that all manufacturing and quality assurance benchmarks are met.
Contract manufacturing also opens doors to international market penetration and global expansion. By leveraging the established presence and capabilities of overseas contract manufacturing partners, companies can efficiently enter new markets, localize their products, and comply with regional regulations. Understanding political, economic, and social dynamics becomes easier, allowing for strategic product launches and supply chain optimization in diverse markets worldwide. This is especially important for companies pursuing rapid growth strategies, scaling internationally, or targeting emerging markets with evolving consumer demands.
Below are some of the risks and disadvantages associated with contract manufacturing, along with best practices for mitigation, from both the hiring company and the contract manufacturer’s perspectives:
One major disadvantage and risk in contract manufacturing is the potential exposure of proprietary information, such as trade secrets, patents, and exclusive technologies. Unauthorized use or disclosure of confidential data can erode competitive advantages and even lead to intellectual property theft. To prevent this, it is vital for all parties to enter into robust non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) and clearly define intellectual property clauses in the contract manufacturing agreement. Additional risk mitigation strategies include patent filings, process documentation, and regular security audits.
While contract manufacturing reduces some direct costs, hiring companies must be vigilant about a range of outsourcing-related expenses, including shipping, logistics fees, labor variations, import/export tariffs, customs duties, and contract administration charges. A thorough feasibility study, including supply chain analysis and total landed cost calculations, is essential to ensure all hidden and variable costs are considered and properly budgeted for. This ensures the outsourcing model remains financially viable and competitive.
Establishing effective communication and building a strong working relationship with overseas contract manufacturers can be challenged by cultural differences, language barriers, and varied business practices. These factors may lead to misaligned expectations, errors, or delays in the production cycle. Furthermore, international contract manufacturing must comply with foreign regulatory environments, certifications, and quality control mandates, which can increase complexity. Companies must conduct due diligence, establish clear communication protocols, and provide thorough documentation and training to mitigate these risks and foster successful long-term manufacturing partnerships.
Carefully weighing the advantages and disadvantages of contract manufacturing—as well as implementing proper controls and collaborative processes—can help companies maximize production efficiency while minimizing potential risks when outsourcing manufacturing operations.
Contract manufacturing is a business model where a company outsources the production of its products or components to a specialized manufacturer, leveraging the manufacturer's expertise, equipment, and workforce.
Common arrangements include component manufacturing, private label manufacturing, labor subcontracting, equipment and facility use (toll manufacturing), electronic contract manufacturing, and short-term project-based outsourcing.
Agreements specify intellectual property protection measures, including ownership of product designs, patents, and confidential data. Non-disclosure agreements and defined IP clauses help prevent unauthorized use or disclosure.
Major advantages are cost savings, economies of scale, access to advanced technology, greater focus on core business, scalable production, and entry into global markets with localized products.
Risks include exposure of proprietary information, hidden costs, communication barriers, regulatory complexity, and potential loss of control over production processes.
Contract manufacturers with global facilities help companies localize products, meet regional regulations, and optimize supply chains, enabling efficient entry into new markets.
Companies invest in research and development to enhance their products and services and to improve process efficiency. Developing unique and valuable solutions that are difficult to replicate or understand can establish a company's competitive edge. A non-disclosure agreement (NDA) is a legally binding contract that safeguards confidential information—such as trade secrets, strategies, product designs, and manufacturing processes—from being disclosed to competitors who could exploit it for their own advantage.
In contract manufacturing, an NDA is crucial. Both parties often need to exchange proprietary information to fulfill their respective roles effectively. An NDA ensures that this information is shared securely. It is common for an NDA to be required even at the initial stage when the hiring company is evaluating potential contract manufacturers and discussing business plans.
There are two primary types of non-disclosure agreements:
A unilateral non-disclosure agreement is used when only one party is sharing confidential and proprietary information. This type of NDA is often required for employees who have access to or learn proprietary information during their employment. It may continue to be effective for several years after the employee leaves the company, ensuring that sensitive information remains protected even after their departure.
A mutual non-disclosure agreement is required when both parties exchange confidential and proprietary information with each other. This type of NDA ensures that all shared information is protected and used only for its intended purpose.
The key elements of a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) include:
The NDA specifies the identities of the disclosing party and the receiving party who are entering into the agreement.
The disclosing party must clearly specify and communicate to the receiving party which information is to be protected under the NDA.
The disclosing party must specify what information is excluded from confidentiality. This includes information that is already publicly available or known to the recipient.
The NDA outlines the consequences and penalties that the receiving party will face if they fail to keep the confidential information secure.
The duration for which the NDA remains in effect.
Cost reduction is often a primary driver for selecting a contract manufacturer, especially for startups and small businesses that face large order volumes without the internal resources to support production. Choosing a contract manufacturer also marks the beginning of a long-term partnership built on trust, reliability, and performance. For this reason, it is essential to carefully research and evaluate potential manufacturing partners to confirm that their capabilities align with the hiring company’s technical, quality, and operational requirements.
A range of factors should be assessed during the selection process, as each can directly influence whether a contract manufacturer is a suitable and sustainable fit.
One of the most important qualifications to verify when evaluating a contract manufacturer is ISO 9001 certification. ISO 9001 is an internationally recognized standard that defines the requirements for a quality management system (QMS) and applies to organizations of all sizes and industries. Certification demonstrates that the manufacturer follows structured, repeatable processes that promote consistency, efficiency, and continuous improvement, while also reducing operational risk and cost.
ISO 9001–certified manufacturers are subject to regular third-party audits to ensure ongoing compliance. Selecting a contract manufacturer with ISO 9001 certification increases confidence that products and services will meet customer expectations, quality benchmarks, and applicable regulatory requirements.
The condition and organization of a contract manufacturer’s facilities—including production areas, storage spaces, and warehouses—play a critical role in maintaining product quality and preventing damage or mishandling. Clean, well-maintained, and logically organized facilities support safe operations and consistent manufacturing outcomes while also improving workforce efficiency.
Many manufacturers adopt the 5S methodology—Sort, Set in order, Shine, Standardize, and Sustain—to maintain workplace organization and discipline. Regular inspections and facility audits help ensure these standards are consistently applied and upheld.
A qualified contract manufacturer must consistently meet delivery schedules while maintaining strict quality standards. This includes the ability to scale production up or down in response to demand fluctuations without compromising product integrity. Even under pressure to fulfill high-volume orders on short timelines, adherence to quality requirements must remain a priority.
Failure to meet specifications or delivery commitments can disrupt the hiring company’s operations and, in severe cases, allow defective products to reach end users, resulting in reputational damage or financial loss.
Evaluating a contract manufacturer’s reputation provides valuable insight into their reliability and long-term performance. This assessment should include reviewing customer feedback, case studies, industry references, and historical performance records. A strong reputation often reflects consistent quality, dependable delivery, and effective communication.
Technical expertise is a critical factor when selecting a contract manufacturing partner. The manufacturer’s workforce should possess the necessary skills, training, and experience to manage production processes, quality control systems, and product-specific requirements. A knowledgeable and capable team directly contributes to product consistency and reduced risk.
In addition to skilled personnel, the contract manufacturer should invest in modern equipment, automation, and tooling to support complex production requirements and evolving technologies. Staying current with industry advancements enables manufacturers to maintain efficiency, adapt to market changes, and deliver high-quality products over time.
The geographic location of a contract manufacturer can significantly impact communication, logistics, and lead times. Selecting a manufacturer in a region with minimal cultural and language barriers can improve collaboration and reduce misunderstandings. It is also important to evaluate the political, economic, and regulatory environment of the manufacturer’s location to ensure long-term business stability.
Additionally, greater physical distance between the hiring company and the manufacturer may increase transportation costs, extend lead times, and raise the risk of supply chain disruptions. These factors should be carefully considered when choosing a manufacturing partner.
The following below are the industries that utilize contract manufacturing:
Contract manufacturing plays a crucial role in the electronics sector, where it supports the production and assembly of sophisticated devices like computers, smartphones, and various home appliances. Leading electronics firms often turn to contract manufacturers to focus more on enhancing their technology and marketing strategies. This approach allows them to tap into specialized manufacturing capabilities and streamline their production processes, ensuring they remain competitive in the fast-evolving tech landscape.
Certain businesses depend on contract manufacturers for various metal fabrication tasks, including machining, casting, forging, and drilling, among others. These manufacturers handle the production of metal components, which may then undergo additional processes at the hiring company's facilities. This approach is particularly advantageous for companies that lack specialized knowledge or prefer to avoid the high costs associated with purchasing advanced machinery or tools.
Companies request contract manufacturers to mass-produce finished or semi-finished plastic and rubber components. There are several plastic and rubber processing methods, such as extrusion, molding (e.g., injection molding, blow molding, rotational molding), thermoforming, coating, rubber vulcanization, and much more. The contract manufacturer is responsible for tooling design and fabrication based on the company‘s products, as well as for prototyping and production trial runs. This makes switching from one contract manufacturer to another more difficult, as production qualification is tedious and expensive.
Contract manufacturers often handle the synthesis and production of substantial quantities of chemicals, which are utilized as raw materials or processing agents in the creation of more complex and valuable products. These chemicals may also be used directly by the hiring company in its own manufacturing processes.
Most automotive companies outsource the manufacturing of most of the automobile components, and even assembly, to contract manufacturers. Examples of automotive components produced by contract manufacturers are gearboxes, suspension components, front-end modules, seating, various automotive electronics, and auxiliary components such as car radios, dash cams, and security systems. These companies often outsource their production because automotive parts suppliers are focused on the quality and accuracy of individual components that are critical in the functionality and reliability of the whole automotive system. The same is true for the aerospace industries in which contract manufacturers deal with components for helicopters, airplanes, space vehicles, etc.
Pharmaceutical firms frequently source raw materials, active ingredients, and packaging supplies from contract manufacturers for the creation of drugs and dietary supplements. It's common for these companies to use contract manufacturing for private label products such as sleep aids, allergy medications, and cough and cold remedies. This approach helps maintain consumer interest in branded medicines rather than generic alternatives.
In addition, the pharmaceutical sector also outsources other critical functions, including research and development, clinical trials, and sales and marketing efforts.
Medical devices and supplies are often supplied to healthcare facilities by specialized contract manufacturers. These manufacturers are required to ensure high standards of product quality and comply with stringent regulatory guidelines, as these products directly impact human health and safety.
Food production and service companies frequently depend on contract manufacturers for ingredients, packaging solutions, and other essential components. These manufacturers are equipped with state-of-the-art facilities to support the production and operational needs of food businesses. Additionally, private labeling is a common practice in the food sector.
Plastic injection molding, or commonly referred to as injection molding, is a manufacturing process used in the mass fabrication of plastic parts. It involves an injection of molten plastic material into the mold where it cools and...
Metal stamping is a coldworking process that transforms sheets of metal into specific, preset shapes. It uses specialized tooling which involves the stroke of the punch that brings conformational change to the metal sheet...
Rubber molding is a process of transforming uncured rubber or an elastomer into a usable product by transferring, compressing, or injecting raw rubber material into a metal mold cavity...
Screw machined parts are complex pieces that are typically cylindrical and threaded and a screw machined product is a family of automatic lathes for small to medium-sized components. Screws, bolts, pins, fittings...
Aluminum casting is a method for producing high tolerance and high quality parts by inserting molten aluminum into a precisely designed and precision engineered die, mold, or form. It is an efficient process for the production of complex, intricate, detailed parts that exactly match the specifications of the original design...
Roll forming is a process that uses a set of precisely placed rollers to perform incremental bending to a continuously fed strip of metal. The rollers are mounted in sets on a consecutive stand with each roller...
Polyurethane molding is the process of fabricating or manufacturing plastic parts by introducing a urethane polymer system into a tool or mold and allowing it to cure. Like any other type of plastic, the excellent processability...
Extruded aluminum is a continuous piece of aluminum that usually has a constant profile or cross-section throughout its length. It is made by forcing a block of aluminum, called a billet, through a die opening which is smaller than the original cross-sectional area of the billet...
Forging is a metal working process that manipulates, shapes, deforms, and compresses metal to achieve a desired form, configuration, or appearance outlined by a metal processing design or diagram...
Investment casting is a metal working process that uses a ceramic shell built over a wax pattern to produce parts with extraordinarily uniform and smooth surfaces. The wax pattern is produced from an aluminum die.The final products of investment casting are without parting lines, mold half marks, or other deformities...
Wire forming is a method for applying force to change the contour of wire by bending, swaging, piercing, chamfering, shearing, or other techniques. The various techniques for wire forming can produce any type of shape, form, or configuration...
CNC machining is an electromechanical process that manipulates tools around three to five axes, with high precision and accuracy, cutting away excess material to produce parts and components. The initial designs to be machined by CNC machining are created in CAD...
Plastic extrusion, also known as plasticating extrusion, is a continuous high volume manufacturing process in which a thermoplastic material -- in a form of powder, pellets or granulates -- is homogeneously melted and then forced out of the shaping die by means of pressure...
Thermoforming is the process of heating thin plastic sheets to its forming temperature and stretching it over a mold which takes its shape. After cooling and setting of the molded plastic sheet, each part will be separated from its batch to form a single unit or product...
Perforated metals are sheets of metal that have had decorative shapes, and holes punched or stamped into their surface for practical or aesthetic purposes. The perforation of metal sheets takes several forms and includes a variety of geometrical patterns and designs...
Metal etching is a metal removal process that uses various methods to configure complex, intricate, and highly accurate components and shapes. Its flexibility allows for instantaneous changes during processing...
Contract sewing is a specialized industry that provides services to manufacturers for production of a wide range of products using highly skilled workers and technologically advanced sewing machines. The strength of the contract sewing industry is its ability to perform any type of sewing services...
Enterprise resource planning is known as ERP. An ERP system connects all essential business processes into a single database to create a linked business. ERP software and systems that are used to plan, manage, and deliver...
Many of the products used daily are made possible by producers and suppliers of rubber and plastic. These substances are robust, adaptable, and capable of practically any shape required for various industrial purposes. Several varieties are...
Plastic overmolding has a long and interesting history, dating back to the early 1900s. The first overmolding process was developed by German chemist Leo Baekeland, who invented Bakelite, the first synthetic plastic. Baekeland used a...
Thermoplastic molding is a manufacturing process that works to create fully functional parts by injecting plastic resin into a pre-made mold. Thermoplastic polymers are more widely used than thermosetting...
