Plastic fabrication is the design, manufacture, or assembly of plastic products through one of a number of methods. Some manufacturers prefer plastic fabrication over working with other materials (such as metal or glass) due to the process’s advantages in certain applications. Plastic's malleability and cost-effectiveness can make it a versatile and durable material for a range of different products.

Compression molding is one of the original processing methods for manufacturing plastic parts developed at the very beginning of the plastics industry. In fact, it was widely used in the bakery industry for cookie or cake molding before plastic materials existed.

Although it is also applicable to thermoplastics, compression molding is commonly used in manufacturing thermoset plastic parts. The raw materials for compression molding are usually in the form of granules, putty-like masses, or preforms. They are first placed in an open, heated mold cavity. The mold is then closed and pressure is applied to force the material to fill up the cavity. A hydraulic ram is often utilized to produce sufficient force during the molding process. The heat and pressure are maintained until the plastic material is cured.

The stages are as follows:

1. Molding compound is placed in an open, heated mold cavity.

1. The mold is closed and pressure is then applied to force the material to fill up the entire mold cavity. Excess material is chanelled away by the overflow grooves. The heat and pressure are maintained until the plastic material is cured.

1. The final part after the mold is removed.

Compression molding is a simple and cost effective way to manufacture many large parts, especially for the automotive industry. It is similar to many other forms of molding parts in its processes and end result, but it is particularly useful for specific parts. Although it is not a procedure easily accomplished by a consumer, it is very commonly used in industrial applications.

It is commonly used for manufacturing electrical parts, flatware, gears, buttons, buckles, knobs, handles, electronic device cases, appliance housing, and large container.