Injection molding can be done at home, although it typically requires a significant investment in equipment and materials compared to other hobbyist manufacturing techniques like 3D printing. Here’s how you can get started with injection molding at home:

Equipment Needed
Injection Molding Machine: Small manual or semi-automatic desktop injection molding machines are available and suitable for home use. These machines are much smaller than industrial versions but operate on the same basic principle.

Molds: You will need molds specific to the parts you wish to produce. For home use, these can often be made from aluminum or high-strength resins if the production volumes are low and the plastic’s melting temperature is not too high.

Plastic Material: Injection molding pellets in various types of plastics are needed as raw material. The type of plastic will depend on the item you intend to mold.

Process Overview
Melting the Plastic: The plastic pellets are loaded into the machine where they are heated until they melt.

Injecting the Plastic into the Mold: The molten plastic is then injected under pressure into a mold cavity.

Cooling and Ejection: The plastic cools and solidifies inside the mold, which is then opened to eject the finished part.

Considerations for Home Injection Molding
Cost: Even small-scale machines and tools can be costly, especially if custom molds are required.
Space: Adequate space is needed to safely house the machine and store materials.
Safety: Injection molding involves high temperatures and pressures, so proper safety measures must be observed.
Skill Level: There is a learning curve associated with operating the machinery and designing effective molds.
Quality Control: Achieving consistent quality might be challenging without professional-grade equipment.
Alternatives for Beginners
If setting up a full injection molding setup at home seems daunting or impractical, consider these alternatives:

Outsourcing Small Runs or Prototypes: Many companies offer injection molding services that can produce your designs without requiring you to invest in equipment.

Using Resin Casting: For many applications, especially those where fine details or very small production runs are needed, resin casting can be a viable alternative that is easier to do at home.

3D Printing: Often more accessible for hobbyists, 3D printing can produce complex shapes without the need for expensive molds or heavy machinery.

Conclusion
While technically feasible, doing injection molding at home involves considerable investment in terms of money, time, and learning. It's important to weigh these factors against your project needs and consider whether alternative methods might better suit your requirements before setting up a home-based injection molding workshop.