Injection molding is a manufacturing process for producing plastic injection molds from both thermoplastic and thermosetting plastic materials. Material is fed into a heated barrel, mixed, and forced into a mold cavity by a reciprocating screw or a ram injector, where the injection molded part cools and hardens to the configuration of the mold cavity. After a part is designed, usually by an industrial designer or an engineer, molds are then manufactured by an injection mold company, where it is assigned to a mold maker (or toolmaker). Injection molds are usually constructed using either steel or aluminum, and precision-machined to form the features of the desired parts. Injection molding is widely used for manufacturing a variety of parts, from the smallest component to entire body panels of cars. Injection molding is the most common method of production, with some commonly made injection molded items including computer components to outdoor furniture.