Tag Archive for: how much does injection molding cost

How Much Does Injection Molding Cost

Injection molding cost

Injection molding is a common name for plastic part manufacturing. This process injects molten plastic into a mold to create different shapes of plastic. The process is easy to understand but very complex technology, it must be a professional molding factory to handle all of those jobs. However, the cost associated with this method may vary based on various factors. Today, we are going to talk about all these factors affecting the plastic injection molding cost.

People often ask about How Much Does Injection Molding Cost and what factors affect them the most. You might need this information to optimize your project’s total cost. What do you have to consider reducing the total cost? Stay tuned; this article will provide every single detail that you might need for your project.

This article is a comprehensive guide on injection molding costs. Consecutively, you will go through different kinds of expenses. On top of that, you will know what factors are running all these costs. There are some tips that you can use in product planning as well. In general, this guide will be very helpful.

How Much Does Injection Molding Cost

What is Injection Molding?

Before we proceed with the cost analysis, we need first to review injection molding. In short, it is a popular type of plastic part manufacturing process. The term “injection” means that this method injects molten plastic into dies to create different shapes.

You can realize that injection molding heavily relies on high-quality dies. Plastic mold or dies is the core component of injection molding. The total injection molding cost significantly depends on this item. You’ll learn more about it later.

The process normally starts by heating the plastic until it melts. The molten plastic is then injected into the die or mold, which gives it its shape.

When the molten plastic cools and solidifies, it gets the desired shape of the plastic. This stage is very critical because most of the defects come from this stage if not handled carefully. Finally, you can remove the newly produced part from the mold. This is how plastic injection molding components are manufactured in a factory.

The whole process could take seconds or minutes. The specific duration is not fixed; it depends on the part’s size and difficulty. Car industries, consumer goods, and other factories heavily rely on this method. Parts like your car’s dashboard, TV remote, electric items, and many more are noteworthy.

Why is Injection molding so popular? One reason is that it saves a lot of money and is versatile. You can create almost anything if you have the dies for that specific part.

Different Types of Injection Molding Cost

Injection molding costs are not limited to making molds only. There is a wide array of cost differences in each stage of the process, from creating the mold to selecting materials and manual labor. Knowing these prices can help you keep your budget in check and improve production.

Part Design Cost

When you do injection molding, the first thing you do is product design. Usually, you will make a sketch or prototype for your final part in this step. The design cost typically ranges between $500 and $3000, depending on numerous design aspects. The key elements influencing this are the design’s complexity and prototype quality.

A simple design often costs less. On the other hand, a complicated design often has intricate pieces that require professional verification. That will require more time and effort, raising costs.

Moreover, the prototype also plays a role here. A prototype is the first physical representation of the final product. To get an accurate and satisfactory result, a new product first goes through various rapid prototyping processes. This step might need multiple iterations to get it right. Each revision adds up costs. This step is also important to create accurate mold creation.

Injection Molding Machine and Equipment Cost

A major part of injection molding cost generally lies in machines and equipment. A high-quality machine can ensure high precision, adding high expenses. The type of molding machine also influences the price.

For example, hydraulic machines don’t need electricity, while electric machines do. The use of electricity also adds to the injection molding cost. However, it is important to note that hydraulic hoses can handle heavy-duty tasks. These tools are used a lot for bigger plastic parts.

Furthermore, the type of injection molding equipment used may vary depending on the amount of manufacturing. For small amounts of work, desktop injection molding tools are sufficient. You could also use 3D-printed models in this case. However, for bigger plastic parts, you might need a larger machine, which might be costly, ranging from 50 grand to over 200 grand.

Note that purchasing the machine is just the beginning, and it is substantial. However, you must not forget about regular maintenance. Each machine needs to be maintained to ensure it runs smoothly, which also adds to the total injection molding cost.

Injection Molding Mold Cost or Tooling Cost

Creating mold is the most critical step of injection molding. Injection molding mold cost is the single largest upfront cost. This cost is often called tooling cost, go to injection mold cost page to know more about this cost.

The tooling cost or injection molding mold cost also varies based on different criteria. In general, there are two types of molds: single-cavity and multi-cavity. A single-cavity mold generally produces one item at a time. It is much cheaper, but this method is slow and increases downtime.

Multi-cavity molds, on the other hand, may produce multiple parts at once. They cost more than single-cavity molds, but they can speed things up. Making a mold with only one cavity is less expensive than making one with many cavities, but it can’t make cheaper goods in the long run. To get the best deal on mold, you should carefully consider what kind you need for your job.

You can make injection molds in many ways. Three popular methods are CNC machining, EDM machining, and 3D printing.

CNC Machining

You might already be familiar with this technology. This method uses computer programs to move along the designated area. So, there’s no chance of error in this method. Like other machining processes, you can use it to make injection molds. This method works well, quickly, and reliably. This is how you can cut the shape out of a metal block. Note that tooling material plays a crucial role in injection molding. Note that the cost of injection molding also depends on the type of tooling material.

CNC machining is an excellent method for achieving tight tolerances. However, it may be expensive. Setup and tooling can be costly, especially with complex designs. But if you make a lot of parts, it’s a good investment.

EDM Machining

EDM is one of the newest technologies that was discovered in the twentieth century. It is also a common method for producing complex injection molds. If you are looking for details or deep, sharp corners, EDM is the method you should look for. However, EDM is very slow and needs much care. It is also costlier than CNC machining.

3D Printing

3D printing is an excellent option for small and low-volume operations. It’s also an excellent option for creating rapid prototypes. It’s quick, inexpensive, and simple to use. However, it is not always the ideal option for creating long-lasting molds. 3D-printed objects are less durable than CNC or EDM-produced objects. For mass production, you may require a more robust solution.

Injected Material Cost

One of the most important considerations in injection molding is the cost of the injected materials. The material you choose has a huge impact on the cost of injection molding. Different types of plastic have different price tags. Commodity plastics, like polypropylene, are cost-effective materials. But if you need extra strength, then you might go for ABS or PC plastics, which are comparatively expensive.

Conversely, engineering plastic, like nylon, offers a balance between price and performance. High-performance polymers, such as PEEK, are superior but expensive. Thus, selecting the correct material is quite crucial in injection molding cost analysis.

Labor or Service Costs

The injection molding cost list concludes with labor or service costs. If you are dealing with an injection molding company, you can find this in their quotation. Different companies offer different types of service charges. It also depends on several factors.

High-quality products require special manufacturing and modern machinery, skilled workers, and special testing services. On the other hand, low-precision items may not require high-tech and skilled labor, resulting in a significant cost difference.

But how much does labor really cost? It depends. It usually costs between $2 and $3 per part, depending on the intricacy and size of the product.

Various tests and quality control are also added to the bill. The more complex the part, the more time these tasks take, which further increases the labor costs.

Injection molding cost

What Factors Influence the Injection Molding Cost?

You are already familiar with different types of plastic injection molding costs. In this article, you will learn about a few factors that influence the major costs. When optimizing the costs, you can mainly focus on these points.

Part size and weight

The first factors that influence the cost of plastic injection molding are part size and weight. The heavier and the bigger the part, the more materials you will need. This means higher material costs, which can add up quickly.

Also, bigger parts often require larger machines, which can increase equipment costs. Bigger plastic parts, like water tanks or air conditioner casings, need special care, which also adds up to the labor costs.

Therefore, when making decisions about plastic part design, you must consider size and weight. Try to optimize the weight based on the intended use. Some plastic materials are lightweight and strong enough to handle many jobs. Although the material cost might be a little higher, it can save up many costs in production.

Part Design

Part design is another crucial factor that heavily influences plastic injection molding costs. In this case, complexity and features are the most critical option here.

Intricate designs may look astonishing but can be costlier than simply designed parts. These plastic parts often need higher mold costs and longer production times. As usual, when designs get complicated, it becomes trickier to create the molds. Conversely, simple designs are much easier to make and less prone to defects. Less complexity means fewer mistakes and lower costs.

Another factor you must consider is the assembly process. If parts fit together well, assembly is a breeze, which can cut down on labor costs. Designing with assembly in mind makes the manufacturing process easier.

Production Volume

Production volume is another big factor in determining the cost of plastic injection molding. When you produce parts, you get better costs per part. This means that the fixed costs, like mold creation, are spread out over many units, resulting in a lower cost per part.

Conversely, lower production costs can lead to higher costs. When you don’t produce enough parts, the fixed costs are not shared, and each piece can end up costing more. In this case, labor and material costs matter a lot.

Tooling costs also come into play. High-volume runs allow you to amortize the initial mold costs over a larger number of parts. Thus, the more parts you make, the more profits you can make.

Number of Cavities

The previous section already mentioned that a mold can be of two types: single and multi-cavity molds. In a single cavity, you can create only one plastic part at a time. Multi-cavity parts, on the other hand, allow you to produce multiple pieces at once.

A single-cavity mold is simple to operate, but if you require many pieces, it might become expensive. Molds with more than one hole, on the other hand, can produce many parts simultaneously. Because of this, multi-cavity molds reduce cost per unit, making them a more cost-effective option in the long run.

However, it is important to note that more cavities mean more complex designs in one mold. Therefore, you need to balance the complexity with output. If production volume is high, multi-cavity molds are better. But if your part design is intricate, a single mold cavity might be a better option.

Also, maintenance should be considered here. More cavities usually need more upkeep. You will need to clean it every day before the operation. Take the time to weigh the pros and cons carefully. Pick the best mold for your job.

Mold Material

Most molds are made of high-quality tool steel, a type of carbon alloy steel that lasts a long time. Tool steel is classified into numerous varieties, including HSS, D2, and A2.

HSS is ideal for cutting at high temperatures. It is normally not inexpensive, but it has a long lifespan. D2 steel is robust and wear-resistant. It costs more because of its durability. A2 steel, on the other hand, provides an excellent mix of toughness and cost. However, it costs less than D2 steel.

The plastic substance and manufacturing volume determine the proper amount of tool steel. If you plan on a large production, high-quality tool steel is required. Overall, be careful about your needs. Weigh the cost of the injection mold against the benefits. Getting the right mold material can make production go more smoothly and help you make more money.

Injection Molding Cycle Time

The injection molding processing time is an important factor in the quality of the product. It has three key parts: injection, cooling, and ejection.

The cycle time is based on how you plan to make things. Automated machines can give you a shorter cycle time. On the other hand, manual operations are much slower than those of automated machines.

Automated machines require higher upfront costs, but they save a lot of plastic injection molding costs per part in production. Manual injection molding doesn’t require a higher investment. However, it makes the process much slower, which technically increases the injection molding cost per part.

How Much Does Injection Molding Cost? A General Idea

You are already familiar with the cost of injection molding, which varies depending on several factors. Major factors are design complexity, material choice, production volume, and mold costs. To give a general idea, the following table outlines the price of each factor.

Cost Factor 50,000 Units 100,000 Units
Mold Design $500 – $3,000 $500 – $3,000
Material Cost $0.50 x 50,000 = $25,000 $0.50 x 100,000 = $50,000
Service Charge $2,500 – $5,000 $2,500 – $5,000
Injection Mold Cost $2,500 – $5,000 $2,500 – $5,000
Total Cost $30,500 – $38,000 $55,500 – $63,000
Cost per Part $0.61 – $0.76 $0.56 – $0.63

Injectino mold cost

As you can see, the more production volume there is, the less cost there is. Also, the cost of plastic injection molding varies a lot on the design of the mold, the material used, the service class, and the cost of the injection mold. Keep in mind that this table is just an example. The real price might be different depending on the type of material used and how the product is designed.

Tips on How to Optimize the Plastic Injection Molding Cost

You are already aware of the different factors influencing plastic injection molding costs. Now, you must learn how to optimize these costs. We have prepared some tips to help you on your journey.

Tip #1: Utilize DFM Analysis

DFM, or design for manufacturing, is an important term. It plays a critical role in injection molding costs. This method finds design problems early on. Using this method, you can eliminate the unnecessary part of a plastic part. This way, you can lower the chance of having to do expensive work over.

Tip #2: Simplify Design Features

Always try to create a design that is as simple as possible. The more complex the design, the costlier it will be to make the mold. Try simplifying where you can. Fewer designs also provide shorter cycle times and lower the total injection molding cost.

Tip #3: Use Universal Molds Instead of Custom Molds

Of course, custom models cost a lot. You can save a lot of money by using standard molds in this case. Once you have standard molds, you can make some design changes.

Tip #4: Choose the Right Injection Molding Material

There are numerous types of plastic, each with its advantages and disadvantages. So, choose a material that offers a fair balance of cost and performance. Avoid using too many high-end items unless absolutely required.

Tip #5: Try Insert Molds

Metals can be added to plastic parts to reduce their weight. This guarantees that they are durable and cost-effective.

Tip #6: Minimize the Number of Cavities in Molds

Too many holes can be a mess. Not only do they cost more to grow, but they also need a lot of upkeep. So, if your output volume allows, keep it simple.

Tip #7: Design Self-Mating Parts

You can also make your plastic parts self-mating to cut costs. This feature generally reduces assembly time and costs. The parts snap or fit together without requiring extra components or fasteners.

Rapid Injection Molding at Sincere Tech

Sincere Tech is a leading manufacturer of high-quality injection molding parts and specializes in rapid injection molding. The company cares most about quality and speed. Modern technology is used in the workplace to ensure the product is accurate. This business also promises to serve on time.

Sincere Tech has many services to choose from. They help with unique molding, prototyping, and production. Their services are not limited to plastics; you can also get various die-casting services. Therefore, any type of product, including plastic and metal parts, can easily be manufactured or assembled at the Sincere Tech factory.

Summary

Let’s wrap everything up! Injection molding is easy to use to make a lot of plastic parts at once. It works quickly and doesn’t cost much. Still, many things affect the cost of injection molding.

This piece discussed the different kinds of plastic injection molding costs and the main factors that determine them. Design, molding, material, equipment, and service charge are five crucial types here. Product design, complexity, and size heavily influence these costs. Technically, the production volume and mold cavities also heavily affect these injection molding costs.

The article also introduced a few tips that could help you optimize on how much does injection molding cost. If you still have questions, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our customer service staff. We are committed to offering excellent customer service.

/0 Comments/by
,

how much does an injection mold cost

custom plastic injection molding

How Much Does an Injection Mold Cost?

In many industries, injection molding plays a significant role in the manufacturing of various plastic parts. Understanding the cost of injection molds, however, is critical for determining the process’s feasibility. This discussion examines the determinants of injection mold cost, with a particular focus on the impact of production volume and ways to minimize cost.

This blog showcases the key cost drivers that significantly impact the project and answers the frequently asked question, “How much does an injection mold cost?” It also provides tips on how to reduce the cost of injection molds for low, middle, and high volume injection molding. On the other hand, there will be an injection mold cost-estimating example for your reference. Of course, if you have a project that requires an injection mold and molding cost, you are welcome to send us a quote.

If you need to create a plastic part, the injection molding process stands out as one of the most effective technologies, particularly if you require thousands or even more molded parts. However, to utilize this technology, you need to invest in an injection mold, which can be costly. There are many things to consider before deciding whether to invest in an injection mold for your project.

Injection mold costs are not simple to estimate because of the variety of factors that will affect the injection molding tool cost, and there is no standard mold cost estimating method for a single custom plastic part. Mold costs can range from a few hundred dollars to hundreds of thousands of dollars or even more, depending on a variety of factors. Those include the size of the part being molded, how many cavities are being molded at one time, complex of part geometry, quality steel requirement, export (customer will take the mold back to their own place for molding production) or no-export mold (molds will stay at our molding factory for production, we produce the parts for the customer).

Today, we can make the injection mold for you today for as little as $500 if your part has a tiny and simple design. If you have any plastic projects that require molds, please contact us.

Mold lead time is another cost for building molds. The average time for manufacturing a mold is around 5 weeks. Therefore, if you have an urgent case that requires a quick lead time, you should expect an additional mold manufacturing cost that is approximately 1.5 times higher than the quoted mold cost.

Equipment is one of the most important cost drivers in manufacturing mold and is part of the manufacturing expenses. However, since mold manufacturing equipment is considered a fixed cost, those equipment costs are normally ignored when we estimate the injection mold cost. In that case, when we estimate the cost for the new mold, we will check the mold base cost, cavity steel and inserts cost, EDM (electrical discharge machining) cost (including copper material), CNC machining cost, surface polishing or texture cost, labor cost, and the other manufacturing cost.

Electrical discharge machining (EDM) is one of the most important processes to make injection molds. It is used to create injection molding molds that have intricate shapes or deep ribs. EDM uses high-energy electric discharges to heat the metal workpiece and then sinter it to the mold shape required. EDM is restricted to metal molds and might not be very effective for all types of molds, even though it is very accurate.

CNC machining is another mostly important mold manufacturing process that is used in the manufacturing of injection molds, particularly those used to manufacture the cavities and cores. There are many types of CNC machines, and each type of CNC machine will have a different cost. When you use high-cost CNC machines to manufacture the injectino mold, this will increase the injection mold cost. For some high precision and small tolerance requirements, molds will require high-precision CNC machines to manufacture.

Over the last few years, 3D printing has been considered a cheap and fast way of creating molds, especially for plastic injection molding. 3D printing also known as additive manufacturing is a process of creating molds through the deposition of layers from a digital model. This method is less sensitive to the skills of the operator than other traditional machining techniques, thus lowering the possibility of high labor expenses. However, there are a few limitations that need to be taken into account, for example, the size of the build platform and shrinkage of the printed molds.

To obtain the desired level of quality of the mold and the price, it is necessary to make a comparison. Both the traditional mold manufacturing process and the 3D printing process have their strengths and weaknesses.

Injectino mold cost

Injection mold cost estimation

Although there is no standard method for estimating mold costs, each individual project can use some mean factors to determine the cost of a plastic injection mold. In the following section, we will discuss these average costs.

Mold base cost: A mold base is one of the major costs in manufacturing an injection mold. A mold base functions as a pocket and mold frame, supporting the mold cavities and cores, as well as the ejection and feed systems (cold runner or hot runner). Support pillars and cooling systems. The cost of the mold base is a function of the mass of the mold and the cost of the steel per unit mass.

For example, if the mold weight is 500 kg and the unit steel cost is $3/kg, then the mold base cost will be 500*3=$1500; this $1500 is the mold base cost without any manufacturing.

Cost of mold cavity and core inserts: Typically, the cost of the cavity and core inserts accounts for the largest portion of the total injection mold cost, as these features play a crucial role in shaping the desired product geometry. We split this cost into two parts: the material cost for the cavity and core inserts, and the machining cost.

  • Material cost: The cost of the cavity and core insert materials is the simplest term to evaluate as the product of the volume of the cavities and cores. A simple way to check the cavity material cost is based on the weight of the insert material and the cost of the insert material per kilogram.Different types of steel have varying costs per kilogram. Pre-hardened materials, such as P20 or 1.2738H, are typically less expensive than hardened mold materials, such as H13 or DIN 1.2343. Additionally, different brands of mold steel will have varying prices, such as the difference between LKM and ASSAB.For example, if the DIN 1.2344 grade of insert material from LKM is $7 per kilogram and the total weight of cavity and core inserts is 100 kilograms, then the total cavity and core insert cost will be: 7*100=$700. The insert material costs $700. The insert material’s weight varies depending on the size and geometry of the part; larger parts will require heavier cavity materials.
  • Machining Cost: Costs for cavity and core inserts include various manufacturing processes such as CNC machining, EDM, wire EDM, drilling, heat treatment (hardening steel), lather machining, and surface finish, among others. While determining these costs can be challenging, we typically estimate them in terms of hours. For example, if the CNC cost will be $20 per hour and you will need 10 hours to finish the CNC machining for this cavity insert, then the CNC machining cost will be $20*10=$200.
    The other CNC machining costs will remain the same, with the only difference being the unit machining cost for each manufacturing process. We will add these costs together to determine the total machining cost for the insert.
  • Labor cost and mold quality requirements: The location of injection mold manufacturing determines the cost of labor and the tolerance requirements. The cost of mold manufacturing will increase if you manufacture your mold in America, Europe, Asia, or Japan due to the higher labor costs in those regions. However, making your mold in China will be much cheaper than in Europe or America.Furthermore, the mold tolerance requirement will impact labor costs. To ensure the quality of a high-precision and tight-tolerance injection mold, a high-precision machine and a high-technology moldmaster are required. This will require additional adjustments to meet the tight tolerance, as well as additional manufacturing procedures to ensure the mold is of high quality.For example, a mold manufacturer using a five-axis CNC machine will tend to have a higher cost than a mold maker using a manually operated three-axis CNC machine.

Below table is completely injection mold cost for some normal part design, cost is bases on the size of mold base.

Sample of Mold size(L*W*H) with with normal part geomietry(mm) Mold Design Cost Mold Base Cost Cavity and Core Matreial Cost Machining costs for cavities and cores Labor Cost Hot runner Cost Total Mold Cost Remarks
150*200*250 US$200.00 US$200.00 US$180.00 US$400.00 US$400.00 US$0.00 US$1,380.00 No hot runner
300*300*300 US$200.00 US$350.00 US$250.00 US$500.00 US$500.00 US$0.00 US$1,800.00 No hot runner
400*400*400 US$200.00 US$900.00 US$600.00 US$1,200.00 US$1,000.00 US$500.00 US$4,400.00 One hot drop
400*500*400 US$200.00 US$1,050.00 US$700.00 US$1,300.00 US$1,100.00 US$0.00 US$4,350.00 No hot runner

Tips to Reduce Injection Mold Expenses:

As such, reducing the cost of injection mold is necessary to improve production efficiency and make the best use of the resources at hand. Below, we will discuss some common techniques to reduce plastic injection mold costs.

  1. DFM analysis: According to the DFM report, Design for Manufacturing (DFM) analysis entails using reasonable technology and strategies to reduce the cost of injection molds. During the design phase, this process employs DFM analysis to scrutinize functional components that fit within the allocated budget.
  2. Simplify Design Features: To save money on injection mold and injection molding, simplify designs and eliminate all superfluous components. Focus more on functional features than aesthetics; for example, decrease the number of useless ribs or rib depth.
  3. Take into account Universal Molds: Standard molds are less expensive ways to produce high-quality and high-volume molding parts. Hence, they are preferable when custom molds are not necessary. CAD models help mold design before manufacture, making it more affordable.
  4. Select Economical Materials: Choosing the appropriate material, such as ABS or polypropylene, can significantly reduce injection molding and plastic injection mold costs without sacrificing quality. Pre-hardened steel can still serve as the mold material for this type of material, enabling the production of millions of pieces. It’s important to use high-quality materials and keep solutions affordable.
  5. Using insert molding: For long-term savings, we recommend looking into insert molding and overmolding methods. For instance, insert molding saves money by eliminating the need for plastic threading for metal components.
  6. Reduce Mold Cavities: To save plastic injection mold cost, reducing the amount of cavities in molds will be one of the better options; in case the number of parts is not so high, then using a single injection mold with pre-hardened steel will reduce the mold cost.
  7. Use family mold: If you have three or four plastic parts in one project, designing all of the family parts in one mold will reduce the injection mold cost; this is the most common option we use for our customers.

If we successfully implement these strategies and significantly reduce the costs of injection molding procedures, we can make the manufacturing line more efficient overall.

Injection mold cost

Molding Machines Used For Injection Mold

When you invest in injection molds and agree with the injection mold tooling costs, then you will surely want to know the injection molding cost for your project. Proceeding to the equipment used in injection molding is an essential aspect of the cost consideration. There is a wide range of classifications of injection molding machines depending on size, automation, and price. Let’s look at the costs associated with these machine categories:

Electric injection molding machines:

These devices use an electro-servo motor, which is less expensive, more accurate, and energy-efficient. However, they require a lot of capital investment and maintenance as compared to other varieties of injection molding machines.

Hybrid injection molding machines:

Hybrid machines are a combination of electric and hydraulic components, utilizing servo motors and hydraulic pumps. They cost a little more and require more maintenance in the initial phase, but they have high accuracy, stability, and energy conservation features.

Hydraulic injection molding machines:

The hydraulic pump is the main part of hydraulic equipment, which is characterized by high reliability, stability of the rate of ejection and injection, and relatively low initial investments. But they are typically more power-consuming and may not be as accurate as electrical gadgets.

Many organizations outsource injection molding services to service providers because the machinery used in injection molding is capital-intensive and requires frequent maintenance. This method is a cost-cutting measure for organizations that want to cut down their costs since they do not have to purchase or maintain machines.

Commonly used resins like PC, ABS, PU, PP, and PE directly affect cost and typically range from $1 to $5 per kilogram. However, the price of the material depends on the product’s design and use during the molding process.

The cost of injection molding is briefly discussed above. If you are interested in learning more about the cost of plastic injection molding, please visit the How Much Does Injection Molding Cost page.

Factors Contribute To Expense of Injection Mold Cost

There are many factors that will affect the injection molding mold cost; below we will list some basic factors that will affect the injection mold cost.

  1. Part Complexity: Molds requiring complex shapes necessitate additional CNC machining, working time, EDM manufacturing, and other related machining. These complex design molds will be costly because they can use more material, have higher machining costs, and take longer to produce.
  2. Part Size: The cost of injection mold material varies depending on the size of the mold. Larger and more complicated designs require a big mold base and big cavities; in that case, a big part size will take more mold steel and more time to produce than small and simpler ones.
  3. Undercuts: Undercuts can be a problem in mold manufacturing and part injection. We recommend avoiding undercuts or incorporating portable cutoffs during injection mold making to minimize plastic injection mold costs.
  4. Appearances and Finishing: The incorporation of factors that are not necessarily required in the product may raise the cost of the injection mold. The use of texture, bead blasting, or high-polishing molds, which should be used sparingly, also increases the cost and complexity of the molds.
  5. Type of injection mold: There are two types of injection molds if you consider the cost of plastic injection molding for the same plastic part: hot runner mold and cold runner mold. Accordingly, hot runner mold will be more expensive than cold runner mold.

How much does an injection mold cost

Injection molding expenses also include labor and extra services.

Let’s briefly talk about how labor expenses impact the overall costs of the injection molding project.

Installation Costs: All the stages of the injection molding process are associated with machine settings, which are particularly critical during the technically challenging mold making.

Repair Costs: Just like any other machinery, the injection molding equipment needs maintenance and replacement, which adds to the business’s operating costs.

Costs of the Operator: For optimal project performance, operators contribute to the labor costs, which are one of the expense groups.

Example of Cost Depending Upon Production Volumes

The number of units required for production determines the cost of injection molding. We divide manufacturing volumes into different classes, each with a unique cost based on the number of parts required; these classes may also have associated injection mold costs to reduce the overall cost.

Injection mold cost for low volume injection molding:

It is feasible to produce components in batches of one hundred to two thousand. Aluminum injection molds, also known as prototype molds, serve as cheaper and faster molds for low-volume manufacturing. For example, making 1000 to 10,000 pieces could cost $500 to $1,000 for the mold and $0.5 for each portion of raw material. Off course this is an example for normal plastic material; if there are glass-filled materials, then the mold life time can be reduced to 50%.

It is thus important to know the details of injection molding cost, molding material, the types of equipment, and how the volume of production affects the cost in order to get the best results.

Mold Cost for Mid Volume Injection Molding:

Usually, mid-volume production runs from ten thousand to five hundred thousand components. The strength and low cost of pre-hardened steels like 1.2738, P20, 718, and 738 make them popular among injection mold manufacturers. If the raw material contains glass or other hardened materials such as PEEK, PPS, etc., the mold lifetime will decrease correspondingly.

Take, for example, a 10,000–500,000-part production run with the following rough breakdown cost:

The injection mold cost is $2,500–$5,000; the final plastic injection mold cost depends on the part design and size.

Molded Part Cost of Raw Materials: $0.5

Labor Cost per Part: An approximation is $0.3

Computed Total Cost per Part: $0.8

Injection mold cost for high-volume injection molding:

Many items are made with high-volume injection molding, which might include from one hundred thousand to millions of components. In that case, the injection mold steel should be very strong and long-lasting, and the mold base should also be of high quality. Normally, for this type of injection mold, we suggest using hardened steel with HRC 48-52°C, such as H13, DIN1.2343, DIN1.2344, S136, and 8407 for the cavities and inserts, and use 1.2311 for A and B plates.

Producing large volumes of work necessitates sophisticated equipment, which raises production costs. Nevertheless, economies of scale cause the cost per part to be far lower in high-volume production and substantially higher in low-volume manufacture.

For example, consider a 500,000–10,00,000-part production run with the following estimated cost breakdown:

The cost of an injection mold ranges from $6000 to $35,000, depending on the size of the part and the number of cavities. You can send us your part design for a quote.

Raw Material Cost Per Part: $0.5

Labor for each part: $0.1

Computed Total Cost per Part: Roughly speaking, $0.6

The economies of size in the injection molding costs per part are the source of the major cost benefits in mass production.

Injection molding cost

Sincere Tech is a Quickly Expanding, Effective Tooling Solutions Provider.

Low- to large-volume production needs are the main emphasis of Sincere Tech. Sincere Tech has a variety of specialties, including injection-molded components, machining services, and custom mold design.

Sincere Tech offers low pricing, free DFM checks by qualified engineers, just-in-time manufacturing services, and enormous resources. To obtain the best injection molding solutions at a very affordable price, simply upload your CAD design file.

Many sectors extensively utilize the injection molding manufacturing process, so understanding the expenses and their estimation is crucial. This article covers the cost factors of injection molding and methods to reduce manufacturing costs with the assistance of a knowledgeable tooling partner like Sincere Tech. If you want to learn more about ”how much does injection molding cost”, contact us right now and get expert advice tailored to your needs.

General Questions:

Q1. Is injection molding expensive?

The complexity and volume of production determine how much injection molding will cost. Despite its high cost, injection molding proves to be quite economical when large quantities of parts with precise dimensional accuracy are required.

Q2. In what range does a plastic injection mold cost?

Injection mold prices range from $300 to $100,000, depending on the type of material, level of mold complexity, production volume, and part design.

Q3: How long to make an injection mold?

This also depends on the part size and design, but the first sample will take around 4-5 weeks.

Q4: Is injection molding practical with materials other than plastic?

In fact, because it works with both metals and rubbers, injection molding is a versatile process that finds use in a variety of industries.

Q5: How can I calculate the cost of an injection mold and injection molding?

It is very easy to get those costs for your project; you can send us your 3D drawing (stp or IGS format file), requirements for quality parts, and plastic materials, and then we could send you the price in 24 hours.

/by
, , ,

How Much Does Injection Molding Cost

Custom Molded Products

How Much Does Injection Molding Cost?

The most frequently asked questions in the molding industry are, “How much does plastic injection molding cost?” and “How much does an injection mold cost?” Well, the answer to those questions largely depends on several factors, especially given that plastic mold production has the highest upfront cost of all injection molding types.

If you’ve been wondering about the same thing and are struggling to find the right answer, you’ve come to the right place. This post will delve deeply into the variables that determine the cost of plastic injection molding and the cost of producing the plastic molding parts. By tackling the underlying factors, it will be simple to estimate the expected cost. If you are still unsure about the cost of your plastic injection molding project, you are welcome to send us your 3D drawing, plastic materials, and quantity of parts. We will quote you a price within 24 hours, which will include the complete injection mold cost, injection molding cost, packing cost, and delivery cost.

How Much Does Injection Molding Cost

Basic of injection molding

Injection molding is a widely used manufacturing process that involves injecting molten material into a mold cavity to create complex and precise parts. If you need injection molding parts, it’s crucial to understand the mold and injection molding cost. By gaining insights into the factors that influence injection molding cost and implementing effective cost reduction strategies, businesses can optimize their production and maximize profitability.

If you are searching for plastic molding parts for your upcoming project, the most crucial aspect to consider is the cost of the plastic mold and injection molding components. Your project’s success or failure hinges on these costs. Make sure to thoroughly review these costs before initiating a new project, as failure can result in significant financial and time losses. Let me share some ideas to help you understand the cost of plastic molds and plastic injection molding. This will save you time when developing your new products.

Another easy way to understand the costs for your new project is to send us your 3D part design or sample pictures, along with your specific requirements, such as the materials needed for each part. Estimate the number of parts per time. Do you have any specific requirements for the visible surface? We will provide you with the most competitive price for mold and unit injection molding parts, starting as low as $500 for the mold and as low as $0.005 for the injection-molded parts. You are welcome to use this as a reference for your product and market research.

Various factors influence the cost of injection molding.

There are a variety of factors that can affect the cost of plastic injection molding. These factors include the part’s features, weight and size, type of plastic resin, the number of plastic parts produced each time, and the annual production volume. Each of these factors can impact the plastic injection molding cost and will affect the injection mold cost as well.

Determine the number of cavities and the volume of your mold.

When determining the cost of plastic injection molding, it’s crucial to consider the number of parts produced and the production volume. Producing a small batch of parts may be more expensive on a per-unit basis than producing a larger volume of parts. Additionally, larger production volumes may allow for economies of scale, resulting in lower production costs per piece.

There is a close correlation between the number of cavities in your mold and their cost. A high number of cavities in the mold indicates a longer manufacturing time and the need for additional injection molding tooling cost. The lower the number of cavities in each mold, the lower the pressing time, and the lower the cost of manufacturing for each injection mold.

Part Design Complexity

The part geometry is one of the primary factors that can affect the plastic injection molding cost, because this will increase the initial mold cost. Tight tolerances or intricate geometries necessitate additional time and machining expenses, leading to elevated production costs. Additionally, parts that require special features such as undercuts, threads, or inserts will also increase the mold cost of manufacturing. The size and weight of the part can also have an impact on the plastic injection molding cost. Larger parts necessitate more plastic material, longer cycle times, and a larger tonnage of injection mold machines, all of which can increase overall production costs. Additionally, larger part sizes need larger mold sizes, which will increase mold manufacturing costs.

A more complex part design leads to a more complex mold, which in turn increases the cost of the plastic mold. Choosing a less complex part design could significantly lower your costs. However, it is important to keep in mind the factors that determine design complexity. These factors include surface finishing, fine detailing, and the use of undercuts. You can always seek expert advice to help you choose a design that won’t eat into your budget unnecessarily.

Type of plastic part material

The type of plastic material used for plastic injection molding parts can also have an impact on production costs. Different types of plastics have different costs, with some materials more expensive than others. Additionally, some special materials may cost 5–10 times more than the normal plastic material, so choosing the material is important to save the overall injection molding cost.

There are a number of variables that will influence the cost of plastic injection molding based on your resin choice. Ranging from the quantity, grade, and resin availability to whether the resin requires extreme molding temperatures, all these will affect the overall upfront cost. For example, the presence of abrasive materials in the resin, such as glass or minerals, can impact mold maintenance costs.

This may seem like a straightforward consideration, given that we’re discussing plastic injection molding, which requires only plastic parts. However, there are numerous types of plastic available, including PP, PS, PET, PVC, and HDPE, to name a few. Each type comes with different prices depending on the material and part size. Large parts will require similar large molds and additional material, which in turn will affect the time taken for machining. All of these variables will impact the overall cost for plastic injection molding.

Plastic Injection Molding Cost Guiding Tips

There are roughly four parts of cost for injection molding: plastic material cost, molding production cost, plastic mold cost, part color cost, and packing cost. Let us explain those four mean costs one by one.

Plastic Material Cost

First, the weight of the required material and its unit price determine the plastic raw material cost, which in turn affects the plastic injection molding cost. The weight of the material is determined by the part volume and material density; however, the part’s maximum wall thickness can also play a role. The weight of material that is required includes the material that fills the channels of the mold.

The thickness of the part design largely determines the size of those channels and, consequently, the quantity of raw material. The choice of material also influences the cost of the injection molding part; different types of plastic material have varying prices. For instance, the cost of PP injection molding material differs significantly from that of ABS injection molding material. Therefore, the material cost for a plastic molded product comprises two components: the weight of the material and the type of material used for the plastic molding part.

Injection molding materials

Injection Molding Processing cost

Second, the injection molding machine process cost will affect the plastic injection molding cost; it is primarily calculated from the hourly rate and the cycle time. Understanding how the part design influences molding machine selection is crucial, as the hourly rate directly correlates with the tonnage of the injection molding machine in use. The machine typically references injection molding machines for the clamping force they provide. The projected area of the part and the pressure of the material injection determine the required clamping force.

Therefore, a larger part will require a larger clamping force and, hence, a more expensive molding machine. Also, certain materials with high injection pressures may require higher tonnage machines. The size of the part must also comply with other machine specifications, such as clamp stroke, platen size, and shot capacity. The cycle time, which includes the injection time, cooling time, and resetting time, will influence the cost of plastic injection molding.

Reducing any of these times will lower the production cost. You can reduce the injection time by reducing the maximum wall thickness and part volume. Lower wall thicknesses also reduce the cooling time, as they require less time to cool completely. The cooling time is also influenced by several of the material’s thermodynamic properties. Finally, the resetting time is dependent on the machine and part size. A larger injection molding part will require larger motions from the machine to open, close, and eject the part, and a larger machine requires more time to perform these operations.

Injection Plastic Mold Cost

Third, the plastic injection mold cost has two main components: the mold base and the machining of the cavities. The size of the part’s envelope and design feature primarily determine the mold base’s cost. A larger plastic injection-molded part requires a larger, more expensive mold base. The complex part design requires complex plastic injection molds, which will affect the injection mold cost.

Nearly every aspect of the part’s geometry influences the cost of machining the cavities. Complex plastic mold cavities necessitate significant CNC machining expenses and time, which in turn raises the cost of the plastic injection mold. The primary cost driver is the size of the cavity that must be machined, measured by the projected area of the cavity (equal to the projected area of the part and projected holes) and its depth. Any other elements that will require additional machining time will add to the cost, including the feature count, parting surface, side-cores, lifters, unscrewing devices, tolerance, and surface roughness.

The number of parts also affects the cost of the plastic injection mold. A larger production quantity will require a higher-class injection mold that will not wear as quickly. The stronger mold material results in a higher mold base cost and more machining time. One final factor to consider is the number of side-action directions, which can have an indirect impact on the cost of plastic injection molding. The number of side-cores used determines the additional cost.

However, the number of directions may limit the number of cavities the mold can accommodate. For example, the injection mold for a part that requires three side-action directions can only contain two cavities. While adding more cavities may not directly increase costs, it could potentially lead to further savings.

Injectino mold cost

Injection molding Color Cost

Forth, the color of the injection molding also affects the cost of the plastic injection molding product. Generally, it doesn’t have a significant impact, but it still depends on the specific part color you require. For example, if you need white injection molding parts, the cost will be 10% higher than another color; if you require clear color (clear plastic injection molding) molding parts, the cost will be 15–25% higher than normal color molded parts.

If you require white color injection molding parts, the molding shop must thoroughly clean the barrel, preventing any other color from entering the injection unit and material. This process not only consumes time and material, but also increases the waste rate, which is why the cost of white plastic molded parts is slightly higher than other colors.

When it comes to producing transparent injection molding parts such as PC, PMMA, or PS, a molding shop must utilize a specialized injection unit and a high-quality injection molding machine. This is necessary because any minor defects in the transparent molding parts can easily be detected. So you need to make the best quality molding parts, the waste rate is higher, and you need to use the high-tech injection molding machine, and all of those are more costly than normal molding production.

Injection molding packing cost

If your injection molded parts have special packing requriement, then there will be additional cost as well, small size of molding part will be less packing cost than big size of injection molded parts, special packing materials will increase the packing cost as well, so you need think about about how to pack your injection molded products when you order the molded parts from your plastic molding supplier.

Plastic injection molding cost estimation method

1. Feature-based estimation

For plastic molding production quantities (over 10,000 units), this feature-based cost estimator allows for the use of more durable and costly injection molding tooling due to its minimal impact on the per-part cost. We estimate the material cost based on the part geometry and current material prices. For the production cost, we choose a compatible injection molding machine from a database of over 50 machines and estimate the cycle time based on the part geometry, material properties, and machine specifications.

We select a suitable mold base for the injection molding tooling cost based on standard mold dimensions and mold classes and estimate the required mold machining based on the part geometry and other user specifications. We calculate these three costs (material, production, and tooling) for 4 different cavity arrangements (1, 2, 4, and 8 cavities), and provide the most cost-effective option.

2. Estimate the cost of low volume injection molding.

This feature-based cost estimator is for the injection molding of low volumes (under 10,000 units), where rapid tooling methods (high-speed machining of Class 104 molds) are used to create the mold due to the large impact on the per-part cost. We estimate the material cost based on the part geometry and current material prices. We select a compatible injection molding machine from a database of over 50 machines for the production cost, and estimate the cycle time based on the part geometry, material properties, and machine specifications.

Using standard mold dimensions, we select a suitable mold base for the plastic tooling cost, and estimate the required mold machining based on the part geometry and other user specifications. We calculate these three costs (material, production, and tooling) for 4 different cavity arrangements (1, 2, 4, and 8 cavities), and provide the most cost-effective option.

3. Standard estimate

This standard plastic injection molding cost estimator does not require any part geometry, but more process parameter inputs are required to calculate a more accurate estimate. We estimate the material cost using the part and runner volumes, an updated material database with pricing, and customizable process parameters. You must specify the cycle time, machine rate, and labor rates for the production cost. We provide a detailed cost breakdown for the material, production, and tooling costs after adding the mold cost.

4. Plastic mold cost estimate

This feature-based cost estimator calculates the mold cost for plastic molding. We select a suitable mold base using standard mold dimensions, taking into account the part geometry and mold requirements, such as the number of cavities. We estimate the necessary mold machining for the chosen SPI mold class, and opt for rapid plastic tooling techniques for a Class 104 mold or other low volume products. Go to injection mold cost page to know more.

I trust that this information will provide you with a clear understanding of the costs associated with your project. If you’re ready to begin your plastic injection molding project, please feel free to send us your requirements for a quotation. We will provide you with a comprehensive quote for the mold and molding price, ensuring you have a comprehensive plan for your project.

plastic mold

 

 

Strategies for reducing the cost of injection molding

When creating an injection mold for a plastic part, there are several factors to consider. Firstly, we must create a Design for Manufacture (DFM) report for the part design to ensure there are no significant issues. Secondly, we need to identify potential changes that could lower the mold cost without compromising its functionality. Some designers may find it difficult or impossible to create the mold, which is why we need to create a DFM analysis report. As we all know, reducing the cost of the injection mold and molding is crucial for boosting sales and profits.

Below, we will list some strategies to reduce injection mold and molding costs:

Cost reduction is a critical aspect of injection molding that can significantly impact a company’s profitability. Implementing effective cost reduction strategies can help businesses optimize their manufacturing processes and reduce expenses without compromising quality. Here are some cost reduction strategies to consider:

  1. Material Selection: Choosing cost-effective materials is a beneficial way to reduce injection molding costs. Typically, we utilize materials such as ABS, PA6, and PC/ABS for our projects, but it’s crucial to consider their durability. PP and PE are other cost-effective materials for some suitable projects. Therefore, choosing the right material for your project is crucial; if you’re uncertain about the best option, feel free to reach out to us, and we’ll be pleased to offer our recommendations.
  2. Part Design Optimization: It is important to improve the part design so that it is both manufacturable and cost-effective. Simplifying part geometries, minimizing undercuts, and reducing wall thickness can help lower production costs without compromising functionality. When making a DFM analysis report based on this, you will have some suggestions for design improvement.
  3. Injection molding Tooling Optimization: When embarking on a new project, the cost of injection molding tooling is a crucial consideration, as the initial cost of creating injection molds can be substantial. Even if you only need 100 pieces of injection-molded parts, lowering the cost of the injection mold will help you reduce your tooling investment.
    Once the mold design is finished, all of the team should have a meeting to check if there are any possible ways to simplify the mold manufacturing cost. Those include reducing the slider action, reducing the mold base and caivity size, simplifying the parting line, etc.
  4. Automating injection molding processes: Using automated or robot production can help reduce labor costs and increase production efficiency. By implementing automation technologies such as robotics and sensors, businesses can optimize production and reduce expenses associated with manual labor.

Final summsrize:

We have some simple suggestions on how to reduce the injection mold and molding cost. When you have a small volume of injection molding parts, the first idea is to think about how to reduce the injection mold cost, because the simplest injection mold cost will be at least a few hundred dollars. If you only need a few thousand plastic parts, then trying to save the mold cost will be more helpful.

If you have plastic parts that will need millions of parts in the future, then the first idea is to think about how to reduce the injection molding cost. For high-volume injection molding, unit molding cost is critical for businesses aiming to optimize their manufacturing processes and maximize profitability.

If you have a plastic project in mind and would like to know the cost of injection molding, feel free to send us your requirements for a quotation. Sincere Tech is regarded as one of the top 10 leading plastic mold companies in China. We offer a wide range of custom plastic injection molds, die casting molds, metal parts, CNC machining, surface finishing, and mold components.

Quality is of the utmost importance to us. To make sure we make high-quality molds, we will use a CMM measuring machine to measure all of the mold components, electrodes, and dimensions according to a 2D drawing. To make sure all of the dimensions are within the tolerance, we will test the function of parts and materials to make sure that the final part will meet your requirements. if not quite clear, there is another page related to injection molding cost.

Our capabilities include:

  1. Gas-assist injection molding: We have rich experience in making gas-assist injection molding; when you have this type of mold, welcome to contact us.
  2. Precision CNC machining: Our advanced CNC machines enable us to create high-quality mold components with tight tolerances; this will currently ensure tolerance and precision in the injection-molded products.
  3. Overmolding and Two-Shot Molding: We make overmolding and two-shot injection molding for some handle tools; some of the overmoling is used in the die casting molds as well. Contact us for a quote for your overmolding project.
  4. Insert Molding: Insert molding is similar to overmolding but will be a little different; insert molding normally uses metal parts as substrate, and overmolding uses plastic parts as substrate.
  5. Acrylic injection molding or polycarbonate injection molding: PMMA injection molding and polycarbonate injection molding require special molding equipment. We have over 18 years of experience in making PMMA and polycarbonate injection molding, such as thicker wall clear injection molding parts made by acrylic or polycarbonate
  6. Value-Added Services: In addition to injection molding, die casting, and machining, we offer a range of value-added services, including product silkscreen, painting, anodizing, powder coating, e-coating, assembly, testing, certificate, packaging, and logistics support, streamlining your supply chain and reducing costs.

Partner with Sincere Tech China Mold Maker for your custom injection molding, die casting, and machining needs; we will offer you the best quality and fast lead time. Contact us now to get a quotation on injection molding costs.

General Questions:

Q1. Is injection molding expensive?

The complexity and volume of production determine how much injection molding will cost. Despite its high cost, injection molding proves to be quite economical when large quantities of parts with precise dimensional accuracy are required.

Q2. How much does a plastic injection mold cost?

Injection mold costs range from $300 to $100,000, depending on the type of material, level of mold complexity, production volume, and part design.

Q3: How long to make an injection molding project?

This depends on the part size and design, but the first sample will take around 4-5 weeks. Once you approve the sample, we will start to produce the injection molding parts. The lead time will depend on your quantity of molding parts.

Q4: How can I calculate the cost of an injection mold and injection molding?

It is simple to get those costs for your project; you can send us your 3D drawing (stp or IGS format file), requirements for quality parts, and plastic materials, and then we could send you the price in 24 hours.

/by