Curious to know how much injection molding will cost you? The answer is no single figure applicable.
Injection molding can incur costs that vary from $3,000 at the very least, which is for a plain, low-volume mold, to more than $100,000 at the highest, which is for a complex, multi-cavity production mold.
This cost range is so wide because the ultimate price hinges on various parameters. These parameters consist of the design of your layout and the number of units you plan to make. The total cost can include everything ranging from simple 3D printed molds for prototyping to hardened steel molds for mass production.
The project budget can be well understood through the division of the cost into two principal parts. First is the one-time cost of the mold, which is known as tooling. Second is the recurring cost to make the extra part. Grasping both helps you to understand the full view of the plastic injection molding process.
Cost Factors You Need to Know: Tooling Vs. Production
Imagine injection molding pricing as a scheme to bake numerous cakes. The cake pan is your “tooling.” You buy it once, and it’s a major upfront cost. The ingredients for each cake are your “production cost.” You pay for these every time you bake.
The mold, or tooling, is the single most significant investment you will make. It is a one-time, upfront expense.
The production cost, or part price, is what you pay for each plastic part made with that mold. This ongoing cost covers raw material, machine time, and labor.
The high tooling cost gets distributed across all the parts you produce. This is the reason why the per part price drops substantially in bulk production. A big initial investment results in a really cheap product in large quantities.
The following is a simplified overview of the two injection molding costs:
| Élément de coût | Tooling / Mold Cost | Production / Part Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Payment Type | One-time, upfront fee | Ongoing, per-part fee |
| What It Covers | Mold design, material, and making | Plastic resin, machine time, labor, assembly |
| Cost Level | High initial investment | Low per-part cost (especially at high volumes) |
Breakdown of Tooling Costs
Mold will take the big share of your budget. This tool’s price is not random; it is determined by certain choices you make regarding the part design and the production plan. Grasping these factors will make it easier for you to manage your injection mold cost.
The injection mold making process is a fine art, mostly achievable with reliable machines like usinage CNC de précision that help make mold parts.
Factor 1: Part Complexity and Size
The simplest of parts is the cheapest option for molding. As you add complex features, the cost of the mold goes up rapidly.
Features like undercuts, which are parts of the design that prevent it from coming straight out of the mold, require side-actions or lifters. These are mold parts that move and contribute significant costs and complexity.
Bigger items also need bigger molds. Producing a bigger mold requires more steel, more machine time to create it, and a bigger press to run it. All of that costs more.
Factor 2: Mold Material
The type of mold material influences the ultimate costs and duration of mold usage. You should select the mold material according to your end goal production volume.
| Mold Material | Meilleur pour | Typical Lifespan | Coût relatif |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aluminium | Prototyping, Low-Volume | 1,000 – 10,000 parts | Faible |
| P20 Steel | Mid-Volume Production | up to 100,000 parts | Moyen |
| H13 Steel | High-Volume Mass Production | 1,000,000+ parts | Haut |
It would be pointless to spend money on a hardened steel mold for a 5,000-parts run. On the other hand, an aluminum mold for a 100,000-parts run is bound to breakdown.
Factor 3: Number of Cavities
A mold cavity is the impression that forms your part. A mold is a single cavity or multi cavity.
The least expensive one to build is a single cavity mold which produces one part per cycle.
Building a multi-cavity mold takes a bigger investment, but the benefits are worth it. Instead of making one part at a time, a single cycle can yield multiple duplicates (2, 4, 8, or even 64). For mass production, this reduces per-part costs significantly by cutting down on machine time and labor.
Factor 4: Surface Finish
The final part’s texture or polish has to do with the finish on the mold’s surface. A standard machine finish price is the cheapest option.
If you require a shiny, mirror-like (SPI-A1) finish or a specific grain texture, the cost will increase. Such finishes would need skilled manual polishing and labor which add directly to the mold’s price. As experts at Xometry note, for mid-level orders, even part complexity can drive tooling costs up to $10,000 or more.
Understanding Per-Part Costs
The moment you start manufacturing parts with the new mold comes the part price charge, which is much lesser compared to the mold tooling cost. This per-part expense is also as important as the tooling cost for your complete project budget. A number of variables can cause this per unit cost to fluctuate.
Factor 1: Material Selection
The plastic you choose is a primary driver of part cost. The choice of plastic resin is a major factor, with prices varying based on performance characteristics.
Common plastics like Polypropylene (PP) or Polyethylene (PE) are very cheap. They might cost $1-$5 per kilogram.
Engineering-grade plastics like PEEK or Ultem offer amazing strength and heat resistance. But they can cost over $50 per kilogram. Any special additives, like colorants, UV protection, or glass fibers, also add to the material price.
Factor 2: Cycle Time
Cycle time is the total time it takes for the machine to make one shot of parts. This includes closing the mold, injecting the plastic, cooling the part, and ejecting it.
A shorter cycle time means more parts can be made per hour. This reduces the amount of machine time and labor cost applied to each part, making them cheaper. Part design, material choice, and mold quality all affect cycle time.
Factor 3: Production Volume
Economies of scale play a huge role in determining how much does injection molding cost per part.
Setting up the machine takes time and costs money. Small orders mean this setup cost is spread over fewer parts, increasing the price of each.
Large orders allow the machine to run continuously for days or weeks. This minimizes setup costs, reduces material waste, and allows for volume discounts on raw materials. The result is a much lower per-part price.
Injection Molding Cost Scenarios
Theoretical factors are helpful, but real-world examples make costs easier to understand. Drawing on our experience with thousands of projects, here’s how these factors play out in three different scenarios.
Scenario A: The Simple Enclosure
This is a basic two-piece box for an electronic gadget, like a Raspberry Pi.
- Assumptions: Simple rectangular shape, no undercuts, made from standard ABS plastic, with a total volume of 10,000 units.
- Cost breakdown:
- Tooling: ~$5,000 – $8,000 for a single-cavity P20 steel mold.
- Per-Part Cost: ~$0.50 – $0.80.
Scenario B: The Complex Medical Component
This is a small, functional part used in a medical device. It has clips, tight dimensions, and must be made from a special plastic.
- Assumptions: Complex geometry, several undercuts requiring side-actions, tight tolerances, and biocompatible Polycarbonate (PC) material. The volume is 5,000 units for a specific device build.
- Cost breakdown:
- Tooling: ~$20,000 – $40,000 for a complex single-cavity mold with moving parts and hardened steel components for precision.
- Per-Part Cost: ~$3.50 – $5.00.
Scenario C: The High-Volume Bottle Cap
This is a standard cap for a soda bottle. It is a very simple part, but millions are needed.
- Assumptions: Very simple design, made from cheap Polypropylene (PP) plastic, with a total volume of 5,000,000 units per year.
- Cost breakdown:
- Tooling: ~$60,000 – $90,000 for a 32-cavity hardened steel mold with a hot runner system for maximum speed and efficiency.
- Per-Part Cost: ~$0.02 – $0.04.
Strategic Cost Reduction: A DFM Checklist
The most effective method to cut down on your injection molding cost is embarking on part design for manufacturing from the beginning. The DFM philosophy includes designing for manufacturability (DFM). Check out this checklist from the experts to reduce your costs.
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✅ Simplify Your Design
Ask yourself if every feature is necessary. Can you combine what was once two separate pieces into a single molded part? Simpler parts mean simpler, cheaper molds. -
✅ Remove Undercuts
Design out features that trap the part in the mold. If you must have a feature like a snap-fit clip, try to design it with a pass-thru core instead of a sliding side-action. -
✅ Keep Uniform Wall Thickness
Keeping all your walls the same thickness is critical. This helps the plastic flow and cool evenly. This prevents defects like sink marks and warping. It also allows for a faster cycle time. -
✅ Add Draft Angles
Walls that are parallel to the direction the mold opens need a slight angle, called draft. A 1-2 degree draft angle allows the part to be ejected easily without damage. This reduces cycle time and wear on the mold. -
✅ Be Realistic with Tolerances
Only apply very tight dimensional tolerances where they are functionally critical. Tighter tolerances require a more precise (and expensive) mold and more process control. This drives up both tooling and part costs. -
✅ Choose the Right Material
Do not use an expensive engineering plastic if a common one will do the job. Consult with your manufacturer to pick a cost-effective material that meets all your needs. -
✅ Avoid Unnecessary Finishes
A standard machine finish (SPI-C1) is the most affordable. A high-polish or textured finish requires extra labor and increases tooling cost. Only specify it if it is essential for your product’s function or look.
Conclusion: Your Path to Cost-Effective Molding
Understanding how much does injection molding cost comes down to two things: the one-time tooling investment and the ongoing per-part price.
The key drivers are your part’s complexity, size, material, and total production volume. By understanding these factors, you can make smart design choosing that, directly, will impact your overall expenditures. The DFM checklist will serve as a guide through your design phase and eliminate unnecessary spending before you ever ask for a quote.
The last step is to team up with a professional. By conjoint partnership with a skillful manufacturer like Mekalite, you can receive a precise quote and topmost tips to guarantee the success of your project.
Questions fréquemment posées
1. What’s a “cheap” injection mold cost?
A “cheap” mold usually costs between $2,000 and $5,000. These are typically made from lower-grade aluminum for simple parts and very low volumes (under 1,000 units). They have a short lifespan and are best for prototyping, not production.
2. Is injection molding cheaper than 3D printing?
For one to about 100 parts, 3D printing is cheaper because there is no tooling cost. For production runs of hundreds to millions of parts, injection molding is much cheaper on a per-part basis, even with the high initial mold cost.
3. How can I get an accurate injection molding quote?
To get an accurate quote, you need to provide a 3D CAD file of your part (like a .STEP or .IGS file). You should also specify the plastic material, the total number of parts you need, and any special surface finish requirements.
4. Who owns the mold after it’s paid for?
In almost all cases, the client who pays for the mold owns it. You should always confirm this in your manufacturing contract. A good manufacturer will store, maintain, and insure your mold for the life of the project.
5. How long does an injection mold last?
The lifespan depends on the mold’s material. An aluminum mold might last for 5,000 to 10,000 cycles. A pre-hardened P20 steel mold can run for 50,000 to 100,000 cycles. A fully hardened H13 steel mold is often guaranteed for one million cycles or more.
