How Much Does Injection Molding Cost ?

How Much Does Injection Molding Cost ?

How Much Does Injection Molding Cost ?

If you’re considering using injection molding for your company’s upcoming products, then it’s important to have an idea of what the process will cost. While it can vary based on numerous factors, there are some things you can do to make sure you’re not paying too much. Let’s dive into what it means to “cost” something in the world of injection molding, how much it costs, and the factors that can change the cost.

injection molding cost

Types of Costs in Injection Molding

The most common way to break down the cost of injection molding is into three primary types of costs:

1. Setup Costs

2. Production Costs

3. Tooling Costs Setup costs are those costs that are incurred before production even begins. These costs usually include designing and engineering the mold, as well as the cost of the actual mold itself. Production costs are the costs associated with running the molding machine and producing the parts. These costs can be variable or fixed, depending on the type of machine and the amount of parts being produced. Finally, tooling costs are the costs of maintaining and repairing the mold. These costs can be significant, but they usually occur only once, at the beginning of the mold’s life.

Let take a look little bit further into it…

Injection molding Equipment Costs

Injection molding machines represent the biggest chunk of your injection molding costs. You can buy a new or used machine, but the most important factor is to make sure the machine can produce the parts you need. Size and type of the machine are also important factors to consider. You need to make sure the machine can handle the size and complexity of the parts you need. Don’t forget to budget for the cost of molds, too.

Mold Costs (Tooling Costs)

Mold costs, also known as tooling costs, are the expenses associated with the creation of the mold. This includes the cost of the equipment, the cost of the engineering time, and the cost of the materials. Injection molding is a complex process, and the molds are very expensive to create. That’s why it’s important to make sure that you have a good idea of what you want to produce before you begin the process. It’s also important to remember that the mold is a one-time expense. Once it’s created, you can use it over and over again to produce hundreds or even thousands of parts.

Injected Material Cost

One of the main factors that affects the cost of injection molding is the type of material being used. The most common materials are plastics and metals, with plastics being the most affordable option. The price of metals can be significantly more expensive, so it’s important to choose the right type of metal for your project. There are a variety of metals to choose from, each with its own benefits and drawbacks. Aluminum is a lightweight metal that’s corrosion-resistant, while brass is a strong, sturdy metal with a high melting point. Stainless steel is a popular choice because it’s strong and non-reactive, making it a good option for food and beverage containers.

Labor or Service Costs

The cost of labor or service is often the most expensive part of injection molding. Depending on the company and the complexity of the project, the cost of labor can account for almost half of the entire project budget. This is why it’s important to find a company you can trust—someone who has a good reputation and can provide you with a high-quality product. At Injection Molding Solutions, we pride ourselves on our exceptional customer service and quality products. We always work closely with our clients to ensure they’re happy with the final product. Contact us today to learn more about our services and to get a free quote.

Variables that Impact the Injection Mold Cost

Injection molding factory

The most significant factors are the size and complexity of the part, the number of colors to be molded, and the number of cavities in the mold. Other factors that impact cost include the type of plastic material, the processing time, and the number of rejects.

  • Injection molding Costs based on Part size

    The cost of the injection molding process can be impacted by a number of factors, including the size of the part and the complexity of the part. Generally speaking, the cost of injection molding will increase as the size of the part increases. Additionally, the more complex the part, the more expensive the injection molding process will be.

  • Injection Mold Costs based on Part design

    The cost of injection molding is based on the complexity of the part design and the number of impressions (or cavities) the mold requires. For example, a simple, one-cavity mold will be less expensive than a four-cavity mold. The cost of the mold also depends on the type of material it’s made of. A steel mold will be more expensive than a mold made of aluminum. To get an accurate quote, send your part design to a few molding companies and ask for a cost estimate. 

  • Injection mold cost based on Production volume

    The cost of injection molding is greatly influenced by production volume. The more units that need to be produced, the lower the cost per unit. This is because the setup cost of the equipment is spread out over more units. However, as the production volume increases, the lead time also generally expands. This is because higher volumes require more machines and a larger facility, which may not be readily available. All in all, it’s important to carefully consider your production needs before settling on a final cost. 

  • Injection mold cost based on Part volume and cavities

    The cost of injection molding is based on how many parts you want to produce and how many cavities your mold will have. The more parts you want to produce and the more cavities your mold has, the higher the cost. So, if you want to produce 10,000 parts, it will be more expensive than if you only want to produce 1,000 parts. And, if you need a mold with 8 cavities, it will be more expensive than if you need a mold with 4 cavities. As you can see, the cost of injection molding is directly related to the number of parts you want to produce.

Conclusion:

Injection molding is a great way to get low volume parts manufactured. The cost of injection molding varies by the size, complexity and volume of your order. Injection Mold Cost can vary widely depending on several factors including part design, cavity count and production volume so it’s best to run some numbers with a manufacturer before committing to making large quantities.