How much will my mold cost?

“How much is my mold going to cost?”

This must be the most asked question in the LSR & Plastics molding industry. As a sales representative, it is my job to help guide you in the most efficient and cost-effective way of getting your product to market.

It all starts with a well-designed CAD file, hopefully. I say hopefully because quite often there are slight changes that are required to the CAD files to make the product injection-moldable. Sometimes it is just as simple as adding a draft angle, and other times it requires complete redesign to avoid costly tooling needs. Please read why CAD files are needed here.

“What are some of these cost-driving factors?”

Simple. Moving parts. The more complex the part the more complex the tooling. Simple geometry means less work for the tool maker. Parts with deep pockets such as bowls, cups, and pans require more time in machining. Parts with deep undercuts, and complex geometry often require slides, collapsible cores, and a third plate on an occasion. Even whether you decide to include raised or subsurface lettering makes a difference in pricing.

A good CAD designer is worth their weight in gold. They can usually save you thousands on tooling with a well thought-out design. They should have design expertise in form, fit, and functionality for silicone or plastic molding. Some additional tips on how to reduce the costs of your injection mold.

“Give me the best and worst-case scenario for my injection mold costs.”

How much is the cost of injection molding? Customers are usually shocked when they are told their injection mold price can range from $12,000 on the low end to $100,000+ on the high end. Steel costs are currently at an all-time high, second only to July 2020, however, market indicators are showing that 2021 will bring a sharp decline in pricing. With steel being more costly, customers have the option for aluminum which is a great fit for some parts, and if volumes are under 50,000 a year. But it’s not just the steel costs, it’s the hours and hours of machining time required to make sure the mold can be heated or cooled, and parts can be ejected from the mold that drive the cost as well. We understand tooling is a big cost and usually the deciding factor on whether a project will move forward. There are many different financing options, here's more information on financing your mold.

Let the small business partnership experts at Extreme Molding work with you to manufacturer your plastic or silicone product efficiently and domestically right here in America. Contact us today!