The Cost Of Plastic Injection Molding

The cost of plastic injection molding can differ based upon many factors:

Size of the injection mold
Complexity of the plastic part to be molded
The mold type (if it’s going to be used for prototype parts, production, or longer production runs)
Number of identical injection mold cavities (or a family mold with several cavities for related parts)

Additionally, the type of metal used to make a mold can affect cost. Aluminum is cheaper than steel, however, aluminum cannot be modified or repaired as easily as steel molds and in most cases aluminum molds cannot be repaired or modified at all. Steel molds are sometimes slightly more expensive, but they can last for longer production runs, can be easily modified/welded and reworked for changes in design or for repairs. By using steel, we save our customers time and money.

When it comes to the cost of injection molded plastic parts, the type of plastic resins also comes into play. Depending on what the part is designed to do, you may choose a plastic material that is less costly or very inexpensive. Some of the plastics characteristics that can affect cost are:

High Impact
High Gloss
Transparency
High Flow
Fire Retardant
High Heat
Low Temperature
UV Resistance
Food Grade