If you are interested in getting plastic parts manufactured on a large scale, you are probably interested in understanding all of the cost factors involved. Obviously, with any manufacturing project, there will be many different factors that influence pricing, so it is not possible to create a blanket statement for how much a manufacturing job would cost. Every part is unique, the processes needed to create the part, the timeline of the project, and other factors will greatly change how much you can expect to pay. That is why it is always recommended to find a plastic manufacturer and get a quote or bid on your job. But even before that, there are a few things to know about what increases the cost of manufacturing your plastic part.
The Cost Of Creating A Plastic Injection Mold
Injection molds are the highest upfront cost in injection molding. A uniquely designed custom mold is the most expensive component of the process, (unless you intend to buy your own plastic manufacturing machinery), which is why your mold is an important investment.
- Materials Used: Molds are made from steel and the type of metal used influences prices. Generally, cheaper metal alloys are less durable and will shorten the lifetime of the mold. Many molds that are not made in the United States cut costs by lowering material grades which will save money in upfront costs but actually lose money in the long run. That said if you have a short run planned and do not need a highly durable mold that will last years, using aluminum as a core metal can greatly lower costs.
- Complexity: Another aspect that will affect mold pricing is the complexity of the parts. The more cavities that are needed in a mold the higher the price will be to make the mold. And the more intricate details required will also raise prices. Simple parts with simplistic geometry easily translate into molds, while complex pieces do not.
- Cavities: More cavities require more tooling. In the past, some manufacturers recommended family molds. A family mold was designed to increase the value of a mold by creating one mold that had cavities for multiple parts. Generally speaking, for the longevity and durability of a mold, molds should be designed on a 1 to 1 ratio with parts. Family molds tend to produce inferior products and also cause frequent maintenance issues.
Other Costs in Plastic Manufacturing
When it comes to injection molding there are a few other costs to consider. Many manufacturers offer a few extra value-adding services like hot stamping or adhesive backing. These processes will add to cost but also add to the functionality of your parts. Beyond that, delivery schedule and engineering support can both increase costs for plastic manufacturing.
Contact Lee Plastics Inc.
Want to know what your project would cost, give us a call. We would be happy to make a bid or give you a free quote for your plastic parts job.