One of the most popular processes for manufacturing plastics, injection molding is a great way to create parts in high volume at a low cost. It is widely used to create identical parts and is a repeatable process that produces high-quality parts for large series production. While the cost of a machine is important, molds and tooling are not the only factors that drive up the price.
The cost of a plastic injection molding machine depends on the size and type of machine you require. Prices can vary from $2k to $300k. The cost of the mould varies depending on its complexity. Typically, moulds with intricate features, thin walls, or hard-to-mould features cost more.
The cost of molds is related to the size of the plastic part that you want to produce. Larger molds require more CNC machinery and more building space. Some plastic parts cross the size-cost relationship, so the cost of a small injection mold that produces a complicated part is going to cost more than a large one with a simple design.
One way to cut mold costs is to re-use your current mold. However, you should be careful to choose molds that match your machine’s specifications. Incompatible molds can cause problems with production and provide little value. Ideally, you should go for a machine that comes with a 3 year warranty.
If you are considering purchasing an industrial injection molding machine for your company, the cost will be considerably higher than a home-based machine. These machines are costly and require skilled operators. For this reason, most manufacturers opt to outsource this process to a specialist. Outsourcing the injection molding process helps them to reduce variable costs.
