When looking for a new injection molding machine, the first question you might ask is how much do these machines cost? Injection molding is a highly flexible process that utilizes inexpensive thermoplastic materials and short cycle times to produce a wide range of parts. These features reduce the variable cost of production because labor needs are greatly reduced and economies of scale enable a lower cost per part as production volumes increase.
Cost of molds
Injection molding machines are highly efficient machinery that produces high-quality plastic parts. There are a number of models of IMs available for different applications. The most popular types of plastics for injection molding include HDPE, PP, PET, PC, and nylon. The process produces highly repeatable and precise parts with minimal post-molding operations. Additionally, injection molding machines can produce parts in a relatively short timeframe. However, the machines are expensive and require a considerable investment.
Cost of tooling
One of the most common concerns associated with injection molding is its high tooling cost. As a result, the process is often selected only for high volume production. However, this model is not well-suited for product development teams, who often must order thousands of parts to break even. This practice can create unnecessary pressure on organizational operations and lead to wasteful inventory.
Injection molding machine tooling costs vary considerably depending on the complexity of the part. More complex parts require larger molds, and these are typically more expensive.
Cost of plastic weight
Injection molding machines cost money to manufacture plastic parts. Its cost depends on the amount of plastic material and the number of cavities it has. Using a plastic weight calculator, you can calculate how much each piece costs in terms of weight and quantity. In addition, the cost of machining is a big portion of the total cost. Common machining methods include CNC machining and electrical discharge machining. The cost of machining is usually expressed as an hourly rate divided by the number of hours.
The cost of plastic injection molding machines is dependent on the type of machine you choose. For example, a machine will cost you more than a machine that produces similar parts. Its price will be higher if it has higher-volume molds. The mold itself consists of several metal pieces. The cost of these pieces is typically two to three times the cost of the machine itself. Additionally, mold steel is not the same price across all manufacturers. You should consider the type of material you will be using and how much you expect your parts to weigh. You also need to factor in the cost of post-production packaging.
Cost of cooling channels
When you choose to add cooling channels to your machine, you are allowing the mold to cool faster. This helps your finished product achieve the highest quality. You can choose from several options for cooling, including compressed air. The size of your mold will also affect the cost of cooling. Larger molds will cost more, while smaller molds will cost less.
You must design your cooling system carefully. The cooling channels should be evenly spaced in order to prevent overheating of the molded part. You can use computer simulation software to help you create the optimal cooling system for your machine. Autodesk Mold Flow Advisor is a good example of this software.
Cost of cycle time
Injection molding machine cycle time can be broken down into three main parts: injection time, cooling time, and resetting time. Reducing any of these times can lower production costs. The first two can be reduced by reducing the size of the parts or by reducing the wall thickness. The third part can be reduced by adjusting the machine’s resetting time. The resetting time depends on the size of the part and the machine. Larger parts require more motions and a larger machine.
The cost of cycle time of injection molding machines depends on how many parts you produce. The more parts you produce, the lower the price per part. The cost per part also depends on the amount of materials and the quantity of labor that you use.
Cost of cavitation
When determining the cost of cavitation for an injection molding machine, there are a few factors to consider. One factor is the flow length, which can vary widely, depending on the material. Some materials are very viscous and may have a long flow length. The flow length will affect the total amount of pressure required to form the part. For example, if the flow length is greater than 0.5mm, it may require higher injection pressure or clamp tonnage.
Another factor that affects mold cavitation is the size of the part. A simple mold can accommodate a single cavity, but if you are producing a large, complex part, a multi-cavity mold might be necessary.
