How to Save Money When Buying injection blow molding machine
May. 26, 2025
A Complete Analysis of the Price of Blow Molding Machines in
The global plastic bottles and containers market was valued at USD 166.78 billion in and is expected to reach USD 224.97 billion by . Many plastic bottle manufacturers are looking for new ways to increase the efficiency of producing beverage bottles.
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Innovations in blow molding machines are becoming more and more common. They are the best choice for improving the production of plastic bottles. The machines have captured investor sentiment as these systems are capable of producing high-quality bottles for catering, packaging and shipping applications. The blow molding machine market is expected to mature as system accuracy and speed increase, reaching $65.1 billion by .
If you are planning to buy a new blow molding machine to increase production, then you need to be aware of the latest price trends for blow molding machines. This article will introduce you in detail how much it will cost to buy a blow molding machine. To help you determine whether a blow molding machine is right for you!
Factors Influencing Blow Molding Machine Cost
Overview of Cost Drivers
The blow molding machine cost is shaped by multiple variables, including the type of machine, its size, production capacity, brand reputation, and level of customization. Procurement professionals must consider these factors to align equipment with production goals and budgets. For example, a basic machine for small-scale production is far less expensive than a high-speed model for mass production.
Key Determinants
Several elements drive the cost:
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Machine Type: Extrusion, injection, and stretch blow molding machines serve different purposes, with costs varying accordingly.
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Size and Capacity: Larger machines for bigger products or higher outputs are pricier.
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Brand and Quality: Reputable brands often charge more but offer reliability.
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Customization: Tailored features increase costs but meet specific needs.
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Regional Markets: Prices differ significantly between regions like the US and Asia.
Understanding these factors helps procurement teams make strategic choices, balancing initial costs with long-term value (MEPER Blow Molding).
Regional Pricing: US vs. Asian Markets for Blow Molding Machines
Labor and Manufacturing Costs
Regional labor and production costs heavily influence pricing. For example, Chinese blow molding machinery is often much cheaper due to lower wages and vast production scale. Analysts report Chinese tooling (and machinery) can be 40–50% cheaper than Western equivalents. In fact, Chinese-made molding machines have been cited at only 10–20% of the price of comparable European models. Other Asian countries (India, Taiwan, etc.) follow similar patterns of lower base costs. This means a machine built in Asia may carry a much lower sticker price – a procurement advantage – provided quality and support are acceptable.
However, buyers must consider additional costs of importing. Lower wages mean cheaper factory price, but shipping and duties apply. For example, U.S. import tariffs on Chinese industrial machinery (~20–25%) and ocean freight can add tens of thousands of dollars. A $100,000 quote from an Asian vendor might effectively cost $120,000+ once landed. In contrast, sourcing from a domestic or regional supplier avoids these markups, but usually at a higher initial price. Procurement teams should compare the landed cost (machine price plus logistics) across regions. Sometimes the near-term savings of an overseas machine can be offset by these fees and longer lead times.
Trade, Tariffs and Logistics
International trade factors also play a role. Import duties and shipping logistics can significantly add to overall expense. Tariffs (e.g. recent U.S. tariffs on Chinese imports) can tack on 10–25% above the quoted price. Freight costs for heavy machinery – requiring special shipping crating, overweight cargos, or expedited services – further inflate the budget. Long transit times may affect project schedules. Buyers often negotiate bundled pricing that includes delivery and installation (“turn-key” deals) to clarify true costs. In any case, the most cost-effective solution is found by comparing final delivery costs: a seemingly cheap export machine might not be cheaper once all fees are included.
Quality and Support Considerations
Alongside price, quality and support differ by source. U.S., European, and Japanese machines typically come from brands with strong engineering and service networks, whereas some Asian suppliers might require additional due diligence. Chinese manufacturers have dramatically improved quality in recent years, but buyers should verify certifications (ISO, CE, UL, FDA compliance, etc.) and see real samples. Quality control issues can still arise – extra inspection or testing may be prudent. After-sales service is another factor: domestic suppliers may offer faster support, local engineers, and ready parts, whereas overseas machines might have longer response times. In short, lower capital cost from Asia must be balanced against maintenance ease and downtime risk. A trusted brand and solid support network can justify a higher price by ensuring uninterrupted production.
Machine Size and Output: Impact on Blow Molding Equipment Cost
Size-Based Pricing
The size of the products a machine can produce directly affects its cost. Here’s a breakdown of typical price ranges based on product size (MEPER Blow Molding):
Machine Type Product Size Price Range (USD) Small Blow Molding Machine Up to 5L $18,000 - $26,000 Medium Blow Molding Machine 10-30L $28,000 - $65,800 Large Blow Molding Machine 30-60L $51,500 - $75,000 Extra-Large Blow Molding Machine 60-120L $60,800 - $87,800 Accumulator Head Blow Molding Machine Large Containers $100,000 - $1,000,000+Output Capacity
Machines with higher production capacities, such as those with multiple cavities or faster cycle times, command higher prices. For example, high-speed stretch blow molding machines for PET bottles can cost over $500,000 due to their ability to produce thousands of bottles per hour. Procurement teams must match machine size and output to production needs to optimize costs.
Blow Molding Machine Brand and Quality Considerations
Established Brands vs Emerging Manufacturers
The manufacturer’s reputation heavily influences price. Top-tier brands (European, U.S., Japanese) charge premiums due to precision engineering and proven reliability. Lesser-known brands (often from Asia or developing markets) offer lower base prices but can vary in consistency. As one industry guide notes, “well-established brands with a reputation for quality… often charge a premium”. In practice, procurement pros balance cost against risk: a premium brand may cost more but often results in longer uptime. Conversely, a newer brand can save money initially if the vendor is vetted. It’s wise to check case studies or references. Note that Chinese manufacturers are improving quality rapidly; some now match Western standards at lower prices. In any case, don’t let sticker price blind you — the right brand choice combines cost-effectiveness with assurance that the machine will perform as needed.
Quality and Compliance Standards
Brand reputation often correlates with quality standards. Established manufacturers typically adhere to strict quality systems (ISO , CE, UL, etc.) and high-grade components (Siemens/Allen-Bradley controls, Rexroth hydraulics). For industries like food or pharma, machines may need USDA/FDA compliance or clean-room assembly – features that add to cost. Lower-cost machines may lack these certifications or rely on generic parts. Procurement should verify that any machine meets required regulatory standards and has appropriate third-party certifications. In many cases, paying extra for proven quality and safety reduces future headaches: you avoid costly downtime or retrofits if a machine fails to meet legal or customer requirements. Simply put, a higher equipment cost can be justified by compliance and peace of mind.
Warranties and After-Sales Support
Finally, consider warranty and support. Premium blow molding machines often include multi-year warranties, startup assistance, and training; budget brands may offer less. A comprehensive warranty (covering parts and labor) effectively adds value to the purchase, reducing risk of unplanned costs later. Likewise, accessible spare parts and responsive service are critical. Some manufacturers offer extended service contracts for a fee. Procurement professionals should ask about warranty terms and service response times when comparing quotes. A slightly more expensive machine from a supplier with strong support can save money over time by minimizing downtime and maintenance hassles.
Customization & Features: Adding Cost to Blow Molders
Standard vs. Customized Machines
Standard blow molding machines are more affordable, designed for common applications like bottle production. Customized machines, tailored for specific products or processes, can significantly increase costs. For example, adding a multi-layer extrusion capability for chemical containers adds to the price.
Cost-Adding Features
Advanced features that drive up costs include:
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Automation: Reduces labor but increases machine complexity.
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Control Systems: PLCs and touch screens enhance precision.
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Energy Efficiency: Features like variable speed drives lower operating costs.
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Specialized Molds: Custom molds for unique shapes are expensive.
Procurement teams should prioritize features that align with production goals to avoid unnecessary expenses (MEPER Blow Molding).
Total Cost of Ownership for Blow Molding Equipment
Purchase Price and Installation
The initial purchase price varies widely. Dawson Plastic reports that small blow molders run roughly $50,000–$100,000, while large high-capacity machines range $200,000–$500,000 or more. To this you must add installation and setup costs: delivery, site prep, foundations, electrical hookups and professional installation. These can range $10,000–$50,000 extra depending on complexity. Procurement budgets should include these upfront expenses. Many suppliers offer turn-key quotes; make sure to clarify exactly what’s included. It’s not uncommon to spend 5–10% of the machine cost on ancillary installation work, so neglecting this can lead to budget overruns.
Operating Expenses (Energy, Maintenance, etc.)
Ongoing operating costs are a major part of total ownership. Regular maintenance is needed to keep a blow molding machine running efficiently. Industry estimates put annual maintenance at $5,000–$20,000 per year (parts, servicing, calibration). In addition, energy consumption (motors, heaters, hydraulics) can be substantial; large blow molders often draw tens of kW continuously. Operational costs also include labor and raw materials (resin, packaging). When evaluating bids, procurement professionals should calculate yearly costs of electricity, routine maintenance, and consumables. A machine that is $100,000 up front but has low $10k/year operating costs may be more economical over time than a $80,000 machine with higher $30k/year costs.
Depreciation, Resale Value, and ROI
Finally, plan for depreciation and return on investment (ROI). Blow molding machines typically depreciate over 7–10 years, so factor in expected residual value. High-end machines from reputable brands often retain value better; as noted by industry analysts, well-maintained machines “may retain higher resale value”. Calculate ROI by considering both cash flows (increased production, reduced labor) and depreciation. If a machine costs $200k, how many years until it generates that much profit? Don’t forget financing costs if using loans or leases. In many cases, spending more on a reliable, efficient machine pays off through better ROI (higher quality and uptime). A procurement team should look beyond sticker price and choose the option that delivers the best lifetime economics.
Maintenance and Operating Costs of Blow Molders
Preventive Maintenance and Spare Parts
Preventive maintenance is essential. A typical plan might include checking hydraulic oil, replacing worn seals, calibrating controls, and inspecting the extruder screw and barrel for wear. Many manufacturers recommend a yearly service visit or a service contract. Keeping a stock of critical spare parts (nozzles, belts, filters, sensors) on hand is wise to avoid long downtimes. As a rule of thumb, reserve about 5–10% of the machine’s value annually for maintenance parts and labor. Some vendors offer maintenance agreements – these can be a smart investment for high-value machines, as they often include priority support and lower costs on labor, justifying a small premium in the service contract price.
Downtime and Production Impact
Machine downtime can cost far more than parts. In high-volume operations, every hour stopped means lost production (and revenue). For example, if your line makes $10,000 worth of product per hour, a single day's downtime is enormous. To minimize this risk, implement condition monitoring (e.g. vibration or temperature sensors) and schedule maintenance in off-hours. Ensure fast access to technical support: ask vendors about average response times for repairs. In evaluating costs, consider worst-case downtime scenarios. Sometimes it’s worth paying for a faster service agreement. The potential loss of production should be a key factor – the cheapest machine may not be cheapest if it’s prone to failing.
Energy Consumption and Utilities
Blow molding machines use substantial power. A mid-sized all-electric machine might draw 50–100 kW during operation, while older hydraulic machines have large heaters and pumps. Over a year of daily production, electricity can add up to $10,000–$30,000 in utility costs. Many newer machines use energy-saving drives or servo-hydraulics to reduce consumption; these typically cost more upfront but save money later. When comparing machines, ask about power ratings and energy efficiency. Don’t overlook other utilities: some setups use chilled water or compressed air – factor those costs too. In total cost calculations, include realistic estimates of kWh usage and rates, as this operating expense can significantly affect profitability.
Conclusion
The blow molding machine cost varies widely based on type, size, brand, customization, and regional market. While small machines start at $6,000, large industrial models can exceed $1 million. Beyond purchase price, total cost of ownership—including installation, maintenance, and operating expenses—plays a critical role in decision-making. Asian machines offer cost savings, but US and European models may provide better quality and support. Procurement professionals should evaluate production needs, industry requirements, and long-term costs to select the right machine.
Ready to find the perfect blow molding machine for your production needs? Contact MEPER for expert guidance and competitive quotes. With a wide range of high-end extrusion blow molding machines and automation solutions, MEPER ensures quality and efficiency tailored to your budget.
FAQ
1. What is the average cost of a blow molding machine?
Costs range from $6,000 for small, semi-automatic machines to over $1 million for large, industrial models, depending on size, type, and features.
2. How do I choose the right blow molding machine for my needs?
Assess your product type, production volume, budget, and required features like automation or material compatibility.
3. What are the maintenance requirements for blow molding machines?
Regular cleaning, lubrication, and component checks, with annual costs of $5,000-$20,000.
4. Can I use recycled materials in blow molding machines?
Yes, many machines support recycled plastics like rPET, though specific settings or modifications may be needed.
5. What is the difference between extrusion and injection blow molding?
Extrusion blow molding produces hollow parts like bottles, while injection blow molding is suited for smaller, precise parts like medical containers.
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How to Estimate Injection Molding Cost? - Formlabs
The short answer: plastic injection molds cost anywhere between $100 for a 3D printed low-volume injection mold to $100,000+ for a complex multi-cavity steel mold for high-volume production, which generally represents the most significant fixed start-up cost in injection molding. However, as these costs get distributed among hundreds or thousands of parts, injection molding is an ideal process to mass-produce plastic parts affordably.
In this guide, we provide an extensive breakdown of the different factors that make up the total injection molding cost.
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Contact Our ExpertsIntroduction: How Much Does Injection Molding Cost?
Injection molding is one of the leading processes for manufacturing plastics. It is widely used for mass-producing identical parts with tight tolerances. It is a cost-effective and extremely repeatable technology that yields high-quality parts for large series production.
It is a fast, intensive process where high heat and pressure are involved to inject molten material inside a mold. The molten material depends on the scope of the manufacturing project. The most popular materials are various thermoplastics, such as ABS, PS, PE, PC, PP, or TPU, but metals and ceramics can be injection molded as well. The mold consists of a cavity that accommodates the injected molten material and is designed to closely mirror the final features of a part.
Normally, the main cost driver in injection molding is the cost of the mold, also known as the tooling cost. The cost of designing and building a mold depends on the required production volume, the complexity of the part design, mold material, and the process used to create the mold.
Simple low-volume 3D printed molds can cost as little as $100, while the cost of designing and manufacturing complex molds for high-volume production may hit the $100,000 mark. Despite the considerable fixed start-up costs, the injection molding process has low variable costs due to the inexpensive thermoplastics materials, short cycle times, and the labor needs decrease progressively due to automation and economies of scale. This means that the variable costs of production are low and the process becomes more efficient and the cost per part decreases at higher volumes as the costs get distributed among hundreds or thousands of parts.
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Request a Free SampleTypes of Costs in Injection Molding
Understanding the different types of costs associated with injection molding requires an in-depth analysis of the process.
Equipment Costs
Special-purpose machines are used for injection molding that can range from smaller desktop injection molding machines that businesses can use in-house to large industrial injection molding machines that are mostly operated by service providers, contract manufacturers, and large manufacturers.
Producing low volumes of parts with injection molding is the most cost-effective with smaller desktop injection molding machines and 3D printed molds. If you are new to injection molding and are looking into testing it with limited investment, using a benchtop manual injection molding machine such as the Holipress or the Galomb Model-B100 could be a good option. Automated small-scale injection molding equipment such as the desktop machine Micromolder or the hydraulic machine Babyplast 10/12 are good alternatives for medium-series production of small parts.
Large industrial injection molding machines can cost anywhere from $50,000 to $200,000+. These machines also come with more stringent facility requirements and require skilled labor for operation, maintenance, and monitoring. As a result, unless injection molding is a core competence, most enterprises outsource mass production to service providers and contract manufacturers, in which case the equipment costs are included in the service costs.
Mold Costs (Tooling Costs)
As we mentioned in the introduction, mold costs or tooling costs are usually the main cost driver in injection molding.
Molds for injection molding are generally made using three methods:
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CNC machining: CNC machines are the most commonly used tools for manufacturing aluminum and stainless steel molds with high precision levels. CNC machining removes material by a spinning tool and fixed part. Machining can produce molds where the cavity design is highly complex, but they might require multiple tool changes that can slow down the process, which means that costs increase in line with complexity. CNC machines are industrial tools that require a skilled workforce and a dedicated space, which means that many companies outsource mold production to service providers.
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Electrical discharge machining (EDM): The EDM method is generally used to create highly complex mold designs that cannot be easily reproduced using standard machining methods. EDM involves the use of a workpiece and a tool electrode to create the desired mold shape. The tool electrode and workpiece electrode are separated by a dielectric fluid and subjected to voltages that cause recurring current discharges. The discharges are responsible for shaping the workpiece electrode into the final mold. EDM is highly accurate and does not generally require any additional post-processing. Similar to CNC machining, EDM is also an industrial process that many companies outsource to machine shops.
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3D printing: 3D printing is a powerful solution to fabricate injection molds rapidly and at a low cost. It requires very limited equipment, saving CNC time and skilled operators for other high-value tasks in the meantime. Manufacturers can benefit from the speed and flexibility of in-house 3D printing to create molds that can be used on both desktop and industrial molding machines. Furthermore, product development benefits from the ability to iterate on the design and test the end-use material before investing in hard tooling for mass production. Stereolithography (SLA) 3D printing technology is a great choice for injection molding. It is characterized by a smooth surface finish and high precision that the mold will transfer to the final part and that also facilitates demolding. 3D prints produced by stereolithography are chemically bonded such that they are fully dense and isotropic. Desktop SLA printers, like those offered by Formlabs, start below $5,000 and can seamlessly be integrated into any injection molding workflow as they are easy to implement, operate, and maintain.
Developing more complex molds requires technical expertise. As a result, enterprises often outsource specific aspects of the injection molding process such as the design and fabrication of the mold.
For enterprises with the equipment and tools for injection molding, choosing to create molds in-house could be the least expensive option if the technical know-how is also available. If the tools needed for injection molding are not readily available, then outsourcing reduces the cost associated with developing a mold.
Simple low-volume 3D printed molds can be produced on an (SLA) resin 3D printer for as little as $100. An aluminum mold for a mid-volume production run of approximately 1,000-5,000 units falls within the range of $2,000 to $5,000. For molds with more complex geometries and primed for larger production runs of approximately 10,000+ units, the cost of mold can range from $5,000 to $100,000.
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A wide variety of plastics can be used for injection molding depending on the requirements of the final parts, including ABS, PS, PE, PC, PP, or TPU.
The cost of purchasing materials for molds differs according to the material chosen. Thermoplastic pellets cost approximately $1 to $5 per kg.
Material cost is defined by a model’s design, the material chosen, and the amount of material used to execute the injection molding process.
Labor or Service Costs
The equipment associated with injection molding is generally self-regulating and relies on automation to get the job done. CNC machines, EDM machines, and industrial 3D printers rely on the specifications of the CAD design to produce a mold. The injection molding machine also relies on automation to inject materials into the mold, and industrial IM machines often cool and eject the finished item autonomously.
Labor costs include:
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Setup/configuration cost: The setup labor focuses on the time taken to configure the utilized equipment to produce the mold and the finished product.
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Repair cost: Repair and maintenance tasks involve the replacement of defective parts and the use of tools to execute the maintenance process.
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Monitoring costs: Despite the reliance on automation, equipment operators are expected to monitor the progress of the injection molding process. Operator wages accrued during the process are added to the total cost of injection molding.
When producing in-house, these costs are calculated into the labor costs. When a business outsources injection molding, the labor and the markup of the service provider are added to the service cost.
Injection Molding Cost Overview
The table below highlights the cost associated with injection molding a hypothetical plastic item, such as a small enclosure of an electronic device, which makes the cost dynamics of injection molding easier to understand:
Low-Volume ProductionMid-Volume ProductionHigh-Volume ProductionProduction volume,,000MethodIn house mold production and in house moldingOutsourced mold production and moldingOutsourced mold production and moldingMold3D printed polymerMachined aluminumMachined steelLead time to final parts1-3 days3-4 weeks4-8 weeksEquipment required3D printer, desktop injection molding machine*--Mold cost $100$3,000$20,000Material cost$0.5 / part$0.5 / part$0.5 / partLabor costs or outsourcing cost$2.5 / part$1.5 / part$1 / partTotal production cost$400$13,000$170,000Cost per part$4$2.6$1.7* Equipment costs are not calculated into the production costs in this example as the cost of these tools can be distributed among multiple projects. Purchasing a desktop injection molding machine and an SLA 3D printer allows businesses to get started with injection molding for less than $10,000.
The three scenarios in the table show the methods and the mold types that result in the lowest cost per part depending on the production volume.
In general, injection molding is the most efficient at higher volumes, as the costs then get distributed among thousands of parts. But even though the cost per part for low-volume injection molding is slightly higher, it is still substantially more affordable for low-volume production than other manufacturing methods.
Mid-volume production is the most efficient with machined aluminum molds that have a lower cost than traditional steel mold, but are durable enough to last a few thousand shots, depending on factors like the material and the design. In most cases, low-volume injection molding is only reasonable with 3D printed molds—in our example, if we were to use an aluminum mold to produce 100 parts, its cost would account for $30 for each part, while a traditional steel mold would mean $200 for each part.
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Learn MoreVariables that Impact the Injection Mold Cost
Tooling costs for injection molding are very high and depend on a number of parameters and design complexity. Molds for injection molding are normally CNC machined out of aluminum or tool steel, EDM machined to shape a workpiece, or 3D printed. The machined or printed part is then finished to achieve the desired standard. The finished mold consists of features such as the surface geometries needed for a part, a runner system to guide the flow of injected materials, and cooling channels to ensure the mold cools down quickly.
It is important to note that a majority of the injection molding process is dedicated to cooling. The quicker a mold cools down the faster the injected material solidifies and the faster the production cycle can be repeated. Thus, cooling channels play an important role, especially for high-volume production, and should be included in the design of the mold. For low-volume production with 3D printed molds, manual cooling using compressed air is an option.
Other variables that impact the injection molding process and directly relate to the injection mold costs include:
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Part size: The larger the item or part to be molded, the larger its mold will be to accommodate the part. Larger parts tend to require more injected materials to complete production cycles. Larger mold designs usually come at an increased cost compared to fabricating the same design but with smaller dimensions.
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Part design: Complex part designs with intricate geometries require complex molds to execute the project. Mold designs usually have 2 sides: sides A and B. Side A, also known as the cosmetic side, is usually the side seen by the user. Side A is expected to be smooth and aesthetically pleasing. Side B contains the hidden structures that support the usage of the part. Side B structure may include ribs, bosses, etc., and its finish is usually much rougher than that of Side A. Molds with complex Side A and Side B designs are generally more expensive to fabricate compared to simpler molds. Complex designs that feature undercuts might also require sliding side-actions and cores, increasing the cost of the mold.
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Production volume: The number of items to be produced using injection molding determines the production technology and the quality of material to use when creating the mold. Low volume projects might require 3D printed or lower-grade machined aluminum molds, while large production volumes will require high-grade steel molds or even multiple molds to manage the process without wear and tear affecting the quality of produced items. This affects the cost of the mold, but of course, the increased cost of high volume molds is distributed among more parts, which normally leads to a lower per part cost.
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Part volume and cavities: Part volume refers to the cavity size of a mold. The more cavities or cavity volume a mold requires the longer the press time. Increased press time slows down the production process which leads to increased cost.
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Download the White PaperInjection Molding Cost Calculators
Online injection molding cost estimators or quotes from injection molding service providers can provide benchmarks and help you estimate the cost of injection molding specific parts.
Injection molding cost estimator options to aid the calculation process include:
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CustomPart
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ICOMold
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3D Hubs
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Protolabs
A molding cost comparison table also serves a similar purpose. Injection molding service providers use cost comparison tables to provide prospective customers with a rough estimate of the process.
Reducing Injection Molding Costs
The cost of the mold is largely defined by the complexity and the amount of time it takes to produce it. We advise adhering to design for manufacturing principles to drive down part costs with injection molding.
The cost of producing the mold can be reduced by applying the following design guidelines:
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Evaluate the CAD model to determine its feasibility before undertaking an injection molding project. Eliminate potential bottlenecks such as steep angles, undercuts, and other complex geometries.
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Evaluate the model’s design to eliminate unnecessary features. This reduces the mold’s size and the material used to develop the model.
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Apply a core cavity approach that simplifies the design of Side B of a mold. The core cavity approach involves sinking the wall cavities into the mold base, thereby reducing the need to mold steep draft angles while improving surface finish.
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Embrace the use of self-mating parts to reduce the need to create multiple molds when one universal mold can be used to achieve similar results.
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While injection molding is traditionally considered a manufacturing process only for mass production due to its high tooling costs, leveraging 3D printing to fabricate injection molds empower you to use this process to produce high-quality and repeatable parts for prototyping and low-volume production.
Use 3D printed injection molds with both benchtop and industrial machines to efficiently and affordably produce hundreds to thousands of functional prototypes, parts to accelerate product development, reduce costs and lead times, and bring better products to market.
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