Custom Injection Moulded Products
One of the first questions clients have for us when they bring us a new custom injection moulding project is “How much is this going to cost?” The truth is there are many factors that can influence the cost of producing custom products via injection moulding. Here’s a look at some of those factors.
7 Factors That Will Influence The Cost Of Custom Injection Moulding
Part Design
Intricate parts require intricate moulds. This can translate to higher tooling costs to ensure the piece will perform as required. Simplified designs can shave costs off of the project. It’s not at all uncommon for small, complex designs to cost more than much large, but simpler, designs.
Part Size
Size plays a role in the cost of a product. Large pieces require more plastic or resin raw materials than smaller pieces. Similarly, the thickness of a piece can influence costs because of the machining time required. Thinner parts can be produced much more quickly than thicker parts of the same size.
Resin Selection
Resin choice will affect custom injection moulding costs in many ways. Resin prices are affected by the value of the resin, the amount of resin required for the project and its’ availability, resin grade, additives and colors, just to name a few. Some resins, like those that contain abrasives can even damage the mould over time and lead to increased mould maintenance costs.
Volume
In the world of plastics manufacturing, volume refers to the number of hours of production required as opposed to the number of parts produced. High-volume projects generally demand higher-quality tools to ensure they last the length of the project, which can boost the overall cost.
Cavities
Cavities can increase production costs too because they require additional press time. In general, anything that increases the amount of time needed to produce a part will increase the cost of that part.
Parts Tolerance
Components that have tight tolerances will require additional steps during the mould manufacturing process. This increases tooling costs. However, sometimes tight tolerances are a must for product quality and performance so don’t feel forced to adjust tolerances if it would negatively impact the final product.
Moulds or Tooling Materials
Moulds are the most significant upfront cost associated with custom injection moulding. Moulding costs are influenced by the size and complexity of the design, but also by the materials used in the mould. The most commonly used materials to create moulds are steel and aluminum with each being chosen for specific qualities. Steel is stronger and lasts longer so it can be used on larger runs. Aluminum, on the other hand, is less expensive and offer better thermal heat transfer. Always discuss your moulding needs and options with your manufacturer to match mould materials with your needs and budget.
Price Out Your Custom Injection Moulding Project With Baytech Plastics
Baytech Plastics brings over 70 years of experience to every one of our custom injection moulding projects. Our experienced team works closely with our clients to design moulds that meet the project requirements and still remain cost-effective. To learn more about our processes and our capabilities or to receive a custom quote, call (705) 526-7801 or contact us online.