Jan 24/24
What Really Determines the Cost of Injection Molding?
Injection molding is one of the most popular manufacturing techniques worldwide as it offers a range of benefits.
If you need to manufacture parts, there are various manufacturing processes you can use, so how do you know if injection molding is ideal? One of the most important things to consider is the cost, and this can vary significantly.
In this guide, we’ll discuss some of the key factors that can affect the cost of injection molding. Keep reading for more.
Equipment
There are different machines that can be used for injection molding, and the overall process will depend on the parts being made. Thin wall injection molding and two-shot injection molding are both popular examples, but there are several others.
Small desktop injection molding machines are the most cost-effective option when producing low volumes of parts. At the other end of the scale are large industrial molding machines that are operated by professionals. If you need a large number of high-quality parts, this may be a more suitable route.
Mold/Tooling
This is usually the main driver of manufacturing costs. There are three common methods used for creating molds.
CNC machining is a common choice for stainless steel and aluminum molds. It’s highly precise and can produce complex parts, but it can also take a lot of time/labor making it a more expensive option.
Electrical discharge machining (EDM) is great for complex molds that can’t easily be made with traditional methods. It uses a tool electrode and a workpiece to create molds with a high level of accuracy.
3D printing is a modern solution that’s quickly becoming more cost-effective. It’s an effective way to rapidly fabricate molds at a low cost and with little equipment. If you’re trying to keep costs to a minimum, this is one of the best options.
Materials
Injection molding uses thermoplastics, and while there are hundreds available, some are far more common than others. The most popular choices for injection molding are polypropylene, polyethylene, and acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS).
The cost of your parts will depend on the design, quantity, and chosen material. At the more expensive end is polycarbonate, which is generally used for things like bulletproof glass, automobile headlights, and eyeglasses.
Polypropylene is one of the cheapest options available and it’s typically used for food packaging and toys. It’s also recyclable, which is ideal for improving sustainability.
Labor or Service
The last factor that will affect the overall cost is the labor involved. Professional manufacturing companies can provide the materials and equipment needed, and then manufacture your parts to the specifications required. A manufacturer should be able to give you an initial estimate so you can get an idea of how much your parts will cost overall.
Determining the Cost of Injection Molding
The final cost of injection molding will depend on the molds, materials, equipment, and labor involved in the whole process. This can vary a lot, so it’s difficult to get an idea of the price before speaking to a manufacturing company about the parts you need.
Mayco International is a leading automotive parts supplier that can develop, validate, tool, and manufacture parts as needed. With over 17 years of experience and 38 global locations, we can meet your needs for any parts you require. Get your injection molding estimate from us today.